Bicyclist Killed in Miami Gardens Crash

A tragic incident unfolded in Miami Gardens early Thursday morning, July 18, 2024, when a bicyclist lost his life in a collision with a motor vehicle. The Miami Gardens Police Department confirmed the fatality to Local 10 News.

Our team at Magazine & Light Law Group in Spring Hill and Clearwater, Florida would like to express our condolences. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family during this difficult time. 

Fatal Bicycle Accident in Miami Gardens Claims Rider’s Life

The car vs. bicycle fatality accident occurred at approximately 6:18 a.m. in the 200 block of Northwest 182nd Street. 

According to police reports, a black Nissan was traveling northbound on Northwest Second Avenue when the driver lost control of the vehicle near the area of Northwest 182nd Street. The car veered off of the roadway, cutting through a line of trees and landing on a side perimeter road. Upon entering the access road, the vehicle fatally struck the bicyclist.

Authorities stated that the driver stopped immediately and remained at the scene following the crash. The driver’s name has not been provided. 

Miami-Dade Fire Rescue personnel responded to the incident, but they pronounced the bicyclist deceased at the accident scene. They confirmed the cause of death to be injuries suffered in the accident.

The investigation into the cause of the accident is ongoing, and police have not released additional details at this time. It has not been released whether the driver of the Nissan will be facing charges. The identity of the victim is being withheld pending notification of the next of kin.

This tragic event serves as a somber reminder of the importance of road safety for all users, including motorists and cyclists. As the community mourns this loss, local authorities urge anyone with information about the incident to come forward to assist with the investigation.

What You Should Know About Bicycle Accidents in Florida

Florida is one of the most dangerous states in the U.S. for bicycling. Nearly 6,000 bicycle accidents are reported in the state each year. The highest cyclist death rate in the Tampa Bay Metro area is in Pinellas County, with 7 fatalities per 100,000 residents. This is the highest bicycle accident fatality rate in the nation. 

Why Are Bicycle Accident Fatality Rates So High?

There are a number of reasons that there continue to be such high rates of bicycle accident deaths in Florida, and especially in Pinellas County. 

Florida has a massive influx of tourists throughout the year. Many of these people are unfamiliar with the local routes, traffic patterns, and risks. When you mix this unfamiliarity with driving distractions like sightseeing and tourist attractions, monitoring GPS, and interacting with excited friends and family members, it becomes a recipe for tragedy. 

To make matters worse, despite average speed limits of 45 mph., the widely designed roads are almost an invitation for drivers to speed. 

Even when drivers are extra cautious and obey traffic laws, however, bicyclists are at risk when sharing the roads with larger, heavier motor vehicles. Unlike larger passenger cars, which have protective frames and safety features like airbags and seatbelts, bicycles offer no protection to cyclists. Whether bicyclists are involved in collisions with motor vehicles, or they crash because of potholes or other road conditions, the accident itself can be deadly. While helmets offer some protection against head and neck injuries, cyclists may still suffer TBIs, neck and spinal cord injuries, bone fractures, road rash, and other serious injuries. 

If you suffered injuries or your loved one was killed in a bicycle accident in the Tampa Bay area, we encourage you to reach out to Florida Board Certified personal injury lawyer Jim Magazine at Magazine & Light Law Group for a free, no-obligation consultation. We may be able to help you recover substantial financial awards to cover your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If the at-fault driver’s behavior was especially egregious, you may be entitled to punitive damages as well. Call us at (727) 499-9900, and let’s get started with your recovery.

Jim Magazine

James (Jim) Magazine is a Florida Board Certified Civil Trial lawyer who has spent his career helping injured victims. Jim is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida since 1990 and is also admitted to practice at the Appellate level and admitted to the United States Supreme Court.

Years of Experience: More than 30 years
Florida Registration Status: Active
Bar Admissions:
Clearwater Bar Association
West Pasco Bar Association