Fatal Bicycle Accident In Clearwater Involving Anthony Tardugno on August 22, 2022

A 77-year-old woman from Clearwater has recently been acquitted of a felony charge for leaving the scene of a fatal hit-and-run involving a bicyclist. Grace Hunter faced accusations after a crash that occurred on August 16, 2022, around 3 p.m. at the intersection of Myrtle Avenue North and Jones Street. During the trial, jurors were presented with various testimonies and evidence, which ultimately led them to decide that Hunter likely did not realize she was in a collision.

The tragic event involved Anthony Tardugno, a 51-year-old bicyclist, who was critically injured in the crash and later died on August 19, 2022. It was reported that Tardugno had been riding in a manner described as reckless, going against the flow of traffic on the sidewalk, and colliding with Hunter's vehicle as she made a left turn. An eyewitness confirmed that he chased after Hunter to record her license plate number, stating the bicycle struck the side of her car and that she briefly stopped 300 feet from the accident scene before continuing home.

During the trial, Hunter's attorney argued that she was likely unaware of the impact due to her optometrist's testimony about her limited vision in her left eye, along with testimonies from a crash reconstruction expert suggesting that the severity of the crash likely went unnoticed by her. Surveillance footage showed Hunter pulling into her condo parking spot and appearing unaware of any damage to her vehicle. The jury's decision was influenced by a combination of Hunter's circumstances and the nuances of the incident, leading them to view the situation as a tragic accident rather than a criminal act.

In the aftermath of such incidents, it’s crucial for accident victims or their families to have access to official accident reports. These documents significantly assist in understanding the circumstances surrounding the crash and are vital in processes involving insurance claims, as well as potential legal actions. If you find yourself or a loved one impacted by an accident, reaching out to a Bicycle Accident law firm near you in Clearwater can help you navigate through this challenging time. Accident reports serve as key evidence in detailing incidents, aiding in proving fault and securing just compensation after an accident. Taking immediate action, whether that involves reporting the incident or seeking medical attention, can greatly influence the trajectory of your recovery, both physically and financially. Accessing your accident report is a critical step in this process. Call today!