Matthew Davis Killed in Leesburg Pedestrian Accident
The fatal collision occurred on Citrus Boulevard near North Shore Drive
Florida ranks third highest nationally for pedestrian death, a grim statistic reflected in a recent Lake County collision. Matthew Davis, 52, of Leesburg, was killed in a pedestrian accident on Citrus Boulevard near North Shore Drive in Leesburg on April 28, according to the Leesburg Police Department.
A northbound 2014 Chevrolet Camaro struck the pedestrian in the outside lane at approximately 8:35 p.m. The 66-year-old driver of the car remained at the scene.
Lake County Fire Rescue and Leesburg Fire Department paramedics treated the victim before transporting him to UF Health Leesburg Hospital. He later died from his injuries.
The collision adds to a rising toll across the state, where preliminary 2024 data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles shows over 430 pedestrian death. Pedestrians account for more than 20% of Florida's total motor vehicle deaths despite representing a fraction of overall traffic incidents.
Authorities closed the northbound lanes of Citrus Boulevard for approximately four hours to conduct an on-scene investigation. The Leesburg Police Department Traffic Unit continues to investigate the collision.
How common are pedestrian death on Lake County corridors?
The loss of a loved one in a sudden traffic collision leaves families searching for answers, particularly when the victim was walking along a busy local roadway. In pedestrian accidents such as this, traffic safety analysts point to infrastructure gaps and lighting as recurring factors. National Legal Analyst Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal. "Having the proper resources is extremely important in order to investigate a pedestrian accident case and prove negligence, Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must thoroughly be examined. These procedures are necessary for helping those who have lost a loved one receive the justice and monetary compensation that they deserve."
What do investigators look for in a Citrus Boulevard collision?
National Legal Analyst Stefano Formica, Of Counsel at Bond Legal, noted that "We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital. A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help protect their legal rights and best interests."
Law enforcement and independent investigators will need to examine a multitude of secondary factors, including the vehicle's speed, the driver's level of attention, and the exact lighting conditions at 8:35 p.m. on Citrus Boulevard. While preliminary reports indicate the pedestrian was in the outside lane, a full reconstruction is often required to determine right-of-way and reaction times.
Florida wrongful death statute
Under Fla. Stat. § 768.16-768.26, surviving family members may file a wrongful death action. Florida applies modified comparative fault (51% bar). The statute of limitations is 2 years from the date of death.
Recoverable damages may include loss of support and services, loss of companionship, mental pain and suffering of survivors, and medical/funeral expenses.