11-Year-Old Boy Hit by Car While Walking to School in Miami Gardens

A troubling crash in Miami Gardens, Florida left an 11-year-old boy seriously injured after a driver allegedly attempted to bypass traffic by driving off the roadway, according to the Miami Gardens Police Department.

The incident occurred during the morning school commute and has raised concerns about reckless driving in areas where children are present.

What We Know About the Crash

According to the Miami Gardens Police Department, officers responded to the crash just before 8:00 a.m. on April 28, 2026, in the 1200 block of Northwest 188th Street.

Investigators say the driver of a black Ford Fusion was traveling southbound on Northwest 12th Avenue at a high rate of speed and attempted to bypass slow-moving traffic by driving onto a swale (grassy roadside area).

While off the roadway, the vehicle struck a tree and then hit an 11-year-old boy who was walking to school.

The child, identified as a student at Parkway Elementary School, was airlifted to Jackson Memorial Hospital’s Ryder Trauma Center with a head injury. He was reported to be in serious but stable condition.

Family members say the boy was just two blocks from school when he was struck.

Arrest and Charges

Authorities identified the driver as 23-year-old Darius J. Forbes.

He was taken into custody and is expected to face charges of reckless driving.

The crash remains under active investigation.

The Dangers of Reckless Driving Near School Zones

School zones are among the most sensitive traffic environments, especially during morning and afternoon hours when children are walking.

Reckless behaviors—such as attempting to bypass traffic by leaving the roadway—can have devastating consequences.

Common dangers include:

• Reduced reaction time due to speed
• Unexpected pedestrian movement
• Limited visibility near intersections and crossings
• Drivers ignoring designated traffic patterns

Even a single reckless decision can result in life-threatening injuries.

Pedestrian Safety Risks for Children

Children are particularly vulnerable in traffic environments because:

• They may act unpredictably
• They are smaller and harder for drivers to see
• They may not fully understand traffic risks

This makes it critical for drivers to exercise extreme caution near schools and residential areas.

Legal Considerations in Pedestrian Injury Cases

Crashes involving pedestrians—especially children—often involve clear questions of negligence.

Investigators may examine:

• Driver speed and behavior
• Whether the driver left the roadway unlawfully
• Location of the pedestrian at the time of impact
• Roadway and traffic conditions

Drivers who engage in reckless conduct may face both criminal charges and civil liability.

Compensation for Injury Victims

Children injured in pedestrian accidents may be entitled to compensation for:

• Emergency medical care
• Ongoing treatment and monitoring
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma

These cases may also involve long-term considerations depending on the extent of injuries.

Investigation Ongoing

The Miami Gardens Police Department continues to investigate the crash and determine all contributing factors.

Our Thoughts Are With the Child and Family

Our thoughts are with the young boy and his family as he recovers from this frightening incident.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent children and families across Florida who have been injured due to negligent or reckless drivers. If your child has been injured in an accident, our firm can help you understand your legal rights and pursue justice.

We offer free consultations and handle cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning no fees unless we recover compensation for your family.