Suffering from a spinal cord injury is horrible under the best conditions, but when the injury was caused by a hit-and-run driver, coping with the effects of the injury likely seems a little worse. For one Florida man, a simple ride on his bicycle proved to be a life-changing event when he was struck by a vehicle and left behind a dumpster after being carried on the vehicle.
The 53-year-old man was traveling northbound on Northeast 18th Avenue when he was hit by a 2003 Ford Mustang driven by a 27-year-old man. The driver of the Mustang struck the cyclist and didn’t stop. The cyclist was stuck between the spoiler and back window. He was carried several miles by the vehicle before the driver stopped. When he stopped, the driver of the vehicle put the man in a wooded area behind a dumpster before going to his apartment to sleep.
The driver of the Mustang later took his vehicle to a body shop. The owner called the police when a mechanic noticed blood splatter. The driver of the Mustang posted a $70,000 bond for charges in this accident.
The 53-year-old is said to be in critical condition with a severed spine, major head trauma and a broken neck. Doctors state he might not walk again if he survives, and they aren’t sure of the man’s prognosis.
While the driver in a hit-and-run accident usually faces criminal charges, it might be possible to bring civil action against the driver to seek compensation for expenses related to injuries or a permanent disability. Contacting an experienced Florida personal injury attorney can help you to explore your options regarding compensation.
Source: WSVN-TV, “Man clings to life after being hit by car” No author given, Dec. 20, 2013