St. Petersburg Cyclist Killed in DUI Crash on Gandy Boulevard

A tragic collision in St. Petersburg early Saturday morning has claimed the life of a 43-year-old local cyclist, underscoring the devastating consequences of impaired driving. According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the crash occurred around 3 a.m. on Gandy Boulevard near 4th Street North when a Chevy Silverado struck the cyclist.

The driver, 36-year-old Robert Self of Texas, was arrested on charges of driving under the influence after the crash. Troopers reported that Self attempted to overtake the cyclist but collided with him instead. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

Self allegedly refused to take a breathalyzer test, a decision that carries significant consequences under Florida’s implied consent law, which requires drivers lawfully arrested for DUI to submit to chemical testing or face license suspension and other penalties. He was booked into the Pinellas County Jail on DUI charges.

Driving under the influence is one of the most reckless and preventable causes of traffic fatalities in Florida. Under Florida Statute § 316.193, DUI resulting in property damage, injury, or death is a serious offense with escalating penalties depending on the harm caused.

When a DUI crash leads to a fatality, the consequences go beyond criminal charges. Civil liability may also arise, allowing the victim’s family to pursue a wrongful death claim under the Florida Wrongful Death Act.

Wrongful Death Claims After a Fatal DUI Crash

Surviving family members — such as spouses, children, or parents — may be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death lawsuit. Potential damages include:

• Medical bills related to emergency care before death
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of companionship, guidance, and emotional support
• Loss of financial contributions and services the victim would have provided
• Mental pain and suffering endured by surviving family members

Importantly, wrongful death claims also serve as a way to hold negligent or reckless drivers accountable beyond the criminal justice system.

In some cases, liability may extend beyond the impaired driver. Florida’s dram shop law allows limited claims against bars, restaurants, or establishments that knowingly serve alcohol to minors or individuals “habitually addicted” to alcohol. While rare and difficult to prove, such claims may be viable depending on the circumstances of where the driver consumed alcohol prior to the crash.

The loss of a loved one to a DUI crash is a devastating, life-altering event. Families not only face emotional grief but also sudden financial challenges. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, even in clear cases of negligence like drunk driving. For this reason, it is critical to work with an experienced wrongful death attorney who can:

• Investigate the crash, including toxicology reports and arrest records
• Preserve evidence from law enforcement and eyewitnesses
• Pursue all avenues of compensation, including uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
• Advocate for maximum compensation on behalf of grieving families

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we fight to hold negligent drivers accountable and ensure families receive justice after tragic losses. If your family has lost a loved one due to a DUI crash, call us at 305-638-4143 or contact us online for a free consultation. We proudly serve families across Florida and operate on a contingency fee basis — you pay no fees unless we win your case.