Driver Sought After Bicyclist Killed in Pinewood Hit-and-Run: Legal Options for Families

Authorities are searching for the driver of a gray sedan involved in a deadly hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of a bicyclist in Pinewood late Monday night, according to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office (MDSO).

The tragedy occurred around 11:50 p.m. near the intersection of Northwest 12th Avenue and Northwest 103rd Street. Deputies responding to the scene found the cyclist unresponsive, and Miami-Dade Fire Rescue later pronounced him dead.

Surveillance video from a nearby business reportedly captured the moment the gray sedan struck the man on the bicycle and then fled westbound on NW 103rd Street without stopping to render aid. The victim’s identity has not yet been released, and investigators are actively searching for the driver.

Florida consistently ranks among the states with the highest number of hit-and-run accidents. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), more than 25% of crashes statewide involve drivers who flee the scene.

Hit-and-run crashes are especially devastating when they involve pedestrians and bicyclists, who have little protection against high-speed impacts. Florida law requires drivers to:

• Immediately stop at the scene of a crash involving injury or death.
• Render reasonable assistance, including calling 911.
• Remain until law enforcement arrives.

Failure to comply can result in serious felony charges, including prison time, fines, and permanent license revocation.

Civil Legal Options for Families After a Fatal Hit-and-Run

Beyond criminal charges, families of hit-and-run victims have the right to pursue civil legal action. Under the Florida Wrongful Death Act (Florida Statutes §§ 768.16–768.26), certain surviving relatives may be entitled to compensation for:

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of companionship, guidance, and protection
• Mental pain and suffering of surviving family members
• Loss of financial support the deceased would have contributed

If the at-fault driver is located, their auto insurance and personal assets may be pursued in a wrongful death lawsuit.

In many hit-and-run cases, victims’ families fear they will be left without options if the driver cannot be identified. However, other potential avenues exist:

• Uninsured Motorist (UM) Coverage: If the victim had auto insurance with UM coverage, it may apply even though they were riding a bicycle at the time.
• Household UM Coverage: Policies belonging to immediate family members in the same household may also extend protection.
• Premises Liability: If poor roadway design, lighting, or defective traffic signals contributed to the crash, the municipality or responsible entity may share liability.

When drivers flee the scene, they not only break the law but also deny victims potentially life-saving assistance. Surveillance footage, eyewitness accounts, and vehicle damage evidence often play key roles in helping investigators and attorneys identify and pursue the at-fault party.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we work with accident reconstruction experts, investigators, and insurance specialists to fight for families impacted by hit-and-run crashes. Our mission is to secure justice, accountability, and financial recovery for those left behind.

If your loved one has been killed in a hit-and-run crash in Florida, call us today at 305-638-4143 for a free, confidential consultation. We never charge fees unless we win compensation for your family.