Bicycle Accident – Driver Hits Bicyclist as he Returns to Scene of Accident
Last Friday, Frank Isaac Pais Munoz was driving west on West Broward Boulevard when he felt a bump and thought he might have hit something. Rather than stop, the Munoz continued on his way. CBS Miami reports that it was not until a minute or two later—perhaps after contemplating the consequences of fleeing the scene of an accident—the driver decided to turn around near 5th Avenue. As Munoz executed the U-turn, he hit another person, 62-year old Russell Franklin, who was riding a bicycle.
As it turns out, the first “bump” was a person. The impact of the collision sent the man toward the ground where he hit his head on the curb, killing him. Police have not yet released the name of the deceased. Russell Franklin, the bicyclist, was taken to Broward Health Medical Center where he quickly recovered from his wounds.
Police have not yet pieced together exactly what happened. They are currently scouring the crime scene hoping to find surveillance footage possibly taken by nearby a business. At the moment, police are saying that it does not appear as though drugs or alcohol were involved in the accidents.
As far as lethal accidents go, auto accidents are the most common. Each year, approximately 35,000 people die in some kind of an auto accident. A recent report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration shows that is 2011 there were 2,398 fatal traffic accidents in Florida alone. This puts Florida at number three for fatal accidents, behind only Texas (3,016 fatalities) and California (2,791 fatalities).
Most common among fatal traffic accidents are accidents involving two or more cars. But each year about 12% of all fatal traffic accidents involve pedestrians (in addition to that figure, about 2% of fatal accidents involve bicyclists). The best way to protect against being involved in an auto-pedestrian accident is to remain cautious at all times. Even if you think a driver sees you, always act as though they don’t. Most pedestrian accidents occur after the sun goes down, when drivers can’t see as well. So, another important tip is, if you must be out walking at night, be sure to wear clothing that makes you visible to night-time drivers.
Generally, the law requires that everyone who operates a motor vehicle drive it in a responsible and attentive manner. Despite this legal obligation, sometimes drivers are negligent, distracted, or inattentive and cause accidents resulting in serious injury or death. If you or a loved one has been involved in an auto-pedestrian accident, you may be entitled to monetary compensation. Contact one of our experienced auto-injury attorneys and we can set up a time to discuss your case. And remember, there is no risk in contacting us because we don’t cost you anything unless we can recover for you.
Are you a passenger involved in a bicycle accident? Contact our Bicycle Accident Attorney - Call today 954-961-5100 in Broward or 1-877-961-5100 any where in Florida.
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