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Pensacola Woman Charged With DUI Manslaughter After Fatal Hit-and-Run With Bicyclist
A tragic collision in Escambia County has led to serious criminal charges after a bicyclist was struck and killed by a drunk driver early Sunday morning. According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), a 42-year-old Pensacola woman, identified as Hannah Miatta Williams, now faces multiple charges including DUI manslaughter, leaving the scene of a crash involving death, and tampering with evidence.
The crash occurred around 12:05 a.m. Sunday on Lillian Highway near Stafford Lane. Authorities say Williams, driving a 2015 maroon Honda sedan, failed to maintain her lane and collided with a 51-year-old male bicyclist traveling eastbound.
Instead of stopping to render aid or call for help, Williams allegedly fled the scene. Investigators said a fragment of her vehicle’s bumper was left behind, which became a crucial piece of evidence in identifying her.
The bicyclist was transported to a nearby trauma center but succumbed to his injuries shortly after arrival. His identity has not yet been released.
Shortly after the hit-and-run, Florida Highway Patrol troopers and Escambia County Sheriff’s deputies located Williams at her residence. Authorities found that she had been involved in a second crash after striking an electrical junction box near her home.
When officers arrived, they found Williams allegedly attempting to clean her vehicle to remove evidence of the earlier crash. Officers observed signs of intoxication and conducted a DUI investigation. Williams’ blood alcohol concentration (BAC) registered at .180—more than twice Florida’s legal limit of .08 under Florida Statute §316.193.
She was taken into custody and now faces multiple felony charges, including:
- DUI Manslaughter (§316.193(3)(c)(3)(a))
- Leaving the Scene of a Crash Involving Death (§316.027(2)(c))
- Tampering With Evidence (§918.13)
- Child Neglect (§827.03)
- DUI Property Damage
The FHP Traffic Homicide Unit is leading the ongoing investigation.
Understanding DUI Manslaughter in Florida
DUI manslaughter is one of the most severe criminal charges a driver can face following an impaired driving fatality. It applies when a person:
- Operates a motor vehicle while impaired by alcohol or drugs; and
- Causes or contributes to the death of another person (including a pedestrian, bicyclist, or passenger).
DUI manslaughter is a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison and a $10,000 fine. However, the penalties can increase if the driver flees the scene—as in this case—potentially elevating the offense to a first-degree felony, carrying up to 30 years in prison.
Leaving the Scene of a Deadly Accident (Hit-and-Run)
Florida law requires drivers involved in a crash to stop immediately, remain at the scene, and render reasonable assistance to injured persons. Failure to do so after causing a fatal crash violates Florida Statute §316.027(2)(c).
Conviction for leaving the scene of a crash involving death is a first-degree felony, with a mandatory minimum sentence of four years in prison. In cases where alcohol is involved, prosecutors often pursue both DUI manslaughter and hit-and-run homicide charges concurrently.
Civil Liability for the Victim’s Family
In addition to the criminal case, the victim’s family has the right to pursue a civil wrongful death claim under the Florida Wrongful Death Act (§768.16–§768.26). A wrongful death lawsuit allows surviving family members to seek financial compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills incurred before death
- Lost income and financial support
- Loss of companionship and emotional suffering
The civil claim can be filed even while the criminal proceedings are ongoing. It is not dependent on a conviction—only on evidence showing that the defendant’s negligence or misconduct caused the death.
Steps Families Should Take After a Fatal DUI Crash
If your loved one was killed by an impaired driver, it is critical to act quickly to protect your rights. Here is a step-by-step overview of what to do:
1. Obtain the Official Crash Report
The Florida Highway Patrol or local law enforcement will issue an official report detailing the crash. This document provides crucial information about the cause of the accident and the parties involved.
2. Contact an Experienced Wrongful Death Attorney
Truck, motorcycle, and bicycle crashes involving impaired drivers require immediate legal intervention. At Flanagan & Bodenheimer, we help families:
- Preserve key evidence such as surveillance video and accident scene photos
- Identify all insurance policies that may apply
- Work with accident reconstruction experts and toxicologists
- File timely wrongful death and survivor claims
3. File a Wrongful Death Claim
Under §768.20, the personal representative of the decedent’s estate must file the lawsuit on behalf of surviving family members. The statute of limitations for filing most wrongful death claims in Florida is two years from the date of death.
4. Recover Damages
Your attorney will pursue all available damages, including compensation for loss of support, emotional anguish, and financial dependency. In cases of DUI, punitive damages may also be awarded.
At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families across Florida who have lost loved ones in DUI and hit-and-run crashes. Our experienced attorneys understand how devastating these cases are—and how to navigate both the criminal and civil aspects of your claim.
We handle every case with compassion and determination, fighting for full accountability and maximum compensation for our clients.
If your loved one was killed by a drunk or hit-and-run driver, contact us today for a free consultation. Call (305) 638-4143 or reach out online.