[06-04-24] ‘You Could Have Stopped’: St. Pete Police Searching for Hit-And-Run Driver

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. (WFLA) — St. Pete police are asking for help finding a dark-colored sedan, with front-end damage on the left side.

Investigators believe the car was involved in a hit-and-run that left a victim, identified as 35-year-old Derick Gamble, with life-threatening injuries.

“It is like a sad sick person, to hit someone and keep going, you could have stopped and checked on him, and called the paramedics anything,” a family friend said.

Lieutenant Jason Levey said Gamble was crossing Dr. Martin Luther King Street pushing a dolly.

“Unfortunately, it was a dimly lit area, so we are asking for help from the public if they saw anything or heard anything give us a call,” Levey said.

Police said Gamble was not in a crosswalk, but because the driver left the scene, this case is now a criminal investigation.

“Stay, render aid. If you leave, you just make the situation worse. If that person would have stayed, if they were not intoxicated or under any influence, they probably would not have been at fault,” Levey added.

Gamble’s friend said he is known for his generosity and expressed heartbreak that no one stopped to help him.

“I just pray he gets justice, that all I am hoping for he gets justice, and I am praying to God he pulls through and not leave his family this soon,” Levey said.

Gamble was taken to Orlando Health Bayfront Hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Source : News Channel 8

(Credit : NBC News)

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CAR ACCIDENT STATISTICS

Car accidents remain a major safety concern across the United States. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, an estimated 39,345 people died in traffic crashes nationwide in 2024. Traffic deaths decreased from 2023, but serious and fatal crashes continue to affect thousands of families each year.

Florida continues to see hundreds of thousands of crashes annually. According to Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were 381,210 reportable traffic crashes in Florida in 2024. Those crashes resulted in 3,184 deaths.

The problem also affects St. Petersburg and Pinellas County. In 2024, Pinellas County recorded more than 14,000 motor vehicle traffic crashes.

Car accidents can involve two vehicles, several vehicles, pedestrians, motorcycles, or commercial trucks. Multi-vehicle crashes can become especially complicated because more than one driver may share responsibility and several insurance policies may apply.

Common factors that can contribute to serious car accidents include:

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If you or someone you love has been injured in a crash, a St. Petersburg car accident lawyer can investigate what happened and help determine which parties and insurance policies may be responsible.

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

Personal Injury Attorneys McQuaid & Douglas represent people injured in car accidents throughout St. Petersburg and Pinellas County. Serious crashes can lead to extensive medical treatment, lost income, long-term injuries, and significant changes to a person’s daily life.

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When a car accident results in the loss of a loved one, eligible family members may also be able to pursue a wrongful death claim. Although compensation cannot undo the loss, a wrongful death claim can help families pursue accountability and recover damages allowed under Florida law.

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

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