RSSElderly Bicyclist Injured in SUV Collision Near The Villages
It was shortly before 10:00 this past Sunday morning when local 9-1-1 centers first started to receive calls referencing a near-fatal bicycle accident in The Villages. Preliminary crash reports from the Florida Highway Patrol officers working within Sumter County indicate that this bike crash occurred on July 19th, 2020, after an SUV collided with the rider, severely injuring him.
According to FHP investigators, a 66-year-old was riding his bicycle on the inside lane of the Buena Vista Boulevard roundabout when a 69-year-old driving her sports utility vehicle approached the area from the westbound direction on Pinellas Place. Witnesses to the bike crash stated that as the SUV started to merge their vehicle into the traffic circle, the driver suddenly changed lanes within the roundabout and almost immediately crashed into the cyclist.
As soon as Sumter County emergency responders arrived at the scene of the accident, they began to assess and attend to the badly injured bicyclist. Although the man was wearing a helmet at the time of the crash, additional injuries to the rest of his body were severe and he was urgently transported by ambulance to a local hospital where he remains in critical condition. The driver of the SUV and her 99-year-old passenger were uninjured. The Florida Highway Patrol is currently investigating this collision, however, it is unclear at this time whether or not the driver of the SUV will face any related charges.
Bicycle and pedestrian accidents are two of the most common types of crashes to occur in Florida, especially in popular retirement communities such as The Villages which are typically made up of many “mini-cities” composed of retirees making the most of their golden years. Unfortunately, many of these people are put at risk by drivers who are distracted with their cell phones, drivers who are under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and drivers who are otherwise engaging their vehicle in a reckless manner.
Here at the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A., we have been fighting for the rights of bicycle accident victims for over forty years. For additional information, or to schedule a free 30-minute case evaluation, please contact us today at 877-FL-INJURY.
Sources:
- Bicyclist hit by SUV while riding in Sumter County traffic circle
- Bicyclist suffers serious injuries following crash in The Villages
- Bicyclist seriously injured after hit in roundabout in The Villages
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.