Florida Bicycle Accident Kills Umatilla Woman
An article published in the Daily Commercial reports that a 49-year-old Umatilla woman was struck and killed while riding her bicycle recently. The Florida Highway Patrol said that the woman was struck from behind by a 2008 Toyota that threw her from her bike. She was taken to Florida Hospital Waterman where she was pronounced dead from her injuries. Law enforcement officials investigating the accident say that charges are pending against the 55- year-old driver of the Toyota-also from Umatilla-who told police that the glare from the sun prevented her from seeing the bicyclist.
A FHP report said that both the Toyota and the bicyclist were eastbound on County Road 450 near Peru Road toward Umatilla just before 7:30 am when the car struck the bicyclist from behind with its right front fender. The FHP said that the accident was still under investigation, but they expect to file yet-undetermined charges against the driver of the Toyota.
Bicyclists obeying the law and moving with traffic are at significantly increased risk for being struck and severely injured or killed as vehicles from behind them traveling at much higher speeds don’t always see them or respect their right of way. Other than an occasional helmet, bicyclists have no protection against being struck by a vehicle weighing several thousand pounds. Bicycle riders struck by motor vehicles are frequently killed or suffer catastrophic injuries such as:
- Head injuries
- Paralysis
- Broken bones
- Compound fractures
- Ruptured internal organs
- Severe back injuries
- Crushed limbs
- And other life-changing injuries
If they survive their injuries, they face medical costs as catastrophic as their injuries. The costs of care, prescription medication, physical rehabilitation, lost wages and other accident-related expenses can quickly climb into the hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Orlando bicycle accident lawyer James O. Cunningham has been helping Central Florida bike accident victims recover from their misfortune since 1977. When accident victims are least able to look out for themselves, Mr. Cunningham protects their rights, looks out for their best interests and negotiates with large insurance companies so that his clients can focus on recovering. He provides free consultations and explains each client’s options in clear language so that they can make informed decisions on which course of action will be best for them. Call the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham to schedule your free consultation.
