Alcohol a Possible Factor in Fatal Florida Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accident

Polk County Sheriff’s deputies are still conducting their investigation into a hit-and-run bicycle accident in Lakeland that killed a 51-year-old man but claim that they suspect alcohol was a contributing factor. They report that the victim was struck and killed while riding his bike near Deeson Road and Cherry Road around 1:30 a.m. one recent morning. They arrested a 21-year-old Lakeland man in connection with the fatal accident after a local resident found the victim lying in the middle of Deeson Road.

The victim’s sister-in-law told officers that the victim was a carpenter who worked a variety of jobs and rode his bicycle everywhere. The section of Deeson Road where the victim was found is a cul-de-sac with very little traffic. After the first deputy arrived at the accident scene and was making his initial assessment, a black Honda approached driven by the man who deputies eventually arrested in connection with the accident. During the interview, the suspect told deputies that he had left his residence at the end of Deeson Road recently to buy cigarettes but was unaware of an accident.

Deputies smelled alcohol on the suspect’s breath during questioning and requested that he agree to a blood test to determine his blood-alcohol content, which he voluntarily submitted. Further investigation by deputies led them to view the surveillance tape from a nearby Circle K convenience store at 3808 Deeson Road. The tape showed the suspect carefully looking at the front end of the Honda, going into the store to buy an alcoholic beverage and examining the car again, as if he was looking for damage. The suspect faces multiple charges, including leaving the scene of an accident involving a fatality and failure to obtain a valid Florida driver’s license.

You don’t have to be a Central Florida personal injury lawyer to know that the suspect’s legal troubles don’t end with the criminal charges. He could also be liable for damages through a wrongful death lawsuit brought by the victim’s family. The suspect exhibited gross negligence by driving his car while intoxicated, and that negligence was augmented significantly by striking a bicyclist and leaving the scene of the accident to avoid taking responsibility for his actions. If a negligent driver has injured you or a member of your family and you want to speak with an Orlando personal injury lawyer, call James O. Cunningham today at 800-425-2004. He has law offices located throughout Central Florida and can meet you at the office nearest you. Call today for effective and experienced legal representation.

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.