Homeless Man Killed in Miami Hit and Run

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on December 3, 2014

A homeless man was struck and killed in Miami’s Little Havana district early Saturday morning, according to authorities. The victim’s name was Victoriano Fernandez and he was known to others among the community. Fernandez was attempting to cross Northwest Seventh Street with his walker when he was struck by a silver Mazda. Fernandez was air lifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital where he died from his injuries a short time later.

Authorities are still looking for both the silver Mazda and the driver of the vehicle, who is described as a white male approximately 50 years old. The car in question would probably have significant damage to the front end and windshield as a result of the accident. Anyone who may have any information is asked to call the Miami-Dade Police Hotline.

Unfortunately, hit and run incidents are all too common on Florida’s streets and make up a large percentage of vehicle accident criminal investigations. The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles indicates that hit-and-run accidents are on the rise in the state of Florida, and have started a statewide campaign called ‘Hit and Run – From Bad to Worse’ designed to educate drivers about what to do in the event of a crash and the consequences for leaving the scene.

Effective July 1, 2014, Florida law states that hit and run offenders may be subject to a minimum of four years in prison for leaving the scene of a crash involving a fatality. It also changes the charge for leaving the scene of an accident involving serious bodily injury from a 3rd degree felony to a 2nd degree felony. In addition, drivers who leave the scene of any accident may be subject to a 3 year driver license revocation. Lawmakers hope that the stiffer penalties will keep motorists from fleeing the scene, no matter how minor the incident may seem.

For an experienced and professional Miami hit and run accident lawyer, call us today at 877-FL-INJURY (877-354-6587).

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.