Driver Hits and Kills Bicyclist on Fowler Avenue in Tampa

A 70-year-old bicyclist was killed Sunday morning after being struck by a car while crossing East Fowler Avenue in Tampa, according to the Tampa Police Department (TPD).

The deadly crash occurred around 9:20 a.m., just west of North 30th Street, and led to the temporary closure of Fowler Avenue for several hours as investigators processed the scene.

Authorities say a woman driving a 2016 Hyundai was traveling westbound on Fowler Avenue when she changed lanes from the center lane to the inside lane and struck the bicyclist, who was reportedly crossing midblock — outside of a designated crosswalk.

Police and emergency responders immediately attempted life-saving measures, but the victim died at the scene.

The driver remained on-site and cooperated fully with investigators. TPD later confirmed that neither speed nor impairment appeared to be contributing factors in the crash. No charges have been filed at this time.

The section of Fowler Avenue near 30th Street is one of Tampa’s busiest urban roadways, known for heavy traffic, multiple lanes, and limited safe crossing options.

Unfortunately, it is also part of a corridor that has seen numerous pedestrian and bicycle fatalities in recent years. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), Hillsborough County consistently ranks among the top five counties in Florida for pedestrian and bicyclist deaths.

Factors contributing to these dangers include:

• Wide, multi-lane roads that encourage speeding.
• Inadequate crosswalks and lighting between intersections.
• High traffic volumes mixed with cyclists and pedestrians.
• Driver inattention and midblock crossings by pedestrians or bikers.

Even when drivers are not speeding or impaired, lane changes, low visibility, or midblock crossings can lead to deadly collisions in just a matter of seconds.

Under Florida Statutes §316.2065, bicyclists are granted the same rights and responsibilities as motor vehicle operators, meaning both parties must share the road and exercise due care.

While the bicyclist in this case was reportedly crossing outside a marked crosswalk, drivers still have a legal duty to remain vigilant and avoid collisions when possible.

Florida’s comparative negligence law (§768.81) allows multiple parties to share responsibility for an accident. This means that even if a cyclist contributes to a crash (for example, by crossing midblock), the driver may still bear a portion of the legal liability if they failed to maintain proper lookout or control of their vehicle.

Legal Options for Families After a Fatal Bicycle Accident

When a loved one is killed in a preventable crash, surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim under the Florida Wrongful Death Act (§§768.16–768.26).

This law allows spouses, children, or parents of the deceased to seek compensation for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical bills incurred before death
• Loss of companionship, guidance, and protection
• Lost financial support and income
• Pain and suffering

Even if criminal charges are not filed, a civil claim can still hold negligent parties accountable and help families recover the financial and emotional damages caused by their loss.

An experienced Florida wrongful death and bicycle accident attorney can investigate whether roadway design, visibility, or other environmental factors contributed to the tragedy.

How Flanagan & Bodenheimer Helps Families After Fatal Bicycle Crashes

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families throughout Florida who have lost loved ones in bicycle, pedestrian, and motor vehicle accidents caused by negligence.

Our firm focuses exclusively on personal injury and wrongful death law, allowing us to devote the full weight of our experience and resources to each case.

When you choose our firm, you can expect:

• Direct communication with an attorney — never case managers.
• A thorough, independent investigation of the crash.
• Accident reconstruction and expert testimony when needed.
• No upfront costs — you pay only if we win.
• Compassionate representation that prioritizes your family’s recovery and justice.

We understand that no legal result can replace a loved one — but holding negligent parties accountable can help bring closure and financial stability in the aftermath of loss.

Contact a Tampa Wrongful Death and Bicycle Accident Lawyer

If you lost a loved one in a bicycle crash on Fowler Avenue or anywhere in Tampa, the attorneys at Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm are here to help.

You pay no legal fees unless we win, and we handle every aspect of the claim so you can focus on healing.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer, we fight to uncover the truth and secure the justice every family deserves.

📞 Call 305-638-4143 or contact us online for a free consultation in English or Spanish.