Two Florida Men Killed, One Injured in Bicycle Accident

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on May 5, 2012

Three longtime friends and passionate cyclists were halfway through an 850-mile journey when the trip ended in tragedy. Two of the Sanford men were killed and the other injured when they were struck by a van while riding through rural Georgia. The men were indulging their love of cycling and spending time together while raising money for a DeBary-based Christian mission. Their journey began when they loaded their bikes into a rental van bound for Washington, D.C., where they posed for pictures in their riding gear in front of the White House and began their trip back home to Central Florida.

Around 10 p.m. on April 26, the group of friends were riding along Highway 17 near Eulonia, Ga., when a van approached them from behind and hit them. A trooper with the Georgia Highway Patrol reported that the riders had lots of lighting, reflective gear and other attention-getting devices on their bikes and clothing when they were hit although the driver of the van reported that he was unable to see them before the accident.

The three victims were all very active in their community and widely respected for supporting charitable organizations here in Florida and abroad. The survivor suffered a broken leg, broken ribs and other injuries but is expected to make a full recovery.

"What I’m going through now is nothing compared to losing them," the survivor said. "They were more than my friends. They were like my brothers."

The men were not in the habit of riding at night, but were inspired to do so after discovering that the hotel room they had reserved only had one bed and no air conditioning. No other rooms at the hotel were available, so they decided to head to the next town in search of better accommodations.

Although this bicycle accident occurred in Georgia, it illustrates the dangers that riders face throughout the region, particularly in densely populated areas such as the Orlando metropolitan area. If you or a close family member has been injured in a bicycle accident and you want to speak with an experienced Orlando bicycle accident attorney to learn more about your rights and legal options, call 888-425-2004 today. Scheduling a free consultation with James O. Cunningham is a very practical way to learn more about your rights, the law and your legal options so that you can make informed decisions about which course of action will be best for you and your family. He has law offices conveniently located throughout Central Florida, so call today to get an experienced Orlando personal injury lawyer 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.