Panama City Beach, FL - Bicyclist Killed in Crash on Thomas Dr
Panama City Beach, FL (July 17, 2025) – Authorities in Panama City Beach responded to a fatal bicycle accident on Sunday evening that occurred at the rear entrance of the WoodSpring Suites located at 9719 Thomas Drive. Police arrived at the scene at approximately 6:30 p.m. following reports of a multi-vehicle collision involving a bicyclist and two vehicles.
According to investigators, a green Mitsubishi Outlander was heading westbound on Thomas Drive when a bicyclist exited the WoodSpring Suites complex and entered the westbound lane. The bicyclist was struck by the Outlander. In an attempt to avoid the crash, the Outlander’s driver swerved into the eastbound lane and collided with a black Toyota Highlander.
Emergency crews from Panama City Beach Fire Rescue and Bay County EMS responded and provided care at the scene. The injured bicyclist was transported to Ascension Sacred Heart Bay Hospital in Panama City. Sadly, the individual did not survive the injuries and was later pronounced dead at the hospital. Authorities stated that alcohol is not suspected to be a factor. The Panama City Beach Traffic Homicide Unit continues to investigate the incident.
We hope those injured in this accident recover quickly.
Car Accidents in Florida
Every year, Florida sees a high volume of serious traffic crashes, many involving bicycles, pedestrians, and multiple vehicles. In 2023 alone, the state recorded over 380,000 crashes. Out of these, thousands resulted in serious injuries or fatalities. Florida roadways, especially in high-traffic tourist areas, often see collisions involving vulnerable road users. Police and EMS agencies across the state consistently work to improve response times and road safety measures to reduce these tragic events.
Tragic events like this highlight why bicycle safety must remain a top priority. Below are some common challenges cyclists face when sharing Florida roadways with motor vehicles:
- Limited Visibility for Motorists: Even in well-lit areas, drivers can overlook a bicyclist—especially at driveways or when turning. Cyclists often get caught in blind spots, making intersections especially dangerous.
- Driver Distraction: Cell phone usage, in-car systems, or simply being inattentive can lead drivers to miss seeing a cyclist until it's too late. Even a momentary distraction can have fatal consequences.
- Failure to Yield Right of Way: Many drivers are unfamiliar with right-of-way laws involving bicycles. Cyclists are considered vehicles under Florida law, but many motorists fail to respect their space on the road.
- Speeding on Residential Roads: High speeds reduce reaction time and increase the severity of crashes. On roads like Thomas Drive, where both hotels and residential units are nearby, speeding can turn dangerous quickly.
- Lack of Dedicated Bike Lanes: Roads without clear or protected bike lanes force cyclists into main traffic lanes, which heightens their risk. Infrastructure improvements remain essential for safety.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a bicycle or vehicle-related crash, contacting an experienced car accident attorney is a critical step in protecting your rights and securing compensation. Gathering evidence early and knowing your options can make all the difference. Don’t wait to take action.
Syfrett, Dykes & Furr is committed to helping families after tragic accidents like these. With over a century of combined experience, our Panama City team has handled hundreds of bicycle crash and wrongful death cases throughout Bay County and beyond. We take the time to investigate thoroughly—whether that means returning to the scene, obtaining video footage, or interviewing witnesses. Our team handles cases on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. To speak directly with an attorney, call us at (850) 795-4979. We offer free consultations and we’re here to listen, guide you, and help you pursue justice in your time of need.
Note: This post was written for informational purposes only.This post is based on information from secondary sources, and our team has not independently verified the accident details. If you identify any inaccuracies, please contact Syfrett, Dykes & Furr so we can update the post with accurate information. We will also remove the post upon request.
Disclaimer: This post is not intended to solicit business. The information provided should not be interpreted as medical or legal advice. The photo included in this post does not depict the actual accident scene.