Man struck while using crosswalk near Fred Nimmer Apartments
January 13, 2026 | Akron, OH
A 62-year-old Akron resident, Teodoro Garcia Orrala, lost his life after being struck by a vehicle while crossing Brittain Road in a designated crosswalk.
The incident occurred shortly after 6 p.m. on Jan. 13, highlighting ongoing concerns about pedestrian safety in urban areas.
Teodoro Garcia Orrala, 62, of Akron died after a vehicle struck him in the crosswalk on Brittain Road near the entrance to the Fred Nimmer Apartments.
What Happened in the Crash?
Authorities from the Akron Police Department responded to the scene near the entrance to Fred Nimmer Apartments. Key details include:
- Victim: Teodoro Garcia Orrala, 62, of Akron
- Location: Brittain Road crosswalk, near Fred Nimmer Apartments
- Time: Shortly after 6 p.m. on Jan. 13
- Vehicle Involved: Driven by a 24-year-old motorist
- Immediate Response: Garcia Orrala was rushed to Summa Health Akron City Hospital but was pronounced dead upon arrival
The driver stayed at the scene and assisted investigators. Preliminary findings indicate no involvement of alcohol or drugs, and no charges have been filed yet.
Why Do Pedestrian Accidents Like This Occur?
Pedestrian incidents often stem from a mix of environmental and behavioral factors. Common contributors in urban settings include:
- Poor visibility due to lighting or weather
- Driver inattention or failure to yield
- Road design issues, such as inadequate crosswalk markings
- High traffic volumes during evening hours
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), pedestrian deaths reached 7,522 in 2022, the highest since 1981, representing 17% of all traffic fatalities.
Year |
Pedestrian Fatalities |
Percentage of Total Traffic Deaths |
Source |
|---|
2022 |
7,522 |
17% |
NHTSA |
2021 |
7,388 |
16% |
NHTSA |
2020 |
6,694 |
15% |
NHTSA |
This table illustrates the rising trend in pedestrian risks on U.S. roadways, based on data from the NHTSA.
Legal Insights on Pedestrian Crashes
In cases such as this involving motor vehicle collisions with pedestrians, national legal analysts provide valuable perspectives on contributing factors and potential recourse.
“Road conditions, visibility, and lighting are all possible contributing factors considered and examined,” said Candice Bond, managing partner with Bond Legal. “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.”
Key takeaways from analyst insights:
- Drivers generally have a duty to yield to pedestrians in crosswalks
- Investigations may involve detailed reconstructions to determine the right-of-way
- Families may pursue claims for wrongful death, covering lost income, companionship, pain and suffering, funeral costs, and emotional distress
“It is almost always a driver’s duty to yield to any pedestrian,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel at Bond Legal. “Family members of wrongful death victims may seek damages for loss of income and companionship, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident.”
Analysts emphasize that legal representation can guide families through insurance negotiations, ensuring fair compensation without pressure for quick settlements.
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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).