Brian O Sutter Accident Lawyers Wrongful Death

US-41 and Collingswood Boulevard in Charlotte County are well-known to residents as busy, high-traffic areas with a mix of vehicle and pedestrian activity. The dangers of this stretch of road are amplified during early morning hours, when limited visibility and increased commuter traffic combine to create a perfect storm for accidents. Tragically, on December 16, 2024, these factors contributed to a fatal crash involving a bicyclist and two vehicles.

In this accident, a 51-year-old bicyclist from Port Charlotte lost their life while attempting to cross the northbound travel lanes of US-41. Struck initially by a Ford Ranger pickup truck and then by a private ambulance, the bicyclist sustained fatal injuries. Compounding the tragedy, the driver of the pickup truck fled the scene, leading to their eventual arrest by the Florida Highway Patrol for leaving the scene of a crash involving death.

Why This Area Is Hazardous

The intersection of US-41 and Collingswood Boulevard presents several challenges for both drivers and pedestrians. US-41 serves as a primary thoroughfare, carrying heavy traffic volumes throughout the day. At 5:30 AM, the time of the accident, reduced lighting and the glare of vehicle headlights can make it difficult for drivers to detect pedestrians or bicyclists attempting to cross the road.

In addition to visibility concerns, the design of this area lacks adequate pedestrian infrastructure, such as well-marked crosswalks or sufficient street lighting, which leaves individuals crossing on foot or by bicycle at a higher risk of injury. This particular stretch of roadway is also known for its fast-moving traffic, as drivers often exceed speed limits during non-peak hours.

What Went Wrong

This tragic accident highlights several factors that contributed to the devastating outcome. The bicyclist was not wearing a helmet and was crossing the roadway in an area without designated pedestrian crossings. These circumstances made them vulnerable to vehicles traveling at higher speeds on US-41.

Additionally, the initial driver involved in the crash failed to remain at the scene, an action that carries not only severe legal consequences but also raises ethical concerns. Staying at the scene of an accident is critical to ensuring timely medical attention and accurate investigations.

Bicyclists Understand Your Rights On Florida's Roads

Accidents like this serve as a reminder of the inherent risks posed by busy intersections in Charlotte County and the need for both drivers and pedestrians to exercise caution. For families affected by accidents like this, it’s also important to understand that Florida law provides avenues for seeking justice and compensation.

At All Injuries Law Firm, we are committed to helping victims and their families navigate the complex aftermath of accidents. If you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligence of another driver, you deserve experienced legal representation to hold responsible parties accountable.

This accident underscores the need for continued advocacy for safer roadways in Charlotte County, from improved pedestrian infrastructure to increased driver awareness. Tragedies like these are preventable, and with a focus on legal and community action, we can work to reduce the risks on our roadways.

Bicyclist Fatally Struck in Early Morning Accident on US-41 in Charlotte County

Charlotte County, FL — Florida Highway Patrol reported a fatal accident involving a bicyclist and two vehicles occurred on US-41 near Collingswood Boulevard in the early morning hours of December 16, 2024. The report states that the crash, resulted in the death of a 51-year-old bicyclist from Port Charlotte and led to the arrest of a driver for leaving the scene of a fatal crash.

The crash took place at approximately 5:30 AM when a Ford Ranger pickup truck driven by a 59-year-old man from Port Charlotte, was traveling north on US-41, approaching Collingswood Boulevard. A private ambulance driven by a 62-year-old man from Port Charlotte, was also traveling north behind the pickup truck.

As the two vehicles where traveling north, a 51 year-old bicyclist from Port Charlotte, who was not wearing a helmet, was attempting to cross the northbound travel lanes of US-41 directly in the vicinity of the approaching vehicles. At 5:30 AM the vehicles encountered the bicyclist and the front of the Ford Ranger collided with the bicycle at speed. The impact caused the bicyclist to be thrown from the vehicle before coming to a rest in the center lane of northbound US-41.

Immediately after the initial collision with the Ford Ranger, the ambulance that was following the pickup truck also struck the bicyclist. First responders pronounced the bicyclist deceased at the scene of the crash.

Legal Consequences For Fleeing A Hit And Run Crash

The 59 year-old-driver of the Ford Ranger fled the scene following the collision, abandoning it at a residence. After an extensive investigation, FHP troopers located both the vehicle and the driver. The Ford Ranger was impounded, and the 59 year-old man was taken into custody for leaving the scene of a crash involving death.

The driver of Ford Ranger was not injured but now faces legal consequences for their actions following the crash.

The crash remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol. Further details regarding the circumstances leading up to the incident have not been released.

Motorists are reminded to exercise caution, particularly in low-light conditions, and to remain at the scene of any accident as required by Florida law.