A devastating pedestrian accident in West Palm Beach is drawing attention to the dangers faced by those traveling on foot, especially along high-traffic corridors like Military Trail.
On the evening of March 11, 68-year-old Cindi Cox attempted to cross Military Trail near Belvedere Road—a major intersection in Palm Beach County. According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office, Cox was struck by a Nissan sedan around 8:15 p.m. and tragically died from her injuries. Authorities reported that she was improperly crossing the eight-lane roadway and was not wearing reflective clothing, making it difficult for the driver to see her in time to avoid the collision.
The driver remained at the scene and, according to the crash report, was not cited for any offenses.
A Deadly Reminder of Pedestrian Vulnerability
This heartbreaking incident underscores the growing concern around pedestrian safety in South Florida. Wide roads, limited crossing infrastructure, poor visibility, and high-speed traffic combine to create dangerous conditions—particularly for seniors and those walking at night.
While the report suggests the victim was crossing improperly, the question remains: Are our roads safe for pedestrians at all?
At GOLDLAW, we believe that pedestrian fatalities are rarely the result of a single factor. They often point to larger systemic issues, such as:
- Inadequate pedestrian crosswalks or crossing signals
- Poor lighting in high-traffic areas
- Lack of pedestrian infrastructure planning in urban design
- Limited public education on driver and pedestrian awareness
Legal and Safety Considerations
Even when a pedestrian is deemed “at fault” in a crash, families may still have legal options—especially if the roadway design, signage, or lighting conditions contributed to the incident. In cases like these, it’s important to conduct a full investigation and consider whether the environment itself played a role in creating a deadly situation.
Families should also know that they might be entitled to compensation through avenues like uninsured motorist coverage or wrongful death claims, depending on the circumstances.
What You Can Do
Whether you’re a driver or a pedestrian, here are a few key safety tips to help prevent similar tragedies:
- Pedestrians: Use designated crosswalks, wear light or reflective clothing at night, and stay alert to your surroundings.
- Drivers: Slow down in high-foot-traffic areas, especially after dark. Always be vigilant, even when you don’t expect someone to be crossing.
- Local Officials: Continue investing in infrastructure that prioritizes pedestrian safety—especially in busy corridors like Military Trail.
We’re Here to Help
If you or someone you love has been injured—or worse—killed in a pedestrian crash, GOLDLAW can help you navigate the legal process with compassion and care. We’ve handled countless pedestrian injury and wrongful death cases across Palm Beach County and are committed to fighting for the justice families deserve.
Call GOLDLAW today at 561-222-2222 for a free consultation.
