Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Blog
GAINESVILLE, FL – Sentencing was handed down for the driver involved in a fatal bicycle collision in Gainesville in 2022, police said.
According to a Facebook post from the Gainesville Police Department, 32-year-old Margaret Caitlin Walker of Gainesville was sentenced to eight years in prison on a charge of DUI Manslaughter.
The crash occurred on the night of Nov. 27, 2022 on South Main Street. Investigators learned that Walker was driving her 2017 Volvo SUV southbound when she struck the victim, a University of Florida graduate student. The impact sent the bicyclist into nearby woods, where he was pronounced dead.
Police said Walker continued to drive home without stopping or reporting the accident. Vehicle parts found at the scene and other evidence were matched to Walker’s vehicle.
She admitted to police she had driven to multiple bars the day of the crash, drinking alcohol at each one, according to the police department. She said she knew she had hit something, but believed it was a downed traffic pole.
The Gainesville Sun reports Walker reached a plea deal with prosecutors that included the eight-year prison term, three years of probation, and having her driver’s license permanently revoked.
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.