Many people have heard that most accidents happen close to home, which is a statistical likelihood since that’s where most folks spend their time. However, there’s something to be said for these accidents taking place at the commencement of a trip when the anticipation to get from point A to point B may be at its highest.
19-year-old Nicholas Melgar was behind the wheel of his 2012 Mazda 6 on the morning of November 15, having just recently departed a McDonald’s parking lot. While he was looking to get back on the road at West Commercial Boulevard, Melgar struck 67-year-old Jeanne Jean with his vehicle.
Paramedics transported Jean to Broward Health Medical Center, where she later died.
Jean had just gotten off a city bus a few minutes before the incident and was walking on the sidewalk in the direction of the parking lot before being hit.
Melgar was stopped at a stop sign before he was about to turn, but apparently didn’t see Jean, as the car began to move forward while the senior citizen was directly in front of it.
The investigation remains ongoing to see what other factors or circumstances might help explain what took place that fateful morning. Allegedly, Melgar initially kept driving after Jean was hit, but he returned to the scene of the accident shortly after to speak with law enforcement officials. At this time, he has not been formally charged.
This is a sad event for the professionals of Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath to hear about, and we extended our heartfelt condolences to the friends and family of Jean. If you’re ever hurt in a car accident, we can be reached at (561) 655-1990.
