Florida Hit-and-Run Leaves Bicyclist Dead
The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) are looking for a driver who allegedly hit and killed a bicyclist. The victim, a 51-year-old native of Brevard County, Florida, was riding his bike on Palm Bay Road and Hollywood Boulevard in West Melbourne on Sunday around midnight.
According to investigators, a motorist, who was driving a 2016 Infiniti, drove into the bicycle lane and hit the cyclist and then fled the scene – leaving the victim lying in the road instead of calling for help. When authorities arrived, the victim was immediately taken to Holmes Regional Medical Center, where he soon after died.
An eye witness followed the car and was able to give authorities a partial license plate number, which then led them to the suspected Infiniti. Although police did find the vehicle’s owner, this person claims to not have been in the car at the time of the hit-and-run.
Even though it was late, the cyclist was taking every precaution. Not only was he using the dedicated and clearly marked bike lane, his bicycle was also equipped with working lights in both the front and back. Since he was clearly visible, it is unlikely that he will be found to have contributed to the accident in any way. Thus, the driver of the vehicle will likely be found to have acted negligent and therefore will be held responsible for the victim’s death in accordance with Florida’s wrongful death statute. This statute allows the surviving family of a person wrongfully killed by another’s negligent act to seek compensation for their loss. Thus, if the victim here has a surviving spouse or children who depended on him for financial and emotional support, they will be able to file a lawsuit against the driver. In the lawsuit, the can seek damages in the form of financial compensation for this loss of support.
If you or a loved one have been injured or killed in a Florida motor vehicle accident, you have the right to seek compensation. To learn more, 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.