Two Alabama Pedestrians Killed in Early Morning Crash in Escambia County: Legal Options For Families

A devastating early morning crash claimed the lives of two young pedestrians from Alabama on Saturday, June 29, 2025. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) confirmed that the fatal incident occurred at approximately 3:00 a.m. on Perdido Key Drive near River Road, a stretch of road that runs through a popular vacation destination along Florida’s Gulf Coast.

According to FHP, a 47-year-old Pensacola man was driving eastbound on State Road 292 when his sedan struck a 20-year-old man from Hoover, Alabama, and a 20-year-old woman from Calera, Alabama, as they attempted to cross the roadway. Both victims were pronounced dead at the scene. The driver was uninjured and remained at the scene following the accident.

Perdido Key Drive (SR-292) is a scenic yet narrow roadway known for its beachfront access and high tourist foot traffic, especially in the summer months. While the area offers incredible views and recreation, infrastructure often lacks pedestrian safety features, such as crosswalks, pedestrian bridges, or adequate lighting.

Authorities temporarily shut down Perdido Key Drive during the investigation but later reopened the roadway. As of now, no charges have been filed, and no further details have been released regarding the circumstances of the crash.

Florida consistently ranks among the most dangerous states for pedestrians. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), pedestrian fatalities have been on the rise, particularly in areas with high tourist traffic, like Perdido Key.

Late-night and early-morning hours—like the time of this tragic crash—are statistically among the most dangerous times for pedestrian activity. Reduced visibility, limited lighting, distracted driving, and impaired judgment (on the part of drivers or pedestrians) all contribute to heightened risk.

Can Families File a Wrongful Death Claim After a Fatal Pedestrian Accident?

Yes. Under The Florida Wrongful Death Act, surviving family members may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim if their loved one was killed due to another party’s negligence, even if criminal charges are not filed. These civil claims allow families to pursue financial compensation for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of income or support
• Loss of companionship and protection
• Mental pain and suffering
• Medical costs incurred prior to death

Pedestrians have the legal right-of-way in many crossing situations, and drivers have a duty to remain alert and exercise caution. If it can be shown that a driver failed to uphold this duty, due to speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving, or lack of care, a wrongful death case may be warranted.

Liability in Fatal Pedestrian Accidents

Determining liability in a pedestrian fatality requires a careful, evidence-based investigation. Potential contributing factors include:

• Lighting conditions at the time of the accident
• Speed of the driver’s vehicle
• Whether crosswalks or pedestrian signage were present
• The driver’s distraction or impairment
• Whether the pedestrians were visible and using marked crossing areas
• Road design issues, such as poor lighting or lack of safe pedestrian crossings

A personal injury attorney with experience in pedestrian accidents will work with investigators, accident reconstruction specialists, and medical experts to evaluate every possible angle.

What Should Families Do After a Fatal Pedestrian Crash?

If you have lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident, your first priority is mourning and healing. But it’s also critical to take steps to protect your legal rights. Here’s what you can do:

1. Contact a wrongful death attorney as soon as possible to preserve evidence.
2. Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters alone, as they may attempt to minimize or deny your claim.
3. Request a copy of the crash report and collect any public statements made by law enforcement.
4. Document the emotional and financial impact on your family, including funeral expenses and lost support.

An experienced attorney can handle the legal process so your family can focus on recovery and remembrance.