Bicyclist from Immokalee Killed After Collision with Truck on Lake Trafford Road
Bryan Greenberg
Accident Lawyers
A 45-year-old man from Immokalee tragically died Sunday evening after being struck by a pickup truck while crossing Lake Trafford Road in Collier County.According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash occurred at approximately 7:30 p.m. on October 5, 2025, near the intersection of Lake Trafford Road and North 18th Street.
Troopers reported that a 30-year-old Immokalee man was driving east in a 2005 Ford truck as the bicyclist traveled north on North 18th Street. The bicyclist attempted to cross the eastbound lanes of Lake Trafford Road and entered the truck’s path. The front of the vehicle collided with the bicycle.
The cyclist was transported to Gulf Coast Medical Center, where he was later pronounced deceased. The driver of the truck was not injured. The crash remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.
Bicyclist Safety Challenges in Immokalee and Rural Southwest Florida
Many roads in rural Collier County, including Lake Trafford Road, lack designated bike lanes, street lighting, or sidewalks, which increases the risk for cyclists traveling after dark. When visibility is low and speeds are higher, drivers and cyclists alike face split-second decisions that can lead to tragic outcomes.
Attorney Corbin Sutter of All Injuries Law Firm notes:
“Immokalee’s roads are used by both vehicles and bicyclists every day — often by people commuting home from work or visiting friends. The challenge is that many of these roads weren’t designed for mixed traffic, and a single moment of misjudgment can have devastating results.”
As the use of bicycles and e-bikes grows in Southwest Florida, particularly among residents who rely on them for transportation, awareness and mutual caution are more important than ever.
Legal Rights After a Fatal Bicycle Crash in Florida
When a cyclist is struck and killed by a motor vehicle, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim. These claims can provide compensation for funeral costs, lost income, and the emotional toll of losing a loved one.
At All Injuries Law Firm, we have represented families in Collier, Charlotte, and Lee Counties for more than 35 years.
Drivers and Cyclists Must Share Responsibility
Road safety depends on both drivers and bicyclists staying alert and respecting each other’s space. Small decisions — like using lights, slowing down, and scanning intersections — can save lives.
• Drivers: Slow down near intersections and expect bicyclists, especially in low-light areas like Lake Trafford Road.
• Cyclists: Use front and rear lights at night, wear reflective clothing, and cross only when you’re sure traffic has cleared.
• Everyone: Stay alert. A moment’s distraction can change multiple lives forever.
If you or a loved one has been injured or lost in a bicycle crash in Immokalee or anywhere in Southwest Florida, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Call All Injuries Law Firm at (941) 625-4878 for your free attorney consultation today.
FAQs About Bicycle Crashes and Legal Rights in Rural Southwest Florida
Do rural roads like Lake Trafford Road increase the risk of serious bicycle crashes?
Yes. Many rural roads in areas like Immokalee were not designed for bicycle traffic. They often lack lighting, shoulders, or marked bike lanes, leaving cyclists exposed to fast-moving vehicles. The combination of limited visibility and higher travel speeds makes nighttime riding particularly dangerous. Pro Tip: Attorney Corbin Sutter explains, “Even experienced cyclists are at risk on rural roads. Extra lighting and reflective gear can make a major difference, but ultimately, safer infrastructure and driver awareness are key.”
Who is responsible when a bicyclist is struck while crossing a roadway?
Determining fault depends on several factors — including whether the cyclist had the right-of-way, if the driver was speeding or distracted, and how visible the cyclist was at the time. Each case requires a careful review of police reports, scene evidence, and witness statements. Pro Tip: Florida law gives bicyclists the same rights and responsibilities as other vehicles, meaning both parties can share fault depending on the circumstances.Are drivers in Florida legally required to share the road with bicyclists?
Yes. Florida law requires drivers to give at least **three feet of clearance** when passing a bicyclist and to exercise due care to avoid collisions. Failing to do so can result in citations or civil liability if a crash occurs. Pro Tip: Attorney Jenna Kakley adds, “Even if a road doesn’t have a bike lane, bicyclists still have a legal right to use it. Drivers should always slow down and pass safely — not squeeze by.”What if a bicyclist didn’t have lights or reflectors at the time of the crash?
Riding at night without a white front light and red rear light or reflector violates Florida Statute §316.2065. However, that does not automatically make a bicyclist responsible for a crash — drivers are still required to watch for people and vehicles on the road. Pro Tip: Lack of lighting may affect comparative negligence in a claim, but it rarely eliminates a driver’s duty to operate safely and attentively.What steps should families take after a fatal bicycle accident?
Families should ensure medical and police reports are obtained, preserve any available evidence (like damaged bicycles, photos, and clothing), and contact an experienced injury attorney. Early legal guidance helps protect evidence and identify potential insurance coverage. Pro Tip: All Injuries Law Firm has helped families throughout Southwest Florida after fatal bicycle and pedestrian crashes. Quick action allows investigators and experts to document crucial details before they’re lost.