RSSFlorida Town Seeks Grant After Fatal Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents
The recent deaths of a bicyclist and pedestrian have prompted Atlantic Beach officials to request a $97,000 grant to make it safer for Floridians to bike and walk in the city. If the Florida Department of Transportation grants the request, the funds would be used to hire an additional police officer, provide education programs, make areas with heavy bicycle traffic safer and fund an engineering study for recommendations on how to make the city safer for pedestrians and bike enthusiasts. Orlando personal injury lawyer James O. Cunningham is watching developments in this request closely, hopeful that it will be granted and that other Florida cities will take proactive steps to protect bicyclists and pedestrians.
Atlantic Beach Assistant City Manager David Thompson admitted that a recent fatal bicycle accident spurred him to request funding from the state to prevent other accidents in the future. The event that prompted Mr. Thompson’s actions was the death of a 26-year-old Navy Lieutenant due to injuries he suffered in a November 28 hit-and-run bicycle accident. The victim was riding his bike on East Coast Drive near Third Street when he was struck by a SUV. The victim was transported to Shands Jacksonville hospital where he died of his injuries five days later. Police arrested the 29-year-old driver of the SUV a few days later, charging him with leaving the scene of an accident resulting in death.
Thompson also cited a fatal hit-and-run pedestrian accident that occurred last Christmas Eve. According to accident reports, the victim was walking across Seminole Road just north of Atlantic Boulevard around 6:30 p.m. on December 24 when she was struck by a Toyota driven by a 78-year-old man. The victim was airlifted to Shands Jacksonville hospital where she died of her injuries two days later.
As an Orlando personal injury attorney who has been helping people injured in bicycle accidents, pedestrian accidents and other types of accidents since 1977, Mr. Cunningham fully supports any measures that make Florida’s streets and highways safer for everyone. He would like to remind his readers that Florida has the most pedestrian accidents injuries and fatalities every year, and much remains to be done to increase awareness and improve safety. If you or a close family member has been injured in a pedestrian accident, bicycle accident or any other kind of accident caused by negligence, call Mr. Cunningham at 888-425-2004 or 407-425-2000 to schedule a free consultation. Call him today to get his experience, proven record of success and considerable legal skills on your side!
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.