Deadly Crash Under Investigation in Northwest Miami-Dade

Authorities are investigating a fatal crash that occurred Monday night in northwest Miami-Dade County, leaving one person dead, according to local police.

The incident happened near the intersection of Northwest 119th Street and 11th Avenue in the Pinewood neighborhood, where officers discovered a body covered with a yellow tarp on the roadway.

A truck with extensive front-end damage was also seen at the scene, though officials have not yet confirmed whether the deceased was a pedestrian, passenger, or another driver involved in the collision.

The Miami-Dade Police Department continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, and additional details — including the victim’s identity — have not yet been released.

The area where the crash occurred — NW 119th Street (also known as Gratigny Road) — is a heavily traveled route lined with residential properties, small businesses, and pedestrian crossings. The corridor connects major arteries between I-95 and NW 7th Avenue, and has been the site of multiple serious collisions in recent years.

Factors that often contribute to deadly crashes in this part of northwest Miami-Dade include:

• High traffic volume during evening hours
• Speeding and aggressive driving through mixed-use zones
• Limited lighting and visibility at night
• Pedestrians crossing outside marked crosswalks
• Distracted or impaired driving

While officials have not confirmed what caused Monday night’s crash, the severity of the damage and the presence of a fatality at the scene indicate a high-impact collision — possibly involving a pedestrian or smaller vehicle.

Miami-Dade County continues to rank among Florida’s most dangerous regions for traffic deaths, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).

In 2024 alone, the county recorded over 350 fatal crashes and thousands of serious injuries — many occurring on urban roads like NW 119th Street, NW 27th Avenue, and NW 79th Street.

Common causes of deadly collisions across the county include:

• Reckless driving or street racing
• Distracted driving (texting, GPS use, etc.)
• Drunk or drug-impaired driving
• Failure to yield to pedestrians or cyclists
• Fatigue and inattention during nighttime driving

Local law enforcement agencies have stepped up traffic enforcement initiatives in recent months, particularly in neighborhoods like Pinewood, Liberty City, and North Miami, in response to rising accident numbers.

Legal Rights After a Fatal Accident

When a loved one is killed in a car or pedestrian crash, their surviving family members may have the right to file a wrongful death claim under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act (§§768.16–768.26).

This law allows the victim’s spouse, children, parents, or estate representative to seek compensation for:

• Funeral and burial costs
• Medical expenses related to emergency care
• Loss of companionship, love, and emotional support
• Loss of financial contributions or benefits
• Mental pain and suffering for surviving family members

A wrongful death claim can be filed even if criminal charges are not pursued — because the civil standard of proof (based on negligence) differs from criminal proceedings.

If investigators determine that speeding, intoxication, or distracted driving caused the crash, the at-fault driver — and their insurance company — may be held legally responsible for the victim’s death.

Investigating a Fatal Crash: What Attorneys Look For

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we work alongside accident reconstruction experts, forensic engineers, and investigators to uncover the truth after fatal collisions like this one.

In a case such as the Pinewood crash, our team would typically investigate:

• Surveillance or dashcam footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras
• Black box vehicle data to analyze speed, braking, and impact force
• Eyewitness statements from other drivers or pedestrians
• Toxicology reports if impairment is suspected
• Lighting and road condition analysis to determine visibility and safety compliance

These findings are crucial for building a strong case and ensuring negligent parties are held accountable.

Contact a Miami-Dade Wrongful Death and Car Accident Lawyer

If you lost a loved one in a fatal crash in Miami-Dade County, the attorneys at Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm can help your family pursue justice and financial recovery.

You pay no legal fees unless we win, and we handle every part of the investigation and legal process so you can focus on healing.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer, we fight for truth, accountability, and the compensation families deserve after senseless roadway tragedies.

📞 Call 305-638-4143 or contact us online for a free consultation in English or Spanish.