VERO BEACH — A Port St. Lucie couple has sued the city of Vero Beach for more than $50,000, alleging a police officer caused a bicycle crash that left the husband with severe injuries including head trauma and lacerations.
The lawsuit was filed in Indian River County Circuit Court by David C. Frazier and his wife, Deborah R. Frazier. The complaint alleges Officer Camilla Ann Defriese Romero did not yield the right of way while responding to a call — May 30, 2024 — cutting off David Frazier as he rode southbound in a marked bike lane just south of Beachland Boulevard.
According to the filing, Frazier struck the passenger side door of the officer’s vehicle, flew over his handlebars and smashed his head into the window, shattering the glass. He suffered a lip laceration, cuts to his legs, abrasions on his chest, left arm and right leg, and head trauma that caused memory loss of the incident while in the emergency room. Frazier was wearing a helmet at the time.
The complaint states Romero was cited for making an improper right turn under Florida Statute 316.151(1A). She said she did not see Frazier, the document states.
The lawsuit accuses the city of negligence and vicarious liability, saying Romero was on duty and driving a city-owned vehicle. It also claims the city failed to ensure safe operation of the vehicle to protect pedestrians like Frazier.
Deborah Frazier is seeking damages for loss of consortium, claiming that the crash robbed her of her husband’s love, support, comfort and services with continuing effects expected.
The Fraziers, both of whom are over 18 and live in St. Lucie County, are seeking a jury trial.
City officials declined to comment on the pending litigation.
