A Florida father says his son was not under the influence of drugs or alcohol when he hit and killed a bicyclist.
The victim was a 52-year-old man who was well-known for riding his bike. A neighbor said he was an experienced bicyclist and had been riding for at least 20 years.
The Fort Lauderdale Police Department’s spokesman says that investigators believe that the bicyclist was in the correct bike lane, and the car crossed into the bike lane. Police also say that the driver of the vehicle was “under the influence of an unknown substance.” A blood alcohol test was administered, but the results are not yet back.
However, the driver’s father says that his son insists that the bicyclist moved rapidly into the car lane. The front of the car collided with the back of the bike. The bicyclist was tossed onto the hood of the car, and the vehicle then traveled another four blocks before the bicyclist fell off into the street.
Another driver called 911 to report the car accident and advise police about the driver’s location. Police say the driver did not stop, but the driver’s father disputes this, saying that his son didn’t flee. He says that his son pulled over to call his parents and the police. He also says that his son is traumatized by the accident.
Charges against the driver are pending until the toxicology results are available.
Although the driver in this case has not been charged, the bicyclist’s family could still pursue a civil case against the driver. It will be up to a jury to determine whether the bicyclist’s family is eligible for compensation.
Source: CBS Miami, “Father of Driver in Fatal Hit & Run Of Bicyclist Speaks Out” Peter D’Oench, Apr. 28, 2014