Teen Pedestrian Seriously Injured by Car Accident

Spring Hill, Florida.  A 15 year old was struck from behind as she walked in the roadway.  She is currently in serious condition and was taken to Bayfront Medical Center and then to All Children's Hospital.  John Morris Lockhart, 59, of Spring Hill, Florida was driving his 1997 Ford Escort west on Roble Avenue at approximately 7:20 p.m.  The accident happened as he turned north onto Colchester Avenue at the intersection.  The two girls were walking north according to police.  The 15 year old was Hope Malave of Spring Hill.  The other girl, Tiana Gonzalez, 17, also of Spring Hill, was struck by the left front side mirror in the left elbow.  Gonzalez's injuries are considered minor.

Pedestrian accidents often involve the carelessness of a driver who fails to keep a proper lookout for pedestrians.  Every motorist has a duty to share the roadway with not only other motorists but pedestrians, bicyclists, and all other types of traffic on the roadways.  Failure to anticipate hazards or simply to pay attention may result in serious injuries or death to another person.  Our civil justice system only requires negligence to be responsible for another's injury or death.  If you or a loved one has been injured as a pedestrian, please contact a personal injury lawyer with Moody Law for a discussion of your rights under the law.  Your case may involve clear responsibility by the motorist or it may involve some element of partial responsibility on behalf of the pedestrian.  Please understand that even if there is partial responsibility of the pedestrian, the motorist's duties are often regarded as superior due to the nature of motor vehicles being dangerous instrumentalities and having the propensity to cause injury or death.  There are instances where a motorist will be held responsible even if a child has darted into the roadway and is hit.  Under such circumstances, the motorist who knows of the presence of children must anticipate that children could suddenly dart into the roadway and the motorist must, therefore, drive appropriately to be able to react.  A consultation with a personal injury lawyer is free.