Trinity Kornegay Injured in St. Johns County Pedestrian A...
11-year-old hospitalized with severe injuries after being hit by a car near Jackson Park Drive and Woodlawn Road
Trinity Kornegay, 11, was hospitalized with serious injuries after being struck by a car in St. Johns County, her mother, Diajah Cooper, said. The crash happened around 4 p.m. on March 30 near the corner of Jackson Park Drive and Woodlawn Road, north of State Road 16.
Kornegay was crossing the street when she was hit by a vehicle, her mother Diajah Cooper said. Emergency crews airlifted Kornegay to a hospital. She suffered multiple broken bones and internal bleeding.
The St. Johns County Sheriff's Office has not yet released a crash report. The agency has not publicly shared details about what caused the crash. The investigation remains ongoing.
The accident involving Trinity Kornegay highlights the risks pedestrians face on roadways. Kornegay's mother, Diajah Cooper, noted there is no marked crosswalk at the intersection where her daughter was hurt.
Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal, noted that "When a driver's actions cause harm, the legal system provides a pathway for injured parties to recover damages."
Investigators will examine all causes, including traffic conditions, driver visibility, and whether either party was distracted. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), pedestrian deaths reached 7,314 in 2023, with over 68,000 injured nationwide. These incidents often highlight the need for improved pedestrian safety measures, such as clearly marked crosswalks and proper signage.
Families of injured pedestrians often face mounting medical bills and an uncertain recovery process. Stefano Formica, Of Counsel at Bond Legal, stated that "I've seen how a few seconds of distraction at a busy intersection can lead to a lifetime of regret. Investigators look at steering angles and braking patterns because they don't lie about what really happened." An independent investigation is important to determine liability and ensure that all available evidence is preserved. The driver involved in the accident remained at the scene, according to Kornegay's mother. This fact could be important for the investigation.
Florida follows a modified comparative fault (51% bar) system, effective 2023. The statute of limitations was reduced from 4 years to 2 years in 2023.
Damages include economic losses (medical expenses, lost wages) and non-economic losses (pain, suffering). Florida's PIP no-fault insurance covers initial medical costs up to $10,000 regardless of fault.