A chain-reaction car accident in Clearwater left a pedestrian and Florida Highway Patrol officer seriously injured.
Around 7:10 p.m. on Tuesday, a Florida Highway Patrol vehicle, a 2004 Mercedes and a tow truck were pulled over on U.S. 19 north of Curlew Road in the left northbound turn lane while the FHP community service officer investigated an earlier crash.
According to the St. Petersburg Times, 22-year-old Rlandy Abbarno of Safety Harbor, was heading north in the right travel lane when he lost control and hit the Florida Highway Patrol cruiser. The cruiser knocked into Officer John Manna and a pedestrian, 74-year-old Marion Carl Nest. The cruiser then hit the Mercedes in front of it and the tow truck, FHP said. Officer Manna and Mr. Nest were taken to Bayfront Medical Center.
This is a perfect example of why Florida has the "Move Over" law. Under the Move Over law, all drivers are required to slow to a speed that is 20 miles per hour less than the posted speed limit. Also, if a driver is driving on an interstate or roadway with multiple lanes of travel in the same direction, and you approach an emergency or law enforcement vehicle parked along the roadway, you must vacate the lane closest to that vehicle as soon as it is safe to do so. If you are not able to safely move over, you must slow down to a speed of 20 MPH below the posted speed limit unless directed otherwise by a law enforcement officer. Had this law been followed, Officer Manna and Marion Nest may be at home enjoying time with family instead of being in the hospital.
Follow the Move Over law. It can prevent you from getting a ticket and it could save an officer's (and bystanders') life.
For information about your rights after a Florida car accident, click here to arrange a free case consultation with Personal Injury Attorney Matthew Noyes. Insurance companies have lawyers working for them-so should you!
