A 37-year-old Ocala man recently died in a DUI crash, a tragic reminder of the risks facing anyone traveling by two wheels in Florida.
The man was riding his bicycle at around 2 a.m. on State Road 25 when he was struck by a Chevy Malibu, according to Villages-News. He was pronounced dead at the scene by Marion County Fire Rescue.
A 34-year-old Fruitland Park woman who was driving the car is facing several charges, including DUI manslaughter. She was released on a $52,000 bond.
She told cops that she swerved to avoid a dog when she struck the bicyclist. Although the woman said she had “one beer” at an Ocala bar before getting behind the wheel, she performed poorly in field sobriety tests. She agreed to a blood test, the results of which have not been made public.
The bicyclist, who reportedly was wearing a helmet at the time of the collision, was a lifelong Ocala resident who worked in construction, according to an obituary. “He was very protective of his nieces and nephews and will be greatly missed by all who knew him,” the obituary read.
Legal Rights for Bicyclists Injured in Crashes
This tragic accident highlights the heightened risks that bicyclists face, especially when they hit the road overnight.
Bicycle riders are particularly vulnerable to injury or death when accidents happen because they have little or no physical protection from oncoming vehicles. Even those who use lights and reflective gear can be more difficult to spot on the road when it is dark outside. Plus, even the most cautious and careful cyclist is no match for a drunk or negligent driver.
Anyone who is injured in an accident in Florida has the right to seek compensation from those responsible. That includes car drivers and their insurers, in many cases.
The money damages typically available for people injured in these accidents include compensation for medical bills and property damage. Additional compensation may also be available for pain and suffering.
When a person is killed in an accident in Florida, his or her loved ones have the right to seek compensation from those responsible for the crash by filing a wrongful death claim. That includes compensation for financial losses associated with the accident, as well as for loss of support, love, and companionship, and for pain and suffering in some cases.
No amount of money can ever allow you to go back in time and stop an accident from happening. Compensation can, however, help ease some of the financial strain that often comes with losing a loved one.
Speak With a Villages Accident Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car, truck, bicycle, pedestrian, motorcycle, golf cart or other traffic accident, it is important to seek the advice of an experienced injury attorney. Villages accident attorney Tim Babiarz has been fighting for people and families across the community for more than two decades.
Our office is conveniently located in the Villages. We are also proud to represent clients throughout the area, including in Ocala, Leesburg, Lady Lake, Wildwood, Summerfield, and beyond. Call (352) 205-7559 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation with a Villages accident attorney.
