Two Pedestrians Hit by Off-Duty Tampa Police Officer

An off-duty Tampa police vehicle struck two pedestrians who were walking on an unlighted roadway in the East Lake area of Palm Harbor at about 4:43 a.m. Friday, morning according to a report from the Palm Harbor Patch.

The brothers, both 31-year-old Odessa residents, were walking westbound on Keystone Road, just east of Whispering Lakes Boulevard. Both men were wearing dark clothing. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the officer, who was driving the unmarked police vehicle, a 2007 Ford Expedition, attempted to avoid hitting the men, but was unsuccessful; the right side of his vehicle hit both men who received minor injuries and were treated at the scene.

As a pedestrian there are ways we can better protect ourselves from such tragic accidents and negligent drivers. Here are some safety tips that can help save your life:

• Obey traffic signals
• Look left, then right, then left again before crossing the street, even when in a crosswalk
• Watch for turning vehicles when crossing
• Remain alert and aware of cars as they approach and pass you
• Do not assume drivers see you because you see them
• When sidewalks are not present, walk as far away from the roadway as possible
• If walking at night wear retro reflective and light-colored clothing

Seeking compensation against a negligent driver in a pedestrian accident may require the assistance of a pedestrian accident attorney, one who understands how to find insurance coverage that may apply to pay for injuries suffered by a pedestrian. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an accident and you feel you need to speak to an attorney, call 727-446-0840.

We represent personal injury and accident victims in Florida in these cities: Clearwater, Clearwater Beach, Tarpon Springs, Dunedin, Largo, Oldsmar, St. Petersburg, Palm Harbor, Safety Harbor, Pinellas Park, Seminole, Belleair, Belleair Bluffs, Belleair Shores,Treasure Island, Redington Beach, Madeira Beach, Indian Rocks Beach, Crystal Beach, Ozona, Bradenton, Palmetto, Sarasota, Lakewood Ranch, Ellenton, Kenneth City, South Pasadena, St. Petersburg Beach, Tierra Verde, New Port Richey, Port Richey, Hudson, Bayonet Point, Holiday, Land O’Lakes, Lutz, Odessa, Tampa, Temple Terrace, Dade City, Sebring, Wesley Chapel, Pinellas County, Pasco County, Hillsborough County, Manatee County, and all other cities in Florida and Florida Counties.