Isaiah Castellano (Full Name: Isaiah Edward Baker Castellano), 19, Died In Clearwater Crane Truck Accident While Riding Skateboard on Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard
CLEARWATER, FLORIDA (February 19, 2023) – A 19-year-old skateboarder identified as Isaiah Castellano was killed in a Clearwater crane truck accident on Gulf-to-Bay Boulevard.
Pinellas County officials are saying that the collision took place around 7:30 a.m. on Friday. Isaiah Castellano was riding a skateboard when he was hit by a crane truck that ran a red light.
Paramedics were called to the scene of the collision in order to help the victim. Isaiah Castellano was transported to the hospital with critical injuries.
Despite the best efforts of first responders, the victim died due to the severe nature of his injuries. Investigators do not believe that the crane truck operator was impaired at the time of the collision.
Liability For Clearwater Crane Truck Accidents
Pedestrians are uniquely vulnerable in car accidents. They lack the protection of vehicles and are more likely to be overlooked by drivers. Most pedestrian accidents tend to occur in urban areas and at night. According to the CDC, around 13% of pedestrian collisions involve an intoxicated driver. There are a number of steps that commercial drivers should take to avoid hitting pedestrians.
- Commercial drivers should always check their blind spots before turning.
- Commercial drivers should slow down in areas with heavy pedestrian traffic.
- Commercial drivers should continuously scan the road ahead of them for hazards.
Commercial drivers must undergo specialized training and are held to a high standard in terms of safety. Pursuant to Florida Vehicle Code 316.075, the driver of any vehicle facing a steady circular signal must stop at the intersection and yield to cross traffic until given the signal to proceed. When a truck driver goes past a red light without stopping, this may be considered prima facie evidence of their failure to yield.
If a truck driver was working at the time of a collision, their employer could be held at fault. In general, companies are liable for the wrongful actions of their employees – insofar as those employees were working within the course and scope of their job duties. Florida is a no-fault state for most accident claims. However, when the victim’s injuries are catastrophic, permanent or debilitating, the responsible party can be held at fault through a negligence claim. There are many steps that should be taken after any pedestrian collision.
- Eye witnesses should be interviewed.
- Medical records should be preserved.
- Surveillance footage should be sought.
- The at-fault driver’s logbook should be reviewed.
It can be hard to know where to begin after any fatal collision. To make matters worse, companies that are involved in fatal accidents will immediately do everything in their power to avoid accountability for the collision. The family of any person that is killed due to the negligent actions of another driver may have legal recourse through a wrongful death claim. It is very important that all evidence related to the collision is properly preserved.
Investigating A Clearwater Crane Truck Accident
We at TorkLaw extend our deepest condolences to the family of Isaiah Castellano. Any person that may have more information about what happened should reach out to police. This was a preventable tragedy that should have never taken place. There are so many questions that need to be answered. Was this crane truck driver properly licensed? Were they potentially distracted prior to the collision? Does the company that owned the truck have a history of safety violations?
Do you need more information about a Clearwater crane truck accident? Our team of pedestrian safety advocates are here to answer any questions that you may have. We care deeply that accident victims are aware of their rights and that negligent drivers are held accountable for their actions. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any collision we are here for you. You can reach out to us anytime at (888) 441-4991.
