An early morning disaster could have been avoided, it seems. A fatal truck on bike accident was caused by complete disregard for responsibility and the safety of others.
A 65-year-old man was taking his daily ride to McDonald’s when he was struck by a Ford F-150 and killed by a young driver impaired by prescription medications. The event was violent to watch, according to witnesses, who reported that the cyclist was tossed over the hood of the truck on impact.
The accident left the bike itself destroyed with a twisted frame and parts strewn about everywhere. The forces involved were enough to damage the front of the truck, break a headlamp, and dent the hood and front grill.
Criminal Charges Filed for Accident
According to the Sun Sentinel, the woman, 24-year-old Boca Raton resident Bianca Fichtel, has been arrested and is facing serious charges including manslaughter while driving under the influence.
Witnesses say the truck swerved into the bike lane killing George Morreale. Bystanders came to his aid until paramedics arrived on the scene, but efforts were in vain. According to those who knew Morreale, he made that routine ride on his blue Schwinn bike to have breakfast almost every morning.
Another woman said she was almost struck when the Ford quickly swerved back out of the bike lane and sped away from the accident scene. She then followed the truck as it eventually circled back.
Fichtel originally claimed that Morreale had steered his bike in front of the truck. However, several witnesses to the incident refuted these claims as lies. A passenger in the truck was not able to corroborate Fichtel’s version of events as he says he was texting at the time and just assumed the vehicle hit a curb.
The “Cocktail” of Drugs
Investigators quickly noticed numerous pill bottles littering the cab of the Ford. Being caught red handed, Fichtel rattled off a laundry list of prescription medications she had taken before the crash. Her confession came only minutes after being confronted by police. Soon after, Fichtel demanded the assistance of a lawyer before answering any more questions.
Reports filed by investigators described her as both unsteady on her feet, and according to police, impaired. A toxicology report concluded that at least nine different medications were present in Fichtel’s system at the time. Some of the pills were very strong according to experts including Clonazepam and Oxycodone.
When asked why they returned to the scene, Fichtel’s passenger answered that she was “pretty sure she didn’t hit a curb.” At present, Fichtel has been arrested and arranged and is being held on $25,000 bail.
Personal Injury and Bicycle Accident Attorneys In Florida
Our firm offers unparalleled expertise to Florida residents when it comes to dealing with car crashes and personal injury and their aftermath, please contact Fetterman and Associates and our team of experienced personal injury attorneys immediately at 561-845-2510 for a free legal consultation.