Pasco County, FL — Woman Hit and Killed After Falling From Truck

25Oct

Pasco County, FL (October 24th, 2024) – A Port Richey woman was fatally injured early Thursday morning after falling out of a pick-up truck and getting struck by another vehicle on Ridge Road in Pasco County. 

The 38-year-old woman was a passenger in a Ford F-150 that was heading west on Ridge Road just before 1:00 am. As the truck was making a left-hand turn at the Lemon Road intersection, the victim fell out of the truck and into the path of a Kia K5 that was headed east. The car, driven by a 21-year-old Spring Hill man, struck the woman. She was pronounced dead at the car accident scene. Neither of the drivers suffered injuries.

Falling and jumping from motor vehicles has been a steady source of traffic-related injuries and deaths across the state. Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles reported 19 deaths and more than 300 injuries in 2022 due to these types of accidents.

What Leads to Vehicle Falls?

Vehicle falls can occur in varying situations. Often, these types of accidents occur during everyday activities, rather than due to extreme circumstances. 

Many vehicle falls result from passenger behaviors, and are largely preventable. People may easily lose balance or be knocked over while standing in moving vehicles, particularly pickup truck beds. Standing up in sunroofs and hanging out windows may seem harmless, however, numerous serious accidents have resulted from passengers engaging in such behaviors. 

Improperly engaged child safety locks also commonly contribute to vehicle falls. Door malfunctions can also occur when vehicles haven’t been prosperity maintained.

Legal Framework in Florida

The aftermath of a vehicle fall accident can be overwhelming – physically, emotionally, and financially. If you have suffered injuries, or have lost a loved one, in such an incident, you may have a right to compensation. 

Vehicle Safety Laws

Florida law prohibits riding in truck beds, or other areas of a vehicle not designated for passengers. Further, state law also requires appropriate restraint systems for children based on their size and age.

Liability Considerations

When it comes to vehicle fall accidents, multiple parties may bear liability for resulting injuries. Drivers are responsible for ensuring the safety of their passengers. Vehicle owners have an obligation to make sure their vehicles are kept in safe operating condition, and vehicle manufacturers can be held accountable if defective components cause fall accidents.

Common Injuries from Vehicle Falls

The impact of falling from a moving vehicle can be devastating, often resulting in life-changing injuries or death. Those who survive such accidents commonly have significant immediate recovery needs, as well as face long-term medical challenges and the need for lifestyle changes. Some of the most common injuries resulting from vehicle falls include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Bone fractures
  • Road rash
  • Internal injuries

Due to these and other injuries that may result from falling out of a moving vehicle, victims may require emergency medical treatment, as well as ongoing care. 

Preventative Measures

Not all accidents are avoidable. However, many can be prevented through proper safety protocols and regular maintenance. The proactive measures people can take to reduce the risk of vehicle falls and subsequent injuries include:

Safety Guidelines

To help minimize the risk of vehicle falls, drivers and passengers should take some safety precautions. It is important to check that doors are properly closed and latched, and to engage child safety locks when transporting young passengers. Those who drive pickup trucks should not allow passengers to ride in the beds of their vehicles, unless they have been equipped with proper safety restraints.

Vehicle Maintenance

Regular maintenance can also help prevent some vehicle fall accidents. Car owners should check regularly check the door mechanisms and other safety features, including child locks. If there are any issues with the doors of a vehicle closing and latching, they should be addressed right away.

What to Do After a Vehicle Fall Accident

Quick and decisive action in the moments after a vehicle fall can make a vital difference for victims’ medical recovery, as well as their legal rights. If you or a passenger fall from your vehicle, your next steps should include:

Immediate Steps

The first thing you should do if you or a passenger fall from your vehicle is to seek medical attention. Even if you do not think you’ve been injured or the injuries seem minor, getting checked out can help identify any injuries not immediately noticeable, ensure you get the treatment you need, and establish when and how your injuries occurred.

Documenting the scene, including any factors that might have contributed to the fall, can also help. Therefore, if you’re able, you should take photos and video of the scene and any resulting injuries. It is also helpful to collect the contact information for any witnesses to the accident.

Legal Considerations

If you suffer injuries in a vehicle fall accident, you may seek to recover compensation for your associated losses. With the help of a personal injury lawyer, you may pursue damages through negotiations with the at-fault party’s insurance company or, if necessary, a civil lawsuit.

Compensation and Recovery

Securing compensation after a vehicle fall accident is as much about covering your medical bills as it is making sure you have the resources you need for complete recovery and adaptation to any lasting changes in your life. Working with a Clearwater car accident lawyer, you may seek to obtain damages for your economic and non-economic losses.

The economic and non-economic losses for which you may recover compensation include the costs of your associated medical care, the costs of any necessary future medical care, lost wages, lost future earnings, and pain and suffering. 

Vehicle falls are a serious safety concern in Florida, but many of these incidents are preventable through proper safety precautions and awareness. If you or a loved one has been injured in such an accident, you don’t have to face the challenging legal process alone. Having more than three decades of legal experience, our attorney at Magazine & Light Law Group, Jim Magazine, is board-certified in injury law. We have helped recover millions of dollars in verdicts and settlements on behalf of people like you. Call 727-499-9900 today for a free consultation. 

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

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