Bradenton Man Killed While Crossing U.S. 41 in Manatee County; Investigation Ongoing

A 74-year-old Bradenton man was killed Saturday night after being struck by a vehicle while attempting to cross U.S. 41 in Manatee County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

Troopers say the crash occurred around 9:48 p.m. near U.S. 41/14th Street West and 51st Avenue Drive West. Investigators reported that the pedestrian was crossing the roadway when he was hit by a vehicle traveling southbound.

The man died at the scene. The driver — a 24-year-old woman from Palmetto — was not injured. Authorities say the crash remains under investigation.

Pedestrian collisions occurring after dark are among the most dangerous roadway incidents. Reduced visibility, traffic speed, and roadway design can significantly impact a driver’s ability to detect someone crossing the street.

Common contributing factors in nighttime pedestrian crashes include:

• Limited street lighting
• Drivers failing to see pedestrians in time
• Pedestrians crossing outside designated crosswalks
• Speed and reaction time
• Driver distraction

Even when a pedestrian is not inside a marked crossing area, drivers still have a duty under Florida law to exercise reasonable care to avoid a collision.

Legal Options After a Fatal Pedestrian Crash in Florida

When a pedestrian crash results in death, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act (Fla. Stat. §§768.16–768.26) if negligence contributed to the incident.

Potential recoverable damages may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical costs related to emergency response
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship and protection
• Mental pain and suffering of surviving family members

Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system (§768.81), meaning fault may be shared between parties. Even if a pedestrian was crossing outside a designated area, compensation may still be available if a driver failed to act reasonably.

Law enforcement investigates pedestrian fatalities to determine how the crash occurred and whether traffic laws were violated. They do not pursue civil recovery for grieving families.

An independent legal investigation may examine:

• Roadway lighting and visibility conditions
• Vehicle speed and braking evidence
• Crash reconstruction findings
• Witness statements
• Surveillance or traffic camera footage
• Insurance coverage

Preserving evidence early is critical in pedestrian fatality cases where liability may later be disputed.

Compassionate Representation for Families After Pedestrian Fatalities

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families throughout Florida who have lost loved ones in pedestrian crashes and other serious roadway incidents.

We understand the emotional and financial impact these tragedies bring. Our firm intentionally limits its caseload so clients work directly with experienced attorneys — not case managers — and we are prepared to investigate complex liability issues.

Our firm can help by:

• Conducting an independent investigation
• Identifying responsible parties
• Preserving critical evidence
• Handling communications with insurers
• Pursuing full compensation under Florida law

There are no upfront costs. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you.

📞 If you lost a loved one in a pedestrian crash in Manatee County or anywhere in Florida, contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer for a free, confidential consultation.