Vehicle struck the man walking along the eastbound lane in Collins
March 28, 2026 | Collins, NY
Patrick E. Kerby, 47, of Fleming, Florida, died after being struck by a vehicle while walking along Route 39 in Collins, according to the Erie County Medical Examiner's Office and New York State Police.
Patrick E. Kerby, 47, was killed after a Dodge Ram struck him while walking in the eastbound lane of Route 39 in Collins.
What Happened in the Crash?
The incident occurred around 6:30 a.m. on a Saturday when Kerby was walking in the eastbound lane of Route 39. A 2013 Dodge Ram traveling eastbound struck him, and he was pronounced dead at the scene due to blunt force trauma, ruled accidental by autopsy.
- Victim: Patrick E. Kerby, 47, from Fleming, Florida
- Location: Eastbound Route 39, Collins, New York
- Time: Approximately 6:30 a.m.
- Vehicle Involved: 2013 Dodge Ram
- Driver: 52-year-old man, who remained at the scene and cooperated with no signs of impairment
- Charges: None announced at this time
- Agency: New York State Police continuing investigation
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?
Pedestrian fatalities remain a significant concern on U.S. roadways, often due to factors like driver inattention, poor visibility, and infrastructure issues. The Governors Highway Safety Association reported approximately 3,304 pedestrians killed in the first half of 2024.
Statistic |
Value |
Source |
|---|
Pedestrian Deaths (First Half 2024) |
3,304 |
Governors Highway Safety Association |
Annual U.S. Pedestrian Fatalities (Average) |
About 7,500 |
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration |
Common Contributing Factors |
Driver distraction, speeding, and inadequate lighting |
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) |
These preventable tragedies highlight the need for heightened awareness from drivers to yield to pedestrians and maintain vigilance.
Legal Insights
National legal analysts emphasize the importance of thorough investigations in pedestrian collisions to establish accountability and support affected families.
“Having the proper resources is extremely important to investigate a pedestrian accident case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, managing partner at Bond Legal and a national legal analyst for Newsline. “Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all possible contributing factors that are considered and must be thoroughly examined. These procedures are necessary for helping those who have lost a loved one receive the justice that they deserve.”
“An accident reconstruction team is sometimes needed to help piece together what happened. All of these resources are necessary for helping clients receive monetary compensation for damages or a loss following a collision,” added Bond.
- Drivers have a duty to yield to pedestrians in all scenarios.
- Investigations should examine environmental factors like lighting and road design.
- Professional analysis can aid in determining negligence without speculation.
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal and a national legal analyst for Newsline. “In cases such as this, family members may seek damages for loss of income and companionship, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and emotional distress.”
“Insurance companies often try to pressure victims to settle for a quick payout for far less than the case is worth. However, an attorney will vigorously advocate for their client to ensure that they are treated with respect and compensated fairly,” noted Formica.
For those navigating wrongful death claims, professional guidance can protect rights and pursue fair compensation.
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Candice Bond, national legal analyst for Newsline, has extensive experience with fatal pedestrian accidents. If you or a loved one needs help, she offers free consultations.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).