Missing Manatee County Man Found Seriously Injured After Being Struck by SUV on I-75 Exit Ramp

A missing and endangered Manatee County man was found Wednesday evening after being seriously injured in a crash involving an SUV along an Interstate 75 exit ramp near Sun City, according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Highway Patrol.

Authorities identified the injured man as Nathaniel R. Modglin, 37, who had been reported missing from Palmetto earlier in the week. Modglin was last seen Sunday afternoon in the 14440 block of Harlee Road. Surveillance footage later showed him walking north along U.S. 41 in Ruskin Sunday evening.

Family members reported that Modglin had left without his prescribed medication, raising concerns that he may have been disoriented or confused at the time.

According to FHP, the crash occurred around 6:35 p.m. on an I-75 southbound exit ramp leading to State Road 674. A 70-year-old man from Michigan was driving a Buick Encore when Modglin was crossing at the bottom of the ramp and entered the vehicle’s path. The SUV struck Modglin, causing serious injuries.

Emergency responders transported him to a hospital for treatment. His current condition has not been publicly updated.

Pedestrian crashes on interstate ramps are among the most severe traffic incidents due to higher speeds, limited reaction time, and poor visibility. Exit ramps are not designed for pedestrian traffic, yet vulnerable individuals—including those who are missing, disoriented, or experiencing medical or mental health crises—are sometimes exposed to these dangerous areas.

Factors that often contribute to these crashes include:

• Limited lighting or visibility on ramps
• Driver speed and sightline limitations
• Lack of pedestrian barriers or warning systems
• Medical or cognitive impairment of the pedestrian

Each of these factors must be carefully examined to determine whether negligence played a role.

Legal Options After a Pedestrian Is Seriously Injured in Florida

Even when a pedestrian enters a roadway unexpectedly, drivers still have a duty to operate their vehicles safely and remain attentive. In serious injury cases, a civil injury claim may still be available depending on the circumstances.

Potential compensation may include:

• Medical expenses and future medical care
• Rehabilitation and long-term treatment costs
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability or impairment

Additionally, other parties may bear responsibility, such as government entities, if roadway design, lighting, signage, or safety features contributed to the crash.

Law enforcement investigations focus primarily on documenting the crash—not on identifying all possible civil liability. An independent investigation can help uncover:

• Vehicle speed and braking data
• Lighting and visibility conditions on the ramp
• Roadway design or safety deficiencies
• Surveillance or traffic camera footage
• Witness statements

This information can be critical in determining whether the injured person or their family has a viable legal claim.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent seriously injured pedestrians and their families across Florida. We intentionally maintain a small caseload so clients work directly with experienced attorneys—not case managers.

Our firm can help by:

• Conducting a thorough, independent investigation
• Evaluating liability and insurance coverage
• Handling communications with insurance companies
• Pursuing full and fair compensation for serious injuries

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