A Jacksonville police car struck and killed a man walking his dog Tuesday night. The Jacksonville auto accident occurred as the officer was on his way to an emergency call.
61 year old, Ronnie James Wilson Sr. died at the scene. The Jacksonville Sheriff’s officer was responding to a call for gunshots on the north side of Jacksonville. Mr. Wilson was struck and killed while walking his dog across the street.
Under Florida Statute 768.28 the Sheriff’s office may have a claim for damages filed against it if it is proven the officer was negligent and caused the wrongful death. The Sheriff’s Office can be liable for Florida automobile accidents in the same manner and to the same extent as a private individual. Neither the state nor its agencies or subdivisions shall be liable to pay a claim or a judgment by any one person which exceeds the sum of $100,000 or any claim or judgment, or portions thereof, which, when totaled with all other claims or judgments paid by the state or its agencies or subdivisions arising out of the same incident or occurrence, exceeds the sum of $200,000. However, a judgment or judgments may be claimed and rendered in excess of these amounts and may be settled and paid pursuant to this act up to $100,000 or $200,000, as the case may be; and that portion of the judgment that exceeds these amounts may be reported to the Legislature, but may be paid in part or in whole only by further act of the Legislature..