RSS16-Year-Old Cyclist Killed Near Tampa
Close to Tampa, in Brandon, a 16-year-old was on their bicycle on the evening of Sunday, January 5th, and riding down North Parsons Avenue. According to reports from the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office, the teenager was on their bike at close to 7:30 in the evening and was headed towards the intersection of North Parsons Avenue and Clemons Road. At this same time, a red 2000 Ford Explorer was traveling northward down North Parsons Avenue.
Deputies stated that the driver of the SUV told them that they noticed the cyclist only moments after the 16-year-old swerved into the path of their vehicle. This statement was included in the official report. What was not included in the report was information on whether or not the cyclist had any sort of lights on their bicycle to alert drivers to their presence. It is also not known if the cyclist was wearing a helmet at the time.
According to the Hillsborough County deputies, after the cyclist swerved into the lane of the SUV there was no time for the driver of the SUV to do anything to avoid the collision. Subsequently, the SUV struck the cyclist with tremendous force as it was still traveling at full speed down the road. The cyclist was thrown from the vehicle as a result of the impact and sustained severe injuries upon hitting the ground.
It is not clear if it was the driver of the SUV who notified emergency response crews regarding the incident or if some other individual called 9-1-1, but soon there were deputies, paramedics, and EMT’s at the scene. They attempted to aid the badly injured cyclist, but the injuries the individual suffered in the accident were too severe for real medical assistance. It is believed that they were declared dead at the scene of the incident.
The driver of the SUV remained at the crash site during the preliminary investigation. Reports suggested that this person showed no signs of impairment. While the investigation into the accident remains ongoing, it is not believed that any charges are currently pending against any of the individuals involved in the case.
Sources:
James O. Cunningham
Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.
Mr. Cunningham is an excellent and knowledgeable attorney.