Pedestrian Killed by Semi-Truck
Robert Wayne Foster of Lakeland, Florida died as a result of a semi-truck accident. The accident occurred on U.S. Highway 98N in the crosswalk of Sam's Club according to the Ledger and Lakeland Police. At approximately 5 p.m., the semi-truck was leaving the parking lot and struck Mr. Foster who was in the crosswalk. The driver of the semi-truck did not see Mr. Foster. Mr. Foster was dragged 270 feet after the impact.
This is a liability case because the semi-truck driver failed to ensure that his vehicle would not strike someone as he pulled out from the business and onto the highway. A truck driver has an obligation under Federal motor carrier statutes (also incorporated into Florida law by reference, even for intrastate travel) to know where the dimensions of his vehicle are at all times. This accident likely occurred as Mr. Foster was in a wide driveway with a crosswalk and the semi-truck made a wide turn while forgetting to look for pedestrians. Mr. Foster would have not had a way to know what the truck driver was going to do and likely did not have very much time to react. Regardless, a pedestrian in a crosswalk is a protected class and he should not have to retreat back onto the sidewalk once occupying the crosswalk. The rules of the road require all of us to be on the lookout for others as we all share the same roadways.
The attorneys at Moody Law have experience handling semi-truck accident cases. If you or a loved one were involved in a Lakeland truck accident, please contact a personal injury attorney for a free consultation and help with the case.
