Tampa Man Hit and Killed by SUV While Crossing West Hillsborough Avenue, FHP Says

A tragic pedestrian crash in Tampa has claimed the life of a 75-year-old man, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). The deadly incident occurred Thursday evening on one of the city’s busiest corridors.

Troopers report the crash happened around 6:30 p.m. near Town N Country Boulevard, an area known for heavy rush-hour traffic and limited safe crossing points.

According to FHP, a 72-year-old Tampa man driving a Ford SUV was traveling eastbound on West Hillsborough Avenue when the pedestrian attempted to cross the roadway in front of oncoming traffic. The SUV struck the man, who was transported to a nearby hospital but later died from his injuries.

Authorities have not released the victim’s identity.

The crash remains under investigation, and FHP has not indicated whether speed, lighting conditions, or driver impairment may have played a role.

Florida has one of the highest pedestrian fatality rates in the country, and major thoroughfares like Hillsborough Avenue present dangerous conditions, especially after dark.

Common contributing factors in these crashes include:

• Poor lighting and visibility
• High-speed roadways without adequate crosswalks
• Driver inattention
• Jaywalking or mid-block crossings
• Failure to yield by either drivers or pedestrians

Even when a pedestrian crosses outside of a designated crosswalk, liability may still fall — wholly or partially — on the driver depending on speed, reaction time, lighting, and other roadway factors.

Legal Rights After a Fatal Pedestrian Accident

When a pedestrian is killed, the surviving family may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under Florida law. These claims help families recover damages such as:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of companionship
• Loss of financial support
• Medical bills incurred before death
• Mental pain and suffering

In cases involving elderly pedestrians — like the 75-year-old victim in this crash — families are often unsure what compensation may apply. The Florida Wrongful Death Act outlines specific rights for spouses, children, and in some circumstances, other dependents.

Our Law Firm Stands With Families After Tragic Loss

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families in Tampa and throughout Florida who have lost loved ones in preventable pedestrian crashes. These cases require:

• Investigation into vehicle speed and braking
• Analysis of roadway lighting and visibility
• Review of surveillance or traffic camera footage
• Reconstruction of the crash scene
• Determination of driver negligence

We intentionally maintain a small caseload, ensuring each family receives direct attention from experienced trial lawyers—not case managers.

What We Offer

• Free, confidential consultations
• No fees unless we win
• Extensive experience in pedestrian wrongful death cases
• Statewide representation

If your family has suffered a loss due to a pedestrian crash on Hillsborough Avenue or anywhere else in Florida, you do not have to navigate this alone.

Contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer today to discuss your legal options.