Miami, FL — USPS Vehicle Hits, Kills Pedestrian

Miami, FL (August 16th 2024) – A member of the South Florida community died this morning after getting struck by a U.S. Postal Service vehicle. 

A USPS vehicle hit a pedestrian this morning at the intersection of Southwest 27th Avenue and 26th Street. The investigation is ongoing into the circumstances and cause of the accident.

The driver of the vehicle involved has worked for the USPS for seven years. It was not disclosed whether the driver has had previous accidents or traffic violations.

No details have been released at this time about the victim, who was pronounced dead at the scene by Miami Fire Rescue personnel.

Common Causes of Pedestrian Accidents

Pedestrian accidents in South Florida occur due to varying factors. Some are the result of driver inaction or action, while others are caused by the actions and inaction of pedestrians. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were 8,132 injuries and 778 pedestrian accident deaths reported across the state in 2023.

Driver-related factors commonly contributing to these types of accidents include:

• Speed
• Distractions
• Drug use or alcohol intoxication
• Failure to yield

Pedestrian mistakes can also contribute to the occurrence of pedestrian accidents. For example, failing to use areas designated for pedestrians, jaywalking, or darting into traffic can all play a role in causing these types of crashes.

Some factors are not directly related to drivers or pedestrians, but can still lead to accidents involving cars and walkers or joggers. In the overnight and early morning hours, darkness can make it difficult for drivers to see pedestrians. Such may have been the case with the recent fatal accident in Miami, as it occurred at 4:36 a.m. Likewise, weather conditions can also impair visibility, and thus, contribute to serious or deadly pedestrian accidents.

What Damages Can You Recover in a Pedestrian Accident Claim?

Through a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit, victims of crashes involving pedestrians and vehicles may recover compensation for their associated losses. Pedestrian accidents are often serious, which leads to heavy financial burdens for victims and their families. Therefore, they may consider pursuing a claim for economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages in Florida Pedestrian Accidents

Economic damages resulting from a pedestrian accident include medical expenses, lost wages, lost future income, and loss of earning capacity. The losses that fall into this category are those with tangible values, and your personal injury lawyer will work with you to gather evidence to determine the full amount of your losses.

Non-Economic Damages for Pedestrian Accident Victims

Non-economic damages are losses that do not carry a monetary value, in the way that medical bills or lost income does. The losses that fall into this category include pain and suffering, disfigurement or scarring, and loss of enjoyment of life. Through a wrongful death claim, family members may recover damages for non-economic losses, such as loss of consortium.

Liability for Pedestrian Accidents

Financial responsibility for pedestrian accidents in Florida depends on negligence. Several factors determine who was negligent, thus causing the accident. Since they generally have a higher duty of care in operating their vehicles, drivers are often at-fault for such wrecks. However, pedestrians can share partial liability.

When behind the wheel, drivers have a responsibility to safely maneuver and manage their vehicles, in accordance with the traffic signs, regulations, and laws. Should they fail to do so, they may be held financially liable for damages if they are involved in a pedestrian collision. 

Pedestrians can also be liable if they violate traffic laws, regulations, or signs. For example, actions such as crossing against a traffic signal, walking while under the influence, walking in areas not designated for pedestrians, or jaywalking can all lead to a pedestrian bearing liability for accidents involving vehicles.

Shared Liability for Pedestrian Accidents in Florida

Under Florida’s comparative negligence system, more than one party may bear liability for personal injury cases, including pedestrian accidents. Therefore, a driver and pedestrian may share in the financial responsibility for the accident, and the resulting losses.

In shared liability cases, the court will assess a level of negligence to each party. The assessed level of negligence will determine each party’s share in the liability, and the amount victims can claim. For example, a driver runs a red light, hitting a pedestrian who was crossing the street without a signal. The court assigns the driver as 70% negligent, and the pedestrian as 30% negligent. You would be eligible to receive 70% of your damages.

If you or a loved one were involved in a pedestrian accident in Florida, reach out to Magazine & Light Law Group today. Call 727-499-9900 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our attorney, Jim Magazine, is a board-certified personal injury lawyer with 30 years of experience pursuing financial justice for clients like you.

Jim Magazine

James (Jim) Magazine is a Florida Board Certified Civil Trial lawyer who has spent his career helping injured victims. Jim is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida since 1990 and is also admitted to practice at the Appellate level and admitted to the United States Supreme Court.

Years of Experience: More than 30 years
Florida Registration Status: Active
Bar Admissions:
Clearwater Bar Association
West Pasco Bar Association