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Man Dies After Being Pinned by Vehicle in Miami’s Little Havana Neighborhood
A tragic accident in Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood claimed the life of a man on Wednesday morning after he became pinned beneath a vehicle he was working on, according to the Miami Police Department.
The fatal incident occurred shortly before 9 a.m. in the area of Southwest 7th Avenue and Southwest 8th Street, near the heart of Little Havana.
Miami Police officials reported that the man—believed to be around 40 years old—was performing work on a white van when it apparently rolled unexpectedly, trapping him underneath. Emergency responders arrived to find the man pinned and unresponsive.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Aerial footage from NBC6’s Chopper 6 showed a heavy police presence in the area, with investigators examining the white van involved. The man’s identity has not yet been released pending notification of next of kin.
The incident remains under investigation, and authorities have not confirmed whether the van was on an incline, improperly secured, or left in gear when it rolled.
Although this case remains under investigation, similar incidents often occur when a vehicle’s parking brake is not properly engaged, or when mechanical failure or negligent maintenance allows the vehicle to move unexpectedly.
Common causes of such fatal “rollaway” accidents include:
- Failure to set the parking brake while working under or near a vehicle.
- Transmission issues, such as worn gear selectors or faulty shifters.
- Defective parking brakes or brake line failures.
- Vehicles being left running while in gear.
- Lack of wheel chocks or blocks to prevent rolling.
Even small vehicles can weigh several thousand pounds, and once they begin to move, it is nearly impossible for a person to stop them manually. Tragically, these accidents are often fatal due to crush injuries, asphyxiation, or internal trauma.
Legal Responsibilities and Potential Liability
When fatal rollaway or pinning incidents occur, investigators must determine whether negligence, defective equipment, or unsafe conditions contributed to the tragedy.
Potentially liable parties may include:
- Vehicle owners who failed to maintain or secure their vehicle properly.
- Employers or property owners if the victim was performing work duties or on unsafe premises.
- Automakers or mechanics if a design defect, faulty brake system, or mechanical error played a role.
Under Florida Statutes §768.81, Florida’s comparative negligence law, more than one party may share liability depending on the circumstances. Even if the victim bore partial responsibility (for example, failing to properly secure the vehicle), the family may still recover a percentage of damages from other negligent parties.
If mechanical defects are discovered, claims could also fall under Florida product liability law, governed by Florida Statutes §768.72, which allows victims and families to hold manufacturers accountable for producing unsafe or defective vehicles or components.
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim After a Fatal Vehicle Accident
When a person dies due to another party’s negligence—such as failure to maintain a vehicle or ensure safety on private property—the surviving family members may be entitled to pursue compensation under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act (Florida Statutes §768.16–768.26).
Eligible family members (such as a spouse, children, or parents) may recover compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of companionship and support
- Loss of the decedent’s income and services
- Mental and emotional anguish
- Medical expenses related to the final injury or illness
A personal representative of the deceased’s estate typically files the lawsuit on behalf of the family. These cases must be filed within two years of the date of death, as required by Florida Statutes §95.11(4)(d).
What to Expect During a Wrongful Death Investigation
If the victim’s family decides to pursue a wrongful death claim, the process generally includes:
- Accident Investigation – Attorneys work with experts to inspect the vehicle, review police reports, and determine what caused it to roll.
- Evidence Preservation – Preserving photographs, surveillance footage, and mechanical data is critical, as evidence can be lost or destroyed quickly.
- Expert Testimony – Engineers or accident reconstruction specialists may analyze whether the vehicle’s systems failed or if human error was involved.
- Negotiation with Insurance Companies – Many wrongful death cases involve multiple insurers (e.g., property, auto, or employer coverage).
- Filing a Lawsuit (if necessary) – If insurers refuse to offer fair compensation, a lawsuit may be filed in civil court to hold the responsible parties accountable.
At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families who have lost loved ones in tragic and preventable accidents across South Florida, including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and throughout the state.
Our attorneys have extensive experience handling complex wrongful death and premises liability claims and are committed to helping families uncover the truth and seek justice.
Man Dies After Being Pinned by Vehicle in Miami’s Little Havana Neighborhood
By Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm
A tragic accident in Miami’s Little Havana neighborhood claimed the life of a man on Wednesday morning after he became pinned beneath a vehicle he was working on, according to the Miami Police Department.
What Happened
The fatal incident occurred shortly before 9 a.m. in the area of Southwest 7th Avenue and Southwest 8th Street, near the heart of Little Havana.
Miami Police officials reported that the man—believed to be around 40 years old—was performing work on a white van when it apparently rolled unexpectedly, trapping him underneath. Emergency responders arrived to find the man pinned and unresponsive.
He was pronounced dead at the scene.
Aerial footage from NBC6’s Chopper 6 showed a heavy police presence in the area, with investigators examining the white van involved. The man’s identity has not yet been released pending notification of next of kin.
The incident remains under investigation, and authorities have not confirmed whether the van was on an incline, improperly secured, or left in gear when it rolled.
Accidents Involving Unsecured or Rolling Vehicles
Although this case remains under investigation, similar incidents often occur when a vehicle’s parking brake is not properly engaged, or when mechanical failure or negligent maintenance allows the vehicle to move unexpectedly.
Common causes of such fatal “rollaway” accidents include:
- Failure to set the parking brake while working under or near a vehicle.
- Transmission issues, such as worn gear selectors or faulty shifters.
- Defective parking brakes or brake line failures.
- Vehicles being left running while in gear.
- Lack of wheel chocks or blocks to prevent rolling.
Even small vehicles can weigh several thousand pounds, and once they begin to move, it is nearly impossible for a person to stop them manually. Tragically, these accidents are often fatal due to crush injuries, asphyxiation, or internal trauma.
Legal Responsibilities and Potential Liability
When fatal rollaway or pinning incidents occur, investigators must determine whether negligence, defective equipment, or unsafe conditions contributed to the tragedy.
Potentially liable parties may include:
- Vehicle owners who failed to maintain or secure their vehicle properly.
- Employers or property owners if the victim was performing work duties or on unsafe premises.
- Automakers or mechanics if a design defect, faulty brake system, or mechanical error played a role.
Under Florida Statutes §768.81, Florida’s comparative negligence law, more than one party may share liability depending on the circumstances. Even if the victim bore partial responsibility (for example, failing to properly secure the vehicle), the family may still recover a percentage of damages from other negligent parties.
If mechanical defects are discovered, claims could also fall under Florida product liability law, governed by Florida Statutes §768.72, which allows victims and families to hold manufacturers accountable for producing unsafe or defective vehicles or components.
Filing a Wrongful Death Claim After a Fatal Vehicle Accident
When a person dies due to another party’s negligence—such as failure to maintain a vehicle or ensure safety on private property—the surviving family members may be entitled to pursue compensation under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act (Florida Statutes §768.16–768.26).
Eligible family members (such as a spouse, children, or parents) may recover compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of companionship and support
- Loss of the decedent’s income and services
- Mental and emotional anguish
- Medical expenses related to the final injury or illness
A personal representative of the deceased’s estate typically files the lawsuit on behalf of the family. These cases must be filed within two years of the date of death, as required by Florida Statutes §95.11(4)(d).
What to Expect During a Wrongful Death Investigation
If the victim’s family decides to pursue a wrongful death claim, the process generally includes:
- Accident Investigation – Attorneys work with experts to inspect the vehicle, review police reports, and determine what caused it to roll.
- Evidence Preservation – Preserving photographs, surveillance footage, and mechanical data is critical, as evidence can be lost or destroyed quickly.
- Expert Testimony – Engineers or accident reconstruction specialists may analyze whether the vehicle’s systems failed or if human error was involved.
- Negotiation with Insurance Companies – Many wrongful death cases involve multiple insurers (e.g., property, auto, or employer coverage).
- Filing a Lawsuit (if necessary) – If insurers refuse to offer fair compensation, a lawsuit may be filed in civil court to hold the responsible parties accountable.
At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families who have lost loved ones in tragic and preventable accidents across South Florida, including Miami, Fort Lauderdale, and throughout the state.
Our attorneys have extensive experience handling complex wrongful death and premises liability claims and are committed to helping families uncover the truth and seek justice.
We handle all cases on a contingency fee basis — meaning you pay no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we win compensation for your family.