Man Fatally Struck by Car While Crossing U.S. 92 on Electric Scooter in Lakeland

A tragic accident in Lakeland claimed the life of a 31-year-old man on Friday evening after he was struck by a vehicle while attempting to cross U.S. Highway 92 on an electric scooter, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.

Authorities identified the victim as Joshua Caleb Carpenter, 31, of Lakeland. The crash occurred around 8 p.m. on October 24 at the intersection of U.S. 92 and Fairway Avenue, located between East Lake Parker Drive and Combee Road.

Investigators say Carpenter was riding a Segway electric scooter and attempted to cross U.S. 92 in or near the crosswalk when he entered the path of a 2000 Toyota Avalon driven by Andrew Almaraz, 60, of Winter Haven.

The Polk County Sheriff’s Office reported that Almaraz had a green light and was traveling at a lawful speed when the impact occurred. Carpenter was pronounced dead at the scene. Almaraz was uninjured and remained on-site, fully cooperating with investigators.

Officials added that Carpenter was wearing dark clothing and was not wearing a helmet at the time of the crash. The westbound lanes of U.S. 92 were closed for approximately four hours during the investigation. While no criminal or civil charges are anticipated at this time, the incident remains under review.

Electric scooters have become increasingly popular across Florida, but with that rise comes growing safety concerns. Under Florida Statute §316.2128, e-scooters are treated similarly to bicycles — meaning riders must follow the same traffic laws, including yielding to vehicles when crossing against a green light or outside designated crossings.

Unfortunately, e-scooter riders are especially vulnerable in collisions due to the lack of physical protection, smaller vehicle profile, and frequent operation near high-traffic roads. Data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) shows that serious injuries involving scooters and pedestrians have risen steadily over the past five years.

Fatal scooter accidents often occur due to:

• Low visibility, especially at night or in dark clothing
• Failure to yield or improper crossing at intersections
• Speeding or distracted driving by motorists
• Poorly lit or poorly marked crosswalks
• Lack of helmet use and safety gear

While some of these factors may involve rider error, roadway design and insufficient lighting or signage can also contribute to such tragedies. In some cases, municipalities or property owners responsible for maintaining safe pedestrian pathways may share partial liability.

Legal Options for Families After a Fatal Scooter Accident

When a fatal crash occurs, the victim’s surviving family may have the right to pursue compensation under the Florida Wrongful Death Act (§§768.16–768.26). Potential recoverable damages include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of companionship and emotional support
• Medical bills related to emergency response or treatment
• Lost income and financial support
• Pain and suffering of surviving family members

A thorough investigation — including traffic signal analysis, witness interviews, and scene reconstruction — is essential to determine whether any negligence contributed to the death.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families across Lakeland, Polk County, and throughout Florida who have lost loved ones in preventable traffic tragedies. Our attorneys are experienced in handling complex wrongful death claims involving scooters, pedestrians, and motor vehicle collisions.

We intentionally maintain a small caseload to ensure every family receives the compassion, attention, and dedication they deserve.

If you’ve lost a loved one in a scooter or pedestrian accident in Lakeland or anywhere in Florida, the attorneys at Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm are here to help you seek justice and accountability.

📞 Call 305-638-4143 or contact us online for a free consultation in English or Spanish.