[06-08-25] Man Arrested in Fatal Tampa Traffic Crash

Tampa Police recently arrested 25-year-old Jefry Maldonado Hernandez, charging him in connection to a fatal traffic crash that resulted in the death of an adult male.

The fatal crash occurred at Busch Blvd. and Armenia Ave.

“We are deeply saddened by the tragic death of an innocent man this morning, and our Victims Advocate will work to aid his grieving family as they navigate this incredible loss,” said Tampa Police Chief Lee Bercaw. “This was not an accident, but the result of a driver’s criminal actions and reckless decision to operate a vehicle while impaired. DUI is a completely avoidable act that destroys lives. We are committed to standing with this family throughout their profound loss, ensuring a thorough investigation and the pursuit of justice.”

At approximately 3:23am, Maldonado Hernandez was driving a black Dodge Ram pick-up truck eastbound on W Busch Blvd, approaching N Armenia Ave.

At the same time, a green Lexus RX300, being driven by an adult male in his early 60s, was stopped facing southbound on N Armenia Ave at W Busch Blvd. Once the light changed to green for the Lexus, it continued southbound crossing over W Busch Blvd.

Witnesses informed investigators that Maldonado Hernandez sped up to “beat the light” when it changed to yellow. Evidence suggests Maldonado Hernandez continued eastbound on W Busch Blvd and ran the red light at a high rate of speed, crashing into the Lexus and flipping the Ram onto its side.

The driver of the Lexus suffered traumatic injuries from the collision. Although he was quickly transported to a nearby hospital for critical care, at 4:06am, he was pronounced deceased.

Officers observed Maldonado Hernandez to have obvious signs of impairment as the investigation unfolded.

According to local law enforcement, Maldonado Hernandez was arrested and charged with Vehicular Homicide, DUI Manslaughter, and Driving Without a Valid Drivers License (with Death or Serious Bodily Injury) and was transported to Orient Road Jail.

Source : West Orlando News

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If you or a loved one were involved in or affected by this accident and would like the incident’s official Police Report, Personal Injury Attorneys McQuaid & Douglas might be able to help.

PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT STATISTICS

Florida continues to be one of the most dangerous states for pedestrian and motor vehicle accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, 7,080 pedestrians were killed in traffic crashes nationwide in 2024. More than 71,000 pedestrians were also injured.

The risks are particularly serious in Florida. According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, 701 pedestrians were killed in Florida traffic crashes in 2024. Pedestrian deaths accounted for approximately 22% of all traffic fatalities in the state that year.

Florida also ranked second in the nation for pedestrian fatality rates in Smart Growth America’s Dangerous by Design 2024 report. The Tampa-St. Petersburg-Clearwater metropolitan area ranked eighth among the nation’s 101 largest metro areas, with 599 pedestrian deaths from 2018 through 2022.

For pedestrians in St. Petersburg and throughout Pinellas County, these numbers highlight the continuing risks of walking near busy roads and intersections. All car accidents can cause serious injuries, but pedestrians are especially vulnerable. Without the protection of a vehicle, even a relatively low-speed collision can cause significant or life-changing injuries.

ST. PETERSBURG PEDESTRIAN ACCIDENT LAWYERS FOR VICTIMS OF MOTOR VEHICLE COLLISIONS

If you or a loved one has been injured in a pedestrian and vehicle collision in St. Petersburg or elsewhere in Pinellas County, personal injury attorneys Sean McQuaid and Jonathon Douglas can help you understand your options for seeking compensation.

McQuaid and Douglas have extensive experience handling motor vehicle accidents involving pedestrians. They can investigate what happened, deal with the insurance companies, and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other accident-related losses.

Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid, P.A. is one of Florida’s oldest and most established law firms, with a long history of recognition for client advocacy across multiple legal fields. The firm continues to receive professional recognition for its attorneys and legal services. Sean McQuaid has been selected to Florida Super Lawyers every year from 2016 through 2026. In 2026, six Battaglia, Ross, Dicus & McQuaid attorneys were recognized by Florida Super Lawyers or Rising Stars. The firm was also recognized in the 2026 edition of Best Lawyers® “Best Law Firms.”

Call Personal Injury Attorneys McQuaid & Douglas at (727) 381-2300 or schedule a free consultation to speak with a St. Petersburg pedestrian accident attorney about your case.

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