Driver Faces Charges in Fatal 2012 Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accident

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on February 3, 2014

A spokesperson for the Florida Highway Patrol recently announced that they have made an arrest in connection with a fatal hit-and-run bicycle accident that occurred on Sept. 22, 2012, near Apopka. The suspect, 24-year-old Ryan Scott Peterson, turned himself in to troopers recently and faces multiple charges, including leaving the scene of an accident causing death. He is charged with causing the death of a 31-year-old bicyclist, who was found on the shoulder of Orange Blossom Trail around 8 a.m. on Sept. 22. Troopers say that the victim had been struck and killed hours earlier while riding along OBT.

A Crimeline tip eventually led investigators to the suspect, whose 2003 Volkswagen had extensive front-end damage consistent with evidence found at the accident scene. Broken car parts found at the scene matched the make and color of Peterson’s car and red paint found on the Volkswagen matched the paint of the victim’s bicycle. Analysis by investigators at the Florida Department of Law Enforcement determined that fibers found on the Volkswagen were from a backpack the victim was wearing when he was struck and killed. Peterson claimed that he had driven though the crash area on the night of the accident when his windshield suddenly shattered. He told troopers that he had thought that someone had thrown a large rock at his car and left the area to avoid further damage.

Although the FHP accident investigation is ongoing, troopers say that they expect to file additional charges against the suspect. He could also face wrongful death charges in a lawsuit filed by the victim’s family. While no monetary compensation can ever replace a loved one, damages provided by a court award or negotiated settlement could help the family pay funeral expenses, replace lost financial support and compensate them for loss of companionship and other damages.

If your family has lost a loved due to negligence and you have questions about your rights and legal options, call Orlando wrongful death attorney James O. Cunningham today at 877-FL-INJURY (877-354-6587). Since he began practicing law in 1977. Mr. Cunningham has helped countless families receive the fair and just compensation they deserve through his legal skills in court and his negotiating skills during settlement discussions. If you would like to schedule a free consultation with one of the most experienced and respected Orlando personal injury lawyers in the area, call him today and receive answers to your questions and the individual attention you deserve.

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.