Pedestrian Killed in Hit-and-Run Crash on Manatee Avenue in Bradenton; Motorcyclist Arrested

A fatal pedestrian crash on Manatee Avenue in Bradenton has resulted in the death of one person and the arrest of a motorcyclist who police say fled the scene. The incident occurred Friday night and prompted a multi-hour roadway closure while investigators worked to determine what happened.

According to the Bradenton Police Department, the crash occurred near 21st Street East on Friday evening. A pedestrian was struck by a motorcycle while crossing or walking along Manatee Avenue.

Police say the motorcycle operator left the scene after the collision, which resulted in the pedestrian’s death. Officers immediately closed Manatee Avenue in both directions to conduct a traffic homicide investigation.

After further investigation, law enforcement located the motorcyclist, who was taken into custody. The roadway has since reopened.

Authorities have not yet released the identity of the pedestrian or the motorcycle operator. Details regarding:

• Speed
• Visibility and lighting conditions
• Whether impairment was a factor
• The exact manner in which the pedestrian was struck

remain under investigation. Police indicated that additional information is expected to be released.

Pedestrian crashes are among the most deadly traffic incidents, particularly on high-traffic roadways like Manatee Avenue. When a driver or motorcyclist leaves the scene, it can delay emergency aid and significantly worsen outcomes.

In Florida, leaving the scene of a crash involving death is a felony offense and often carries severe criminal penalties. From a civil standpoint, fleeing the scene can also strengthen a wrongful death claim brought by surviving family members.

Legal Rights After a Fatal Pedestrian Crash in Florida

Under the Florida Wrongful Death Act, surviving family members may be entitled to pursue compensation when a pedestrian is killed due to another party’s negligence or reckless conduct.

Recoverable damages may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support and services
• Loss of companionship, care, and protection
• Mental pain and suffering of surviving family members
• Medical expenses incurred prior to death

Even when an arrest is made, families should understand that a criminal case is separate from a civil wrongful death claim. A civil case focuses on holding the responsible party financially accountable and protecting the family’s future.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families across Florida who have lost loved ones in pedestrian crashes, hit-and-run accidents, and fatal traffic collisions.

We intentionally limit our caseload so every family works directly with an experienced wrongful death attorney. Our firm can:

• Conduct an independent investigation
• Preserve surveillance footage and crash evidence
• Analyze vehicle damage and scene reconstruction
• Identify all available insurance coverage
• Handle all communications with insurers and investigators

There are no upfront costs. We only recover fees if we recover compensation for your family.

If your loved one was killed in a pedestrian crash or hit-and-run accident, you do not have to navigate this process alone.

📞 Contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm for a free, confidential consultation. We represent families throughout Bradenton, Manatee County, and across Florida during some of the most difficult moments of their lives.