61-Year-Old Woman Struck and Killed While Crossing the Street in Hialeah

A heartbreaking accident in Hialeah has left a 61-year-old woman dead after she was struck by an SUV while crossing the street on Monday. The collision occurred at the intersection of East 4th Avenue and 49th Street, and the tragic moment was captured on video surveillance.

According to the Hialeah Police Department, the fatal crash occurred when the driver of a black Cadillac Escalade—who was stopped in the crosswalk preparing to make a right turn—struck the woman as she crossed in front of the vehicle.

Video footage shows the Escalade waiting to turn right when the woman began walking across the intersection. As she passed in front of the vehicle, the driver began turning, striking her and knocking her to the ground. The driver immediately stopped, exited the SUV, and ran to the victim’s side, visibly distressed.

Emergency responders arrived quickly, but the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. Police said the driver remained on-site and cooperated with investigators. Authorities later confirmed that no criminal charges would be filed.

Under Florida Statute §316.130, drivers are required to yield the right of way to pedestrians lawfully crossing the street in a crosswalk. Even when making a right turn on red, motorists must come to a complete stop and ensure the intersection is clear before proceeding.

Unfortunately, Florida consistently ranks among the most dangerous states for pedestrians. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), there were over 10,000 pedestrian crashes in 2024, resulting in more than 750 deaths statewide.

Factors that often contribute to pedestrian fatalities include:

• Drivers failing to yield at intersections
• Distracted or inattentive driving
• Poor lighting conditions or obstructed visibility
• Pedestrians crossing mid-block or outside designated areas

Even if criminal charges are not filed, civil liability can still exist in cases where a driver’s negligence contributed to a pedestrian’s death.

Legal Options for Families After a Fatal Pedestrian Accident

When a pedestrian is killed in a crash, the surviving family may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim under the Florida Wrongful Death Act (§768.16–§768.26). This type of civil claim seeks to hold the negligent party accountable and recover compensation for the losses suffered by the deceased’s loved ones.

A wrongful death claim can help families recover damages such as:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical bills related to the accident
• Loss of financial support or future income
• Loss of companionship, protection, and parental guidance
• Mental pain and suffering of surviving family members

Even when the at-fault driver is not criminally charged—as in this case—the burden of proof in civil court is lower than in criminal proceedings. Families can still pursue accountability by demonstrating that the driver failed to exercise reasonable care while operating their vehicle.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, our attorneys have extensive experience handling pedestrian accident and wrongful death cases throughout South Florida. We work to uncover every detail of what happened, from reviewing surveillance footage and accident reconstruction reports to interviewing witnesses and consulting traffic safety experts.

Our firm helps grieving families:

• Investigate fault and preserve evidence before it disappears
• Handle communications with insurance companies and opposing counsel
• Pursue full compensation through settlement or litigation
• Provide compassionate legal guidance during an emotionally devastating time

We handle all cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no legal fees unless we recover compensation on your behalf.

If your loved one was killed in a pedestrian accident in Hialeah or anywhere in South Florida, you deserve answers and justice. Our team at Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm is here to help.

Call (305) 638-4143 to schedule a free and confidential consultation.