RSSBicyclist Killed in SUV Accident with Sheriff’s Deputy in Seminole County
According to preliminary collision reports from the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) and local law enforcement agencies, a female bicyclist was fatally injured on November 1st, 2020, after a deputy with the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office crashed into her while she was taking a momentary break from cycling along Snow Hill Road close to Winding River Lane north of Chuluota.
At approximately 7:50 p.m. this past Sunday evening, a 28-year-old deputy from Sanford was driving her marked, department-issued SUV southbound on Snow Hill Road through a remote location outside the city of Chuluota when her vehicle suddenly struck a bicyclist who had been standing in the road. Dash cam video released by the Seminole County Sheriff’s Office and an additional eye-witness statement indicates that the Geneva resident was standing beside her bicycle in the roadway and was having a conversation with her boyfriend, (who was present at the time of the accident), when the deputy’s SUV slammed into her and knocked her to the ground. The deputy immediately administered CPR to the severely injured victim until additional emergency response teams arrived at the scene of the crash and took over life-saving efforts. Sadly, due to the severe nature of her injuries, the bicyclist passed away shortly after the initial collision.
A full investigation into this wrongful accident is currently underway and is being spearheaded by traffic homicide investigators with the Florida Highway Patrol. “Preliminarily, we don’t believe this deputy had time to react as the speed limit out there is 55 mph. We have not reconstructed a speed for her yet, but that will be part of our traffic homicide investigation,” said FHP Lt. Kim Montes in a statement to local media outlets.
Unfortunately, bicycle accidents are a far too common event here in Florida. Our beautiful year-round weather and climate combined with the fact that it’s one of the most popular places in the United States to live and vacation has the potential to create some seriously sticky, and sometimes deadly situations for pedestrians and bicyclists alike. If you or a loved one have been injured in a bicycle accident, please contact the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. today at 877-FL-INJURY to schedule a free 30-minute case evaluation.
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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.