Authorities with the Pinellas Park Police Department have opened a formal investigation into an accident involving a 36-year-old bicyclist who was struck and severely injured early Monday morning along Bryan Dairy Road close to U.S. Highway 19.
According to preliminary accident reports from the Pinellas Park Police Department, it was approximately 6:45 a.m. on August 23, 2021, when a 45-year-old man from Tampa was driving a white Dodge Durango in the westbound direction of Bryan Dairy Road, west of U.S. Highway 19 North. At this same time, 36-year-old Bradenton resident Kandice Hamel was riding an electric bicycle in the area and attempted to cross the center median close to the Durango’s location. This dangerous maneuver placed her in the direct path of the oncoming Dodge and the bicyclist was struck by the SUV before the driver even had time to react. The impact from the collision was so forceful that it violently ejected the victim from her bike.
Pinellas County emergency response teams arrived at the scene of the bicycle accident to find the female victim suffering from multiple life-threatening injuries. She was immediately transported to Bayfront Health St. Petersburg where she remains in critical condition. The 45-year-old driver of the Dodge Durango was unharmed in the incident and stayed at the crash site in order to give officers his full statement regarding the collision.
Although it is still quite early in the investigation, local Pinellas County officials do not currently believe that drugs or alcohol played a role in the accident. Further information will be released to the public as it becomes available. Motorists traveling westbound on Bryan Dairy Road were diverted by police officers for nearly three hours, but the street has since reopened to the full flow of traffic.
Since 1977, Florida auto accident attorney James O. Cunningham has been fighting for the rights of victims who have been seriously injured or killed in bicycle accidents, distracted driving accidents, drunk driver crashes, hit-and-run collisions, and pedestrian accidents. If you would like to speak with one of our qualified legal associates, please contact us today at 386-243-4994 to schedule a free 30-minute case 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.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a vehicle accident, call at (386) 243-4994.
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