A routine bike ride in Charlotte County turned into a nightmare for R W and his dog, Tater.
“We were crossing Durrance one block down,” said W, describing the moment before the incident. “All of a sudden, as I got to the road…we’ve all done it. She was going to miss her turn or something, and she turns the wheel squealed and she turned so fast her wheels were squeaking.”
W recounted the terrifying moment when the car struck him.
“I stopped and right then she hit me and caught me with the right front corner of her car, backed me up in the air right in the air,” said W. “Then she pushed me across the road up against the curb, and that’s when he got it, and I let go of him.”
The driver, identified by the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office as VM, did not stay at the scene.
“She took off and then he ran out into the road and she slowed down but he didn’t stop,” W said. “He was way down by 41 North.”
Despite the ordeal, W was fortunate to escape without broken bones, though he described the experience as painful.
“His feet may have come down under the tires and it shoved me him and bike under against the curb and it ripped the pads off the bottom of his feet,” he said.
The car crash was captured on neighborhood surveillance video, which led deputies to M’s door. The neighbor who’s cameras captured the hit and run, Garret Kizer, sent WINK News this statement:
“Both G and I are extremely grateful that the Punta Gorda Police Department were able to track down and arrest the driver in the hit-and-run of the bicyclist and their dog. Fortunately, our cameras captured the entire event, and little did we know it was a neighbor and great friend who was unfortunately hit.
In our opinion, this area along the park demands more driver awareness, which unfortunately only comes with more law enforcement presence, or speed humps as seen in other areas of town.”
According to the sheriff’s office, M “didn’t deny” hitting Weiler and Tater.
“Normally, he would be sitting perfect right now,” W said, reflecting on Tater’s condition.
In the aftermath, W is taking things slow, opting for a cautious walk instead of their usual neighborhood route. “I just can’t stand to see him in pain,” he said.
W expressed his concerns about the speed of traffic in the area.
“I don’t know if it needs to be speed bumps or someway, we need to stop those cars from flying down,” he said. “I’m not against the traffic; I’m just against them going so fast.”
The incident serves as a reminder of the importance of road safety for both drivers and cyclists.
Bicycle accidents can lead to serious injuries and significant financial burdens. Ovadia Law Group is here to provide the legal support you need during this challenging time. Our experienced attorneys specialize in handling bicycle accident cases, ensuring that your rights are protected and you receive the compensation you deserve. We understand the unique complexities of bicycle accident claims and are dedicated to helping you navigate the legal process. We offer a free consultation to discuss your situation and provide personalized legal advice. Call us at 1-800-674-9396 to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards recovery.
Source: winknews
