Pedestrian Fatally Struck on SR 200 Near Paddock Mall in Ocala

A pedestrian was killed early Thursday morning, August 14, 2025, after being struck by an SUV along State Road 200 near the College of Central Florida and Paddock Mall in Ocala.

According to the Ocala Police Department, the crash occurred at approximately 5:39 a.m. in the eastbound outside lane of SR 200 near Southwest 26th Street. Investigators say the 61-year-old man, believed to be homeless, was pushing a shopping cart across the roadway from north to south when he was hit by an eastbound Chrysler SUV.

The pedestrian died at the scene. The driver of the SUV was also injured and transported to a local hospital, where he is expected to recover. Police noted that at the time of the crash, the area was still dark, and traffic in the eastbound lanes was detoured through the Paddock Mall parking lot.

Authorities have not yet released the pedestrian’s name, pending notification of family members. This marks the seventh traffic fatality within Ocala’s city limits in 2025.

Legal Considerations for Fatal Pedestrian Accidents in Florida

When a pedestrian is killed in a traffic collision, surviving family members may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim under Florida law. These claims can help families seek justice, hold negligent drivers accountable, and recover financial compensation for the losses caused by the death of their loved one.

Under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act, a wrongful death claim arises when a person’s death is caused by the wrongful act, negligence, default, or breach of contract or warranty of another. In the context of a pedestrian accident, if the driver’s conduct, such as failing to maintain a proper lookout, speeding, or violating traffic laws, contributed to the death, the victim’s personal representative may bring a lawsuit against the at-fault party.

Florida law requires the claim to be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate, typically named in a will or appointed by the court. The personal representative brings the claim on behalf of the decedent’s survivors, which can include:

• Spouse
• Children
• Parents

In pedestrian accident cases, liability often depends on a thorough investigation into the circumstances of the crash. Relevant factors include:

• Driver Negligence – Failing to yield, distracted driving, excessive speed, or impaired driving can all be grounds for liability.
• Roadway Conditions – Poor lighting, lack of pedestrian crossings, or obstructed views may contribute to the crash, potentially involving claims against government entities for dangerous road conditions.
• Comparative Negligence – Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule (Florida Statute § 768.81), meaning that if the pedestrian is found partially at fault, such as crossing outside a designated crosswalk, the total recovery may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned. However, as long as the pedestrian was not more than 50% at fault, a recovery is still possible.

Florida law imposes a strict two-year statute of limitations for wrongful death claims. Failing to file within this timeframe typically results in the loss of the right to recover damages, making it essential to consult an attorney as soon as possible.

If you have lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, call us today at 305-638-4143 or contact us online for a free, confidential consultation. We handle cases statewide and charge no fees unless we win.