MANATEE COUNTY – A 78-year-old Sarasota man sustained critical injuries after being struck by an SUV on US-41 Thursday afternoon in a hit-and-run crash, the Florida Highway Patrol reported. The driver was later arrested after being involved in multiple collisions.
The crash occurred at approximately 3:09 PM on US-41, north of Seagate Drive. According to the FHP, a sport utility vehicle driven by a 28-year-old man from Chesterfield, Massachusetts, was traveling northbound when it drifted onto the bicycle lane.
At the same time, the pedestrian, who was riding an electric bicycle, was also traveling northbound in the designated bike lane. The SUV veered out of its lane, striking the bicyclist.
Following the collision, the driver of the SUV fled the scene and continued north on US-41. Approximately half a mile later, the same vehicle was involved in a third crash—a rear-end collision that caused disabling damage to the SUV.
Law enforcement quickly located the driver, who was arrested for Felony Leaving the Scene of a Serious Injury Crash and multiple other moving violations. He was booked into the county jail.
The injured bicyclist was transported to an area hospital in critical condition.
The Florida Highway Patrol is actively investigating the incident.
The Consequences of Hit-and-Run Crashes
Hit-and-run accidents not only endanger lives but also carry severe legal consequences. Drivers who flee the scene of a crash involving serious injury or death can face felony charges, significant fines, and lengthy prison sentences.
According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
- Over 20% of pedestrian fatalities in the U.S. involve hit-and-run drivers.
- Florida consistently ranks among the top states for hit-and-run crashes, with over 25% of all crashes involving a driver who flees the scene.
- Drivers convicted of a hit-and-run involving serious injury in Florida face up to 30 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
Drivers are reminded that Florida law requires them to stop, remain at the scene, and provide aid after a crash. Fleeing only worsens the situation and increases the severity of legal consequences.
The post 78-Year-Old Bicyclist Critically Injured in Hit-and-Run Crash on US-41; Driver Arrested appeared first on Justice Pays.
