15-Year-Old Girl Airlifted After Being Struck by Vehicle in Southwest Miami-Dade

A tragic crash in Southwest Miami-Dade County left a 15-year-old girl in critical condition Friday afternoon after she was struck by a vehicle, according to officials with the Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and Miami-Dade Police Department.

The collision occurred around 3:20 p.m. in the 20400 block of Southwest 127th Avenue, a residential area often frequented by families and students. Authorities say that emergency crews responded quickly after receiving reports of a vehicle hitting a pedestrian.

When first responders arrived, they found the teenage girl severely injured in the roadway. She was airlifted to a local trauma center as a trauma alert, where she remains in critical condition, officials said.

Aerial footage from NBC6’s Chopper 6 showed scattered debris in the roadway near a pickup truck that appeared to have significant front-end damage. Authorities confirmed that the driver of the truck remained at the scene and is cooperating with investigators.

The Miami-Dade Police Department’s Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating the incident to determine the cause of the crash and whether any charges may be filed.

Pedestrian accidents involving minors are particularly devastating, both emotionally and legally. In Florida, pedestrians—including children—are afforded strong protections under state law. According to Florida Statute §316.130, drivers must exercise “due care” to avoid colliding with pedestrians, especially when the pedestrian is a child or a person who appears confused or incapacitated.

Even when a pedestrian is outside a crosswalk, Florida law still holds drivers responsible for maintaining a proper lookout and operating their vehicles in a manner that avoids foreseeable harm.

When a driver strikes a pedestrian—especially a minor—law enforcement and insurance companies carefully examine factors such as:

• The speed of the vehicle at the time of impact.
• Whether the driver was distracted (e.g., texting, using GPS, or on a phone call).
• Visibility conditions, such as lighting and weather.
• Whether the area had adequate crosswalks or pedestrian signage.
• The right-of-way and whether the pedestrian was lawfully crossing.

If investigators determine that the driver was negligent or reckless, the injured victim and their family may be entitled to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim.

The Legal Process After a Pedestrian Accident Involving a Minor

When a child is injured in a pedestrian accident, the process of filing a claim is more complex than in standard auto accident cases. Florida law has specific procedures to protect minors and ensure their long-term care is prioritized.

1. Medical Care and Documentation

The most urgent priority is securing immediate medical care. Under Florida’s no-fault (PIP) insurance system, the driver’s insurance—or in some cases, the child’s household insurance—may cover up to $10,000 in medical expenses, regardless of fault. However, in catastrophic injury cases like this one, medical costs almost always exceed that amount.

Comprehensive documentation of injuries, treatment plans, and long-term prognosis is essential. These records will form the foundation of any claim for compensation.

2. Determining Fault and Liability

Florida operates under a comparative negligence system (Florida Statute §768.81), meaning liability can be shared among multiple parties. Even if the child was not in a designated crosswalk, a driver who failed to exercise due care can still be held largely responsible.

An experienced attorney will investigate all contributing factors, including:

• Witness statements and surveillance footage.
• Vehicle black box (ECM) data showing speed or braking.
• Cell phone records for distracted driving.
• Skid mark and debris analysis.

3. Filing a Claim

Families may file a claim against the driver’s bodily injury liability insurance, which can compensate for medical bills, pain and suffering, and long-term care needs. If the driver was uninsured or underinsured, the family may turn to uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) under their own policy.

For cases involving minors, courts often require that settlements be placed in a structured trust or guardianship account to ensure the funds are used for the child’s benefit.

4. Possible Criminal Charges

If the investigation reveals reckless driving, excessive speeding, or impairment, the driver may face criminal charges under Florida Statute §316.193 (DUI) or §782.071 (Vehicular Homicide) if the injuries result in death.

Potential Compensation in a Florida Pedestrian Injury Claim

Under Florida law, injured pedestrians may be eligible for:

• Medical expenses (hospitalization, surgery, therapy)
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Future medical care and rehabilitation
• Emotional trauma
• Loss of earning capacity (if applicable in later years)

If negligence is proven, punitive damages may also be awarded in rare cases under Florida Statute §768.72 to punish egregious conduct such as reckless or impaired driving.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent victims and families affected by serious pedestrian crashes across South Florida. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases involving minors, complex insurance claims, and negligent drivers.

We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win compensation for your family.

Our firm proudly serves clients throughout Miami-Dade, Broward, and Palm Beach Counties, helping families find justice and financial stability after devastating accidents. Call (305) 638-4143 for a free and confidential consultation in English or Spanish.