Pedestrian Killed While Crossing U.S. 41 in Bradenton

A tragic crash on U.S. 41 in Bradenton claimed the life of a 35-year-old man Monday night, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). The fatal incident occurred around 9:15 p.m. near 28th Avenue West and remains under active investigation.

This devastating crash highlights the dangers pedestrians face on Florida highways—especially at night—and raises important questions about liability and pedestrian safety laws.

Troopers say the pedestrian had been standing on the west sidewalk of U.S. 41 when he walked into the roadway. At the same time:

• A 41-year-old Bradenton man was driving a van southbound in the right lane.
• The van struck the pedestrian, who sadly died at the scene.

No additional details regarding lighting conditions, roadway visibility, intersection markings, or potential contributing factors have been released.

The Florida Highway Patrol has stated that the crash is still under investigation.

U.S. 41 is a multilane highway with heavy traffic and higher-speed travel. When a pedestrian enters the roadway—whether at a crosswalk or not—several risk factors come into play:

• Reduced visibility at night
• High vehicle speeds that limit reaction time
• Limited or absent crosswalks
• Driver distraction or impairment
• Pedestrian misjudgment of vehicle distance or speed

Even when pedestrians make mistakes, drivers still maintain a legal duty to operate their vehicles safely and avoid collisions when reasonably possible.

Understanding Pedestrian Right-of-Way and Liability in Florida

While investigators work to determine the circumstances of this Bradenton crash, it’s important to understand how liability can be evaluated in pedestrian fatalities.

Florida law considers multiple factors, including:

• Whether the pedestrian crossed at a marked or unmarked crosswalk
• Whether the driver was speeding, distracted, impaired, or fatigued
• Visibility conditions, including lighting and weather
• Whether the roadway design contributed to the crash
• Whether the pedestrian entered the roadway suddenly

Florida is a comparative negligence state (Florida Statute §768.81). This means:

• Even if a pedestrian is partially at fault, their family may still seek compensation
• Liability can be shared among multiple parties, including drivers, municipalities, or roadway maintenance entities

Every fatal pedestrian case deserves a thorough, independent investigation.

What Families Can Do After a Fatal Pedestrian Crash

Losing a loved one in a sudden collision is devastating. Families are often left with unanswered questions and immediate financial burdens.

If you have lost someone in a pedestrian crash, it’s critical to:

• Request the full crash report once available
• Obtain witness statements and any available traffic camera footage
• Avoid speaking with insurance adjusters before consulting an attorney
• Seek legal guidance to understand your rights under the Florida Wrongful Death Act

A wrongful death claim may help cover:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical bills
• Loss of companionship and protection
• Loss of support and future income

Flanagan & Bodenheimer Helps Families After Fatal Pedestrian Accidents

Our firm intentionally handles a small caseload, allowing us to dedicate the time and resources needed for a full investigation. We have extensive experience representing families in wrongful death cases throughout Florida, including crashes involving:

• High-speed roadways like U.S. 41
• Nighttime visibility issues
• Insurance disputes
• Comparative negligence claims

We take on complex cases other firms turn down — and win them.

You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your family.

If you lost a loved one in a pedestrian crash in Bradenton or anywhere in Florida, our attorneys are here to help guide you through this difficult time with compassion and clarity.