Toddler Dies After Pickup Runs Over Him
Florida State troopers say that an Orlando toddler has died after being run over by a pickup truck driven by his father.
According to a Florida Highway Patrol report, Jose Manuel Cruz was driving out of a driveway Thursday afternoon when he realized he had forgotten something and put the truck in reverse so he could return to the house.
Cruz’s 2-year-old son Prince was being watched by a 16-year-old baby-sitter. Troopers say that somehow the toddler got outside and walked behind the reversing truck without Cruz seeing him.
The child was pronounced dead at the scene. State Troopers say that the crash remains under investigation.
Nothing can ease the pain and suffering of a parent whose child has been tragically injured or killed in an accident. When a child is killed in an accident involving the parents or a child care provider, the tragic loss of a child can be even more devastating.
Every year thousands of children are either injured or killed by automobiles. Some of these tragedies occur because a driver backing out of a driveway or parking space didn’t see the child. Approximately 50 backup injuries involving a child will happen each week.
There are ways that parents and other adults can lessen the chance of a backup accident and to keep their child safe from danger.
- Get into the habit of walking behind your vehicle prior to getting into the car or moving it.
- When backing up any vehicle, and especially in a truck or SUV, visibility is challenged. Check your mirrors and move slowly.
- Make sure that children know that when you are in the car, they need to stay back. Know where the children are at.. Having another adult present to supervise the children is helpful, but as in this case, accidents can still happen. Close supervision lessens the chances of a tragic accident.
- Teach your children to never play in, around or behind a vehicle. Also teach them that even a car that they think is parked can pose a danger. Even if you don’t believe that your vehicle will roll where you have parked it, make it a habit to always set the emergency brake.
- Driveways, parking lots and carports are tempting places for children to play. Keep toys, games and sports equipment safely away from these areas that naturally attract children.
- Keep vehicles locked at all times; even in the garage or driveway, and keep all sets of keys away from and out of the reach of children.
If your child or loved one has been involved in a back-over accident, having an experienced lawyer working for you is important. Our attorneys are supportive and mindful of potentially tragic situations. We will take the necessary time to explain all possible options to help with medical and treatment costs, funeral and other costs, as well as pain and suffering or possible wrongful death. Give our offices a call. Your initial consultation is both confidential and without cost or obligation to you.