Former Mayor of Kissimmee, Florida Killed While Riding Bike

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on April 9, 2017

Frank Attkisson, a former mayor of Kissimmee, Florida, was killed after being hit by a car while riding his bike on Thursday night. The 61 year old was riding his bike on Kissimmee Park Road near Tohopekaliga around 7:00 PM in the evening when he was hit from behind by a Hyundai Elantra. Attkisson was taken to Osceola Regional Medical Center, where he was later pronounced dead. Police are currently investigating the accident.

According to a report by the Orlando Sentinel, the city is in shock about the news. “We miss him and we offer our support and condolences to his family, who were always his top priority,” Osceola County Commission Chairman Brandon Arrington told the paper.

Unfortunately, the Kissimmee and Orlando area is all too familiar with pedestrian and biking accidents. According to a recent report, the area reported 575 pedestrian fatalities in 2015 alone. Orlando also consistently ranks as one of the worst cities for cyclists, and it is currently listed as the third worst city for pedestrians. According to Dangerous by Design, in 2016 Orlando had a Pedestrian Danger Index of 234.7 – not so good when compared to the national average of 53.8.

If you are ever involved in a car versus bicycle accident, it is imperative that the first thing you do is to immediately seek medical treatment. Even if you don’t think you are injured, always go see a doctor. Failure to do so could jeopardize your future ability to file a lawsuit and seek compensation for your injuries. By going to a doctor you create an official medical record from which you can base your claim on. Second, do not discuss the issue of fault, your injuries or anything else relating to the accident with anyone – especially an insurance carrier. Anything you say could severely limit your right to compensation. Third, you should contact a Florida personal injury attorney specializing in representing injured bicyclists. He or she will be able to evaluate your case and to guide you through the complex process of filing a Florida personal injury lawsuit.

To ensure you get the compensation you deserve, contact the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. today and schedule your free initial consultation.

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.