Pedestrian Fatally Struck in Early Morning Crash on US-19 in Dixie County

A tragic incident occurred early Saturday morning in Dixie County, resulting in the death of a 65-year-old pedestrian who was struck by a car on U.S. Highway 19 near SW 95th Street, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

The collision took place at approximately 2:30 a.m., a time when visibility is often poor and pedestrian presence on highways can pose heightened dangers.

According to the FHP crash report, a 20-year-old woman from Old Town was driving a sedan in the left northbound lane of US-19 when she struck the pedestrian. After the collision, she managed to bring the vehicle to a controlled stop south of the scene, in a left turn lane.

Emergency responders quickly arrived, and the injured man was airlifted to UF Health in Gainesville. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.

At this time, the identity of the victim has not been publicly released, and the investigation into the circumstances surrounding the crash remains ongoing.

While FHP has not yet announced the specific cause of the accident, there are several common contributing factors in pedestrian crashes, especially during overnight hours:

• Low visibility due to darkness
• Lack of street lighting in rural areas
• Pedestrians walking along highways or crossing at unmarked areas
• Driver distraction or fatigue
• Speeding or inability to stop in time

The combination of a rural setting, early morning hours, and a busy U.S. highway increases the likelihood of fatal outcomes in pedestrian crashes. Whether the pedestrian was walking along the road, crossing it, or standing in the lane is still under investigation.

When a pedestrian is struck and killed by a vehicle, a wrongful death claim may be pursued by the victim’s surviving family members, depending on the facts of the case. Liability often hinges on whether:

• The driver was speeding, distracted, or impaired
• The pedestrian was visible and using caution
• The area lacked proper signage, lighting, or safe pedestrian pathways

Florida law allows families to seek compensation when negligence plays a role in a fatal crash. This includes recovery for:

• Funeral and burial costs
• Medical expenses related to the injury
• Loss of companionship and emotional suffering
• Loss of financial support and services

It’s important to note that not all pedestrian crashes result in driver liability. For instance, if the pedestrian entered the road suddenly, was jaywalking, or was not visible due to dark clothing or poor lighting, these facts may mitigate the driver’s responsibility. However, each case depends on the specific facts and a thorough investigation is always required.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families throughout Florida who have lost loved ones due to vehicle-related tragedies. If your family is grieving the unexpected loss of a parent, sibling, or spouse in a pedestrian accident, we are here to help you understand your rights and options.

Our firm conducts independent investigations, gathers accident reconstruction evidence, and works with medical and forensic experts to pursue justice on behalf of victims and their families.