Miami Scooter Hit-and-Run: Tourist Suffers Skull Fracture, Faces Long Recovery After Driver Flees Scene

A vacation to Miami turned into a life-altering ordeal for Gabriela Obregon, a tourist from Argentina who suffered a traumatic brain injury after being struck by a hit-and-run driver while riding a scooter with her boyfriend. The incident occurred on March 10, 2025, and has sparked renewed concerns about reckless driving and accountability on Florida’s roads.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we’re deeply saddened by stories like Gabriela’s. Her experience highlights the devastating impact a single moment of negligence can have on an innocent person’s life — and why victims of hit-and-run accidents deserve strong legal advocacy and support.

According to reports, Gabriela and her boyfriend were riding a scooter in Northeast Miami when a car struck them from behind. The driver — identified by police as 21-year-old Armani Rodgers — allegedly fled the scene after dragging the scooter several feet.

A bystander captured the immediate aftermath on video. The footage reportedly shows Rodgers and her passenger exiting the car, returning briefly to remove the vehicle’s license plate, and then running away again. Rodgers was later identified when the car’s owner — her aunt — told police that Rodgers had taken the vehicle without permission.

Gabriela was found on the ground with a fractured skull and serious bleeding, injuries so severe that doctors initially gave her family a grim prognosis. She later underwent emergency brain surgery, and while she miraculously survived, she is now deaf in one ear, covered in bruises, and unable to return home to Argentina for the foreseeable future.

Understanding Hit-and-Run Crashes and Civil Liability in Florida

Hit-and-run accidents are among the most devastating types of motor vehicle crashes, often leaving victims with not only serious physical injuries but also emotional trauma and financial hardship. Under Florida law, any driver involved in a crash that causes injury or death is legally obligated to stop, render aid, and remain at the scene until authorities arrive. Failing to do so is a crime, with penalties that may include prison time, license revocation, and steep fines.

But beyond the criminal consequences, a hit-and-run also opens the door to civil liability. If a driver causes an accident through reckless or negligent behavior — such as speeding, impaired driving, or distracted driving — and then flees the scene, they may be held legally responsible for the injuries and losses suffered by others.

In these cases, negligence may include:

• Failing to yield or obey traffic laws
• Operating a vehicle while impaired by drugs or alcohol
• Driving at excessive speeds
• Distracted or inattentive driving
• Fleeing the scene without providing information or aid

Even if criminal charges are filed, victims and their families have the right to pursue a separate civil claim to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. In certain cases, victims may also seek punitive damages if the driver’s behavior was especially egregious — such as intentionally fleeing or attempting to cover up their involvement.

When the driver is uninsured or cannot be located, other legal avenues may be available, such as pursuing compensation through a victim’s own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) policy or through third-party liability if another party contributed to the crash (for example, if a vehicle was negligently loaned out or maintained).

Hit-and-run cases can be complex, especially when they involve out-of-state visitors, scooters, pedestrians, or rental vehicles. Understanding your rights and how Florida law applies is a critical first step toward recovery.

Challenges for Foreign Nationals Injured in Florida

Tourists injured while visiting the U.S. often face additional complications, including:

• Insurance barriers (lack of U.S. medical coverage)
• Difficulty accessing financial support
• Visa or travel restrictions due to medical condition
• Uncertainty over how to pursue legal action in a foreign country

Fortunately, Florida law allows tourists and non-residents to file injury claims if they are harmed due to negligence while visiting the state. At Flanagan & Bodenheimer, we have experience representing international visitors and helping them navigate the U.S. legal system while they recover.

What to Do If You or a Loved One Is Injured in a Hit-and-Run in Florida

If you’ve been injured in a hit-and-run accident, taking the following steps can help protect your rights and strengthen your legal case:

1. Seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries seem minor.
2. Report the incident to law enforcement as soon as possible.
3. Preserve any evidence — including witness videos, photos, and medical records.
4. Consult with a personal injury attorney to begin building your case and identify all liable parties.
5. Avoid speaking to insurance companies without legal representation, as early statements can be used against you.