A tragic crash in Sumter County claimed the life of a 16-year-old boy from Wildwood on Tuesday night, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). The deadly collision occurred just before 10 p.m. on State Road 44 at County Road 229, an area known for limited lighting and fast-moving traffic.

Troopers say a Toyota Tacoma, driven by a 21-year-old man from Lady Lake, was traveling eastbound on SR-44 when the teen attempted to cross the highway. The teen entered the roadway and was struck by the pickup.

He died at the scene.

FHP has released no additional information regarding:

• Lighting or visibility factors
• Whether speed played a role
• Whether the road lacked safe pedestrian crossings
• Any potential contributing roadway conditions

The crash remains under investigation.

State Road 44 has seen several serious and fatal pedestrian crashes in recent years. Wide roadways, high speed limits, and limited crosswalk access often create hazardous conditions — especially at night.

Many families assume that if a pedestrian steps onto the road, they have no legal options. That is not true under Florida law.

Legal Rights of Families After a Fatal Pedestrian Crash

Even when a pedestrian is alleged to have entered the roadway, families may still have valid wrongful death claims depending on contributing factors such as:

1. Poor Lighting or Inadequate Pedestrian Infrastructure

Cities and counties can be liable if dangerous road design contributed to the crash — such as:

• No marked crosswalks
• Lack of lighting
• Missing sidewalks
• High-speed roadways near residential areas

We frequently investigate whether government agencies failed to maintain safe pedestrian routes.

2. Driver Negligence

The driver may still be partially at fault if they were:

• Speeding
• Distracted
• Failing to maintain a proper lookout
• Driving too fast for nighttime conditions

Florida’s comparative negligence law (§768.81) allows families to recover compensation even if the pedestrian is found partially responsible.

3. Vehicle Safety / Mechanical Failures

We assess whether:

• Headlights were functioning
• Brakes were properly maintained
• Visibility obstructions existed

4. Wrongful Death Claims

Under the Florida Wrongful Death Act, surviving family members may recover for:

• Funeral and burial costs
• Lost support and services
• Loss of companionship (for parents of minors)
• Mental pain and suffering
• Medical expenses if applicable

Our firm helps families navigate these complex issues during the most painful moments of their lives.

Why These Investigations Matter

When a child or teen is killed, families deserve answers — not assumptions.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we conduct independent investigations, including:

• Accident reconstruction
• Roadway safety evaluations
• Witness interviews
• Surveillance footage collection
• Public record and 911 call analysis

Because law enforcement reports often do not capture the full picture, especially in nighttime pedestrian crashes.

We intentionally maintain a small caseload, allowing our attorneys to work closely with families, answer every question, and uncover the truth behind fatal accidents. Our firm has recovered millions for wrongful death clients throughout Florida.

You pay nothing unless we win.

We understand that no legal action can bring a child back — but it can provide justice, accountability, and financial support during unimaginable hardship.

📞 Contact us today for a confidential, no-cost case evaluation.