Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Blog
GAINESVILLE, FL – The Florida Highway Patrol said a man riding a bicycle was struck and killed early Wednesday morning by a Marion County Sheriff’s deputy’s vehicle, according to the Ocala Star-Banner.
The accident happened on State Road 200 just east of SW 80 Avenue just before 3:30 a.m.
The FHP said the bicyclist and the marked sheriff’s SUV were both going east on the roadway. The deputy did not see the bicyclist and struck the bike from behind. The rider, a 63-year-old Gainesville man, was pronounced dead at the scene. The deputy stopped after the incident.
An investigation determined that the bicycle rider was not in the bike lane at the time of the crash, but was in the travel lane. The bicycle did not have lighting or reflectors, and the incident happened in a dark area without street lighting, authorities said.
The deputy had just left a call and did not have his lights and siren activated.
At Whittel & Melton, we have years of experience and knowledge about claims involving bicycle accidents throughout the state of Florida. Our Marion County bicycle accident lawyers represent the interests of victims injured in bicycle accidents by pursuing available claims against the responsible party. If you have been injured in such an accident, contact us online or by phone at 866-608-5529 to schedule a free consultation.