U of F Student Critically Injured in Hit-and-Run Bicycle Accident

A University of Florida student is receiving care at Shands at the University of Florida and hospitalized in extremely critical condition after she was struck and injured in a recent hit-and-run bicycle accident. Accident investigators say that the 21-year-old woman was riding her bike near Southwest 16th Avenue near Archer Road when she was struck by a driver who fled the accident scene without stopping to help. She is being treated for severe head trauma, a broken arm and two broken legs, according to a Gainesville Police officer. He reports that a vehicle believed to be involved in the accident has been recovered, but no arrest has been made in connection with the incident.

Gainesville Police Lt. Bruce Giles said that the accident occurred around 12:52 a.m. one recent morning when the rider was struck by a white sedan.

"Witnesses heard the crash, looked and observed her flying through the air and saw a white vehicle traveling down the road," he said. "Due to the damage on the vehicle that was located, we are 100 percent certain it is the vehicle involved."

Giles said that police issued a bulletin for the car, which was eventually found in a deserted area near Southwest 131st Lane. An anonymous tip from someone who spotted the car led authorities to the location, where officers found damage on the vehicle consistent with a bicycle accident. However, they found no trace of the hit-and-run driver.

"We believe that whoever was driving the car was picked up by someone else," Giles said.

Anyone who witnessed or knows anything about this accident is asked to contact the Gainesville Police Department at 352-955-1818.

Head injuries are especially devastating, and victims often face a very long and expensive road to recovery. The critical care that this young woman is receiving will quickly climb into the hundreds of thousands of dollars, and when combined with physical rehabilitation and other types of ongoing care, her bills are likely to climb much higher. If you are injured in a bicycle accident and would like to seek legal action against the person responsible for your injuries to help pay medical expenses and other bills, call 386-243-4994 today. Orlando bicycle accident attorney James O. Cunningham has been helping injured people receive the fair and just compensation they deserve since 1977 and has a proven record of success in bike accident cases. If you have questions about your rights and legal options, call today to speak with one of the most experienced Orlando personal injury lawyers in the area.

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.