Dog Runs Truck Over His Owner

Ridge Manor, Florida.  Christopher Bishop was run over by his own truck when his dog put the truck into gear.  Mr. Bishop had placed his Ford F-150 in neutral and left the driver's door open.  Thereafter, the bulldog jumped into the truck and knocked the gearshift into gear.  This caused the truck to roll over the left side of Mr. Bishop's body.  Bishop was able to stop the truck before it hit a fence next to his mobile home.  After several hours of intense pain, Mr. Bishop sought medical attention.  Bishop was taken to Pasco Regional Hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.  Bishop said that he did not like doctors.

This incident presents a unique situation.  While Mr. Bishop is clearly at fault for his own injuries by getting out of a vehicle with the engine running.  Oddly enough, what occurred here is a technical violation of the law under section 316.1975, Florida Statutes, as a non-moving infraction.

316.1975  Unattended motor vehicle.--

(1)  A person driving or in charge of any motor vehicle may not permit it to stand unattended without first stopping the engine, locking the ignition, and removing the key.

Nonetheless, Mr. Bishop should have (if he has complied Florida's financial responsbility laws) $10,000 of personal injury protection (PIP) insurance that would cover his hospital bill.  If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident in the greater Central Florida area, including Lakeland, Winter Haven, Bartow, Haines City, Davenport, or Polk County, Florida, a personal injury lawyer with Moody Law can assist you with questions or concerns about your particular facts and circumstances.  A consultation with one of our Lakeland or Polk County personal injury lawyers is free.