West Palm Beach Woman Dies After Pedestrian Crash on Benoist Farms Road

A 31-year-old West Palm Beach woman has died after being struck by a vehicle while walking along Benoist Farms Road, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO).

Deputies say the crash occurred around 10:20 p.m. on Benoist Farms Road just south of Golden River Drive. Investigators reported that a Hyundai was traveling southbound when it struck a pedestrian who was in the southbound lane of travel.

The victim, identified as Jasmine Blanchard, was transported to St. Mary’s Medical Center with serious injuries. Authorities later confirmed that she succumbed to those injuries. The crash remains under investigation.

Pedestrian crashes occurring at night are among the most dangerous roadway incidents. Reduced visibility, speed, roadway lighting, and driver awareness all play critical roles in whether a pedestrian collision becomes fatal.

Common contributing factors in nighttime pedestrian crashes include:

• Limited street lighting or poor visibility
• Drivers failing to detect pedestrians in time
• Pedestrians walking in active travel lanes
• Speed or distracted driving
• Roadway design lacking safe pedestrian access

Even when a pedestrian is outside a marked crosswalk, Florida drivers still have a legal duty to exercise reasonable care to avoid collisions.

Legal Options After a Fatal Pedestrian Accident in Florida

When a pedestrian crash results in death, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act (Florida Statutes §§768.16–768.26).

Depending on the circumstances, recoverable damages may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical costs related to emergency treatment
• Loss of financial support and services
• Loss of companionship and protection
• Mental pain and suffering of surviving family members

Florida follows a modified comparative negligence standard (§768.81). This means fault may be shared between parties. Even if a pedestrian was outside a designated crossing area, compensation may still be available if a driver failed to exercise reasonable care.

Law enforcement investigations focus on determining how the crash occurred and whether traffic violations were involved. They do not evaluate civil liability or pursue compensation for grieving families.

An independent legal investigation may examine:

• Roadway lighting and visibility conditions
• Vehicle speed and braking evidence
• Crash reconstruction analysis
• Surveillance or nearby camera footage
• Witness statements
• Insurance coverage

Preserving evidence early is especially important in pedestrian fatality cases, where liability may be contested.

Compassionate Representation for Families After Pedestrian Fatalities

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families throughout Florida who have lost loved ones in pedestrian crashes and other serious roadway incidents.

We understand that no legal action can undo a tragic loss. Our role is to help families seek accountability, answers, and financial stability during an incredibly difficult time. We intentionally limit our caseload so clients work directly with experienced attorneys—not case managers.

Our firm can help by:

• Conducting an independent investigation
• Identifying all liable parties
• Handling communications with insurers
• Pursuing full compensation under Florida law

There are no upfront costs. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you.

📞 If you lost a loved one in a pedestrian crash in West Palm Beach or anywhere in Florida, contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer for a free, confidential consultation.