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Skateboarder Killed in Miami Hit-and-Run Accident

Earlier this month, a 16-year-old boy was struck and killed by a motorist driving a Hyundai Sonata while he was skateboarding. According to one local news report, the accident took place at around 9 p.m. in the area of NW 12th Avenue and NW 108th Street.

Evidently, the driver was heading northbound as he approached a slow-moving vehicle ahead of him. As he approached, the driver decided to attempt to pass the slow-moving vehicle in the southbound lane of traffic. However, when he changed lanes to pass the other vehicle, he ended up striking the teen.

Rather than stopping to see if the teen he just hit needed any assistance, the driver sped away, fleeing the scene of the accident. It wasn’t until a few hours later that the driver turned himself in to police, telling them where they could find the vehicle and confessing to hitting the teen. Investigators told reporters that the driver was visibly upset as he was discussing the accident.

Sadly, the teen was pronounced dead at the scene of the accident by emergency workers. The driver of the Sonata was arrested and charged with various offenses, including fleeing the scene of an accident resulting in death, failure to have insurance, and failure to have valid registration. Since then, the driver has posted bail and remains free, pending the criminal case against him.

Hit-and-Run Accidents in South Florida

For whatever reason, hit-and-run accidents have been on the rise in South Florida over the past few years. Indeed, the prevalence of hit-and-run accidents over the past few years has led lawmakers to implement strict penalties for those found to have fled the scene of an accident resulting in death.

Each case is different, but the Florida Legislature authorizes punishments of up to 30 years in prison or 30 years of probation in a hit-and-run case resulting in death. In addition, there is a fine of up to $10,000.

In addition to these criminal sanctions, a hit-and-run driver may also face civil liability after a case brought by an accident victim. Accident victims are permitted to file cases seeking compensation for their injuries against those whom they believe are responsible for their injuries. In order to be successful, however, the accident victim will need to prove that the other driver’s negligence or recklessness caused the accident victim some harm. This could be harm caused in the accident itself, or the harm caused in not getting timely medical attention. To learn more about Florida hit-and-run cases, contact a dedicated South Florida personal injury attorney.

Have You Been the Victim of a Hit-and-Run Accident?

If you or a loved one has recently been the victim of a serious or fatal hit-and-run car accident, you may be entitled to monetary damages to help compensate you for everything you have been put through. The skilled advocates at Cecere Santana have the experience you need to feel comfortable leaving your case in their hands. With experience handling all kinds of Florida personal injury cases, Cecere Santana can confidently handle your case. Call 800-753-5529 to set up a free consultation with an attorney today.

See More Blog Posts:

Coral Springs Motorcycle Accident Kills One, Injures Another, Cecere Santana Injury Lawyers Blog, published June 9, 2015.

Two Motorcycle Accidents in Palm Beach County Leaves One Man Dead and Another in Serious Condition, Cecere Santana Injury Lawyers Blog, published July 9, 2015.

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