Bicyclist Killed in Accident in Lakeland, Florida

A bicyclist was killed in an acident on U.S. Highway 98 North in Lakeland, Florida on Monday.  Raymond T. Kohler, 68, from Vermilion, Ohio, was riding his bicycle on U.S. 98 and was struck at approximately 3:00 p.m.  Authorities say that Kohler was riding in the grass and was "well off the roadway."  A 1999 Ford Contour driven by Janice E. Macqueen, 54, of Lakeland, Florida veered off the roadway and struck Kohler.  Witnesses told deputies that Macqueen had been driving "erratically and running off the roadway" prior to the accident.  Macqueen did not stop following the accident and struck two more vehicles driven by Bruce Lee Starrett, 34 from Michigan, and Brett Flint, 36 from Louisiana.  Following those collisions, they used their vehicles to block the Ford Contour in until deputies arrived.  Macqueen was taken into custody and transported to Lakeland Regional Medical Center for minor injuries.  Macqueen was charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving death and property damage.  Additional charges are pending result of toxicology testing.

This accident may or may not be the result of driving while intoxicated.  Regardless of whether this was a DUI, Mr. Kohler's death is a wrongful death either way and his survivors are entitled to compensation for their loss.  The value of their claim will likely be limited to the value of the insurance policy available.  There is also a PIP/no-fault death benefit available from either Mr. Kohler's own policy (if he had one) or possibly from the at-fault driver's policy in some circumstances in the absence of any other policy that provides coverage.  If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident in Lakeland, Florida, please contact a Lakeland personal injury or wrongful death lawyer for more information regarding how to make a claim.  A consultation with a Lakeland car accident, personal injury, or wrongful death lawyer is free.  Home and hospital visits are available upon request.