Man Leaves Hospital and Dies on Roadway

48-year-old Larry G. Strouse was a cardiac patient at Heart of Florida Hospital in Haines City.  He had been a patient for several days when it was reported that he removed his IV's and left the hospital.  Strouse is alleged to have run out onto U.S. 27 at approximately 6 p.m. where the accident happened near the intersection with La Casa del Sol Boulevard.  Strouse was struck by a 2005 Chrysler driven by Oksana Dee who was traveling southbound on U.S. 27.  Hospital staff had reported Strouse missing to Haines City police at approximately 6 p.m.  The investigation appears to be ongoing.

This accident involves an unusual set of facts and circumstances for which people may have differing opinions.  U.S. 27 is a relatively high speed road where this accident happened and there does not appear to be crosswalks or anything that would explain why Mr. Strouse was crossing the roadway.  With that being said, pedestrians are permitted under Florida to cross roadways without crosswalks, however, they are supposed to yield to traffic.  I cannot say why Mr. Strouse stopped in the roadway, however, it has to be considered that he may have been confused about traffic and whether it was safe to cross another lane of travel.  If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident, please contact a Polk County personal injury or car accident attorney for a free consultation.  Each case is different and should be evaluated differently.  There may be facts and circumstances that an attorney may be able to help you consider.  At Moody Law, our personal injury and car accident attorneys are available to assist you.