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[11-03-23] Driver Arrested Following Hit-And-Run Crash in Pinellas Park Critically Injuring a Bicyclist

At approximately 9 p.m. on Wednesday, November 1, 2023, the Pinellas Park Police Department responded to the 9500 block of US Highway 19 N for reports of a crash involving a bicyclist.

According to investigators, the bicyclist was traveling northbound on US Highway 19 N on the east side of the roadway, as they approached the off-ramp for 49th Street N.

The operator of a 2011 Black Chevrolet Impala, was also traveling northbound on US Highway 19 N when they made a sudden lane change to access the ramp for the 49th Street N exit. While making the sudden lane change, the front of the vehicle struck the bicyclist.

The driver of the vehicle fled the scene and was located a short time later by the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office.

The driver of the vehicle was identified as 36-year-old Olajuwon Simmons and was arrested for Driving with a Suspended License and Leaving the Scene of a Crash with Serious Bodily Injury.

The bicyclist was transported to Bayfront Health St. Petersburg in critical but stable condition.

Booking photo not yet available.

Source : IONTB

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If you or a loved one were involved in or affected by this accident and would like the incident’s official Police Report, Personal Injury Attorneys McQuaid & Douglas might be able to help.
Bicycle Accident and Bike Injury Statistics

Bicycle accidents are sadly all too common in the U.S. According to the National Safety Council, the number of preventable deaths from bicycle accidents has increased by 37% in the last ten years.

The summer months are considered particularly dangerous, with the most deaths (125) occurring in August and the fewest (63) in January.

While roads are slowly becoming more bike-friendly, most bicyclist deaths are caused by motor-vehicle crashes (712 in 2019, compared to 377 in other incidents). Every year, 2% of auto accident deaths are bicyclists. Men account for 88% of all bicycle deaths, over seven times the number of females.

Pedestrians are also at risk of bicycle accidents, as they can be involved in sidewalk and crosswalk collisions.

Florida Bicycle Accident Statistics

Florida is considered the most dangerous U.S. state for bicycle users, with the highest fatalities per capita. The Florida Highway Patrol and Motor Vehicles database shows that in 2021, Florida saw 182 bicycle fatalities. 17 were in Pinellas County

Bicycle accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones and lacerations.

The most serious involves the head, highlighting the importance of wearing a helmet. A report by Attewell, Glase, and McFadden (2001) showed that helmets reduce head injuries by 60% and brain injuries by 58%.

Various factors can trigger collisions, such as reckless driving, speeding, ignoring traffic signals, drunk drivers, broken traffic signals, bicycle malfunctions, dangerous road conditions and pedestrians walking in bike lanes.

In 2019, The Consumer Product Safety Commission reported over 400,000 emergency department-treated injuries are associated with bicycles and bicycle accessories.

FLORIDA BICYCLE ACCIDENT LAWYER FOR VICTIMS OF BIKE INJURIES AND DEATHS

Florida Personal Injury Attorneys McQuaid and Douglas specialize in helping victims of bike accidents, if they’ve suffered injuries or the death of a loved one.

Bicycle accidents are often catastrophic, leaving life-changing injuries or deaths. Although a personal injury claim or a wrongful death lawsuit can’t turn back time, it can help victims avoid further suffering by gaining financial support to adjust to life after their injuries.

Victims deserve to receive damages for medical bills, loss of wages, suffering, deaths and other expenses. But insurance companies often undervalue or deny claims, leaving victims in further distress and unable to rebuild their lives.


If you or a loved one have been the victim of a bike accident, we welcome you to contact us today.

Our Florida bicycle accident lawyers have vast experience in handling these cases. We can take care of your case on your behalf, from gathering evidence to negotiating with insurers.

We know how stressful and daunting this process may seem and are here to help make your life easier. We work on a no-win-no-fee basis, allowing victims from all walks of life to gain top-rated legal assistance after their accident.

Call Personal Injury Attorneys McQuaid and Douglas today at (727) 381-2300 or (813) 639-811. In addition, you can contact us online to schedule your free no-obligation bike accident case review.

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