A Sumter County man was recently killed in a four-car accident that has local residents renewing concerns about traffic and development on State Road 44.
The crash occurred shortly before 1 p.m. on a recent Thursday afternoon, when the 50-year-old man’s Honda Civic was stuck in traffic on SR 44 near Industrial DriveVillages-News reports. His car was rear-ended by a pickup truck, which reportedly also slammed into another truck and a sport utility vehicle.
The Wildwood man died after being transported to a local hospital. Two other drivers, including the man in the pickup said to have started the accident, were also injured in the collision.
The crash comes weeks after a woman was seriously injured while pulling out onto SR 44 from Continental Country Club in Wildwood. It follows several other accidents, ranging from minor fender benders to multi-car pile-ups, along the busy stretch of road.
Some residents are sounding the alarm about plans for more development along SR 44: A new Hooters restaurant at Lake Deaton Plaza and a large new Walmart on the south side of the highway. They say poor design and traffic, especially near Morse Boulevard, are to blame for crashes.
“The Villages has poorly planned the road infrastructure at Morse Boulevard and State Road 44. The traffic is horrendous,” an Osceola Hills woman told Villages-News. “Very poorly planned considering the amount of development south of 44.”
More than 3,000 people were killed in car crashes statewide last year, according to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. That includes 21 deaths in Sumter County, 70 in Lake County, and 112 in Marion County.
Suing for Wrongful Death After a Fatal Car Accident
Anyone who has been injured in a car accident in The Villages or across Florida has the right to seek compensation from those responsible for the crash.
In the tragic event that a person dies in a collision, certain family members similarly can seek to hold responsible those to blame for the crash through a wrongful death claim. Florida law allows grieving family members to seek compensation for the loss of the deceased person’s earnings and companionship, as well as for mental anguish and suffering, medical and funeral expenses.
There is no amount of money that can ever undo a fatal car accident or replace a loved one killed in a crash. Compensation can, however, help ease some of the financial burden that often comes with losing a family member.
Speak With a Villages Personal Injury Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in a traffic or other accident, it is important to seek the advice of an experienced injury attorney. The Villages personal injury attorney Tim Babiarz has been fighting for people and families across the community for more than two decades.
Our office is conveniently located in the Villages. We are also proud to represent clients throughout the area, including in Ocala, Leesburg, Lady Lake, Wildwood, Summerfield and beyond. Call (352) 205-7559 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with a Villages personal injury attorney.
