Hialeah Motorcyclist Dies After Sawgrass Expressway Crash in Sunrise

A devastating crash on the Sawgrass Expressway in Sunrise claimed the life of a 37-year-old motorcyclist from Hialeah on Monday morning. According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the man was riding a 2025 Suzuki motorcycle southbound when the collision occurred just before 10:45 a.m.

Witnesses reported that the motorcyclist was traveling at a high rate of speed and weaving through lanes when he collided with the rear of a 2025 gray Subaru SUV in a center lane. The force of the impact caused the motorcycle to overturn and come to rest on the grass shoulder near Sunrise Boulevard. Tragically, the rider was pronounced dead at the scene.

The SUV, driven by a 69-year-old woman from Davie, was pushed onto the grass shoulder, coming to a stop while facing east. The driver was not reported as injured, though she and other witnesses remain key to the investigation.

Troopers temporarily shut down portions of the Sawgrass Expressway while investigators worked to reconstruct the crash.

Motorcycle crashes on Florida highways like the Sawgrass Expressway are often catastrophic due to the combination of high speeds, lane changing, and the lack of protection motorcyclists have compared to other drivers. Even when riders wear helmets, the force of impact with larger vehicles often results in fatal or life-threatening injuries.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that motorcyclists are over 28 times more likely than passenger car occupants to die in a crash per mile traveled. In Florida, which consistently ranks among the top states for motorcycle fatalities, the risks are particularly high on highways where speed limits exceed 65 mph.

Potential Legal Issues in This Case

While preliminary witness reports suggest that speeding and unsafe lane changes contributed to this tragedy, it is important to understand that multiple factors are often at play in highway motorcycle accidents.

If the motorcyclist was found primarily at fault, the driver of the SUV may not face liability. However, if further investigation reveals the SUV driver contributed — for example, by failing to maintain lane position or making a sudden, unsafe maneuver — liability could be shared.

Under Florida’s modified comparative negligence law, a party can recover damages if they are 50% or less at fault for a crash. If the deceased rider is found to have been more than 50% responsible, the surviving family may be barred from recovery.

If liability is established against another party, the rider’s surviving family may file a wrongful death claim under the Florida Wrongful Death Act. Eligible survivors — such as a spouse, children, or parents — may pursue damages for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of companionship and support
• Mental and emotional suffering
• The decedent’s lost future income

In motorcycle crashes, insurance disputes are common. Unlike car accidents, motorcycles are not covered under Florida’s No-Fault (PIP) insurance law, meaning victims and families must pursue recovery directly from the at-fault driver’s insurance or through a liability lawsuit.

This heartbreaking loss highlights the need for greater caution on Florida’s highways. Motorcyclists can reduce risks by:

• Avoiding excessive speeds and aggressive lane changes
• Wearing DOT-approved helmets and protective gear
• Maintaining a safe distance from larger vehicles
• Using reflective gear or headlights during the day to increase visibility

Drivers of cars and trucks also play a critical role. They must:

• Check mirrors and blind spots before changing lanes
• Allow extra space when following or passing motorcycles
• Remain alert for smaller vehicles, especially at highway speeds

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we understand the devastating impact of motorcycle fatalities. Families often face overwhelming grief, financial strain, and uncertainty about their legal rights.

If you have lost a loved one in a motorcycle crash on the Sawgrass Expressway, I-95, or any Florida roadway, call us at 305-638-4143 for a free, confidential consultation. We never charge fees unless we win compensation for you.