St. Pete Man Dies from SUV Accident

James Michael Elliston of St. Petersburg, Florida was pronounced brain dead at approximately 1:50 p.m. Wednesday.  Mr. Elliston was hit by a 2001 Toyota SUV on Monday at approximately 8:45 p.m. near the 6900 block of Fourth Street North in St. Pete.  Elliston was crossing the street.  The Toyota, driven by Yoelmis Esteves Ortega, 31, of St. Petersburg, Florida, was going north on Fourth Street.  Ortega was in the center lane.  Another vehicle, being driven by Diana Busboon, 63, of Indian Rocks Beach, Florida, was also going north on Fourth Street but was slightly ahead of Ortega.  Both vehicles were going approximately the speed limit when Busboon notice that Eilliston ran across the street.  Busboon reacted by braking.  Ortega passed Busboon and then saw Elliston.  Ortega then tried to avoid hitting Elliston by braking and swerving but he was unable to do so.  Ortega struck Elliston with the right front of his vehicle.  Elliston flew forward and onto the pavement.  Elliston ended up on the east curb of the road just north of 70th Avenue North.  This crash is still under investigation to see whether alcohol was a factor and whether any charges will be filed.

Moody Law represents clients in wrongful death cases in the greater Central Florida area, including Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, Haines City, Davenport, or Polk County, Florida.  Wrongful death cases are unique under Florida law and you or a loved one may have a question or concern regarding the way the law works in Florida with wrongful death cases.  A personal injury attorney with Moody Law is available to speak to you regarding your questions.  Consultations with our personal injury attorneys are always free.