Deerfield Beach resident Reynald French, 55, was killed March 24 by a turning tractor-trailer on State Road 7 in Boca Raton.
In situations such as these, it is not always clear whose fault the incident was. Truckers are subject to many different detailed regulations requiring them to get adequate sleep, only travel a limited number of miles per day, and satisfy many different federal rules.
In addition, most commercial trucks have a “black box” which records vehicle data such as stopping distance, speed, and other data. An experienced personal injury firm can investigate such tragedies to determine if the trucker may have been partially at fault for this unfortunate tragedy.
In Florida, a jury can find any percentage of fault against a driver in a fatal crash.
Authorities say Reynald French was walking on the sidewalk along State Road 7. The truck driver was making a right turn into the Twin Meadows Lake development. French stepped off the sidewalk, hit the side of the truck, and fell. He was then run over by the truck driver’s rear wheels. An ambulance was called, and Reynald French was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
Florida is the most dangerous state for pedestrians. A study from pedestrian safety organization Smart Growth America found that the state leads the nation in pedestrian deaths in traffic accidents. From 2010 – 2019, Florida had 5,891 pedestrian deaths, or about 2.8 for every 100,000 people.
Reynald French’s funeral was held on Saturday, April 1. Friends and family members remembered Reynald as a kind, loving member of his church and community.