Pedestrian Killed on Manatee Avenue in Bradenton, Police Investigating

A tragic pedestrian crash claimed a life Friday evening in Bradenton, prompting a major roadway closure and an active investigation by local authorities.

According to the Bradenton Police Department, the fatal crash occurred on Manatee Avenue near the intersection of 21st Street East on Friday evening.

Police announced around 7:30 p.m. that Manatee Avenue would be closed for several hours as investigators worked the scene. Detours were put in place, and drivers were urged to avoid the area if possible.

Details regarding the identity of the pedestrian, the vehicle involved, and the circumstances leading up to the crash have not yet been released.

Authorities have not yet shared information about:

• Whether the driver remained on scene
• Possible factors such as speed, impairment, or visibility
• Whether the pedestrian was in a marked crosswalk
• Roadway lighting or traffic control conditions

Fatal pedestrian crashes often require extensive investigation, including analysis of skid marks, vehicle damage, surveillance footage, and witness statements.

Florida consistently ranks among the most dangerous states for pedestrians. Busy roadways like Manatee Avenue, which carry high traffic volumes and higher speeds, can be especially dangerous for people on foot—particularly at night.

Common contributing factors in pedestrian fatalities include:

• Speeding or failure to yield
• Poor lighting or visibility
• Distracted or impaired driving
• Inadequate crosswalks or pedestrian signals

Legal Rights After a Fatal Pedestrian Accident

When a pedestrian is killed in a traffic crash, surviving family members may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim under Florida law.

Potential compensation may include:

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

Even if fault is not immediately clear, a full investigation is critical. Liability may extend beyond the driver to include roadway design issues, lighting failures, or other contributing factors.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families across Florida who have lost loved ones in pedestrian crashes.

We intentionally limit our caseload so families work directly with experienced wrongful death attorneys who:

• Conduct independent crash investigations
• Secure video evidence and witness statements
• Analyze roadway design and traffic control devices
• Identify all available insurance coverage
• Handle all communications with insurers and investigators

Families pay nothing upfront. We only recover fees if we recover compensation.

If your loved one was killed in a pedestrian crash in Bradenton, Manatee County, or anywhere in Florida, you do not have to navigate this process alone.

📞 Contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm for a free, confidential consultation. We are here to help families seek answers, accountability, and justice during one of the most difficult times of their lives.