Man Arrested in Deadly Hialeah Hit-and-Run Involving Wheelchair User

A tragic hit-and-run crash in Hialeah claimed the life of a person in a wheelchair and has led to the arrest of an 84-year-old driver, according to authorities. The incident highlights the extreme vulnerability of pedestrians with disabilities and the severe consequences of fleeing the scene of a deadly crash.

According to an arrest report from local authorities, the crash occurred around 10:45 a.m. on Friday near the intersection of Palm Avenue and West 49th Street in Hialeah.

Police say the victim was crossing Palm Avenue in a wheelchair when they were struck by a 2011 Honda Pilot. The impact caused the SUV to push the victim along the roadway before both the individual and the wheelchair were pulled underneath the vehicle and run over.

Instead of stopping to render aid or call for help, the driver allegedly left the scene.

Emergency responders found the victim unresponsive with a severe head injury. They were rushed to Hialeah Hospital, where they were later pronounced dead. Authorities have not released the victim’s identity.

Police identified the driver as Antonio Hernandez, 84, who was later located when he arrived at his residence in the same vehicle involved in the crash. Investigators were aided by a witness who photographed the SUV, providing critical evidence.

When detectives examined the Honda Pilot, they reportedly found a pair of glasses lodged on the hood and blood on the bumper, further linking the vehicle to the fatal collision.

Hernandez was arrested and charged with leaving the scene of a crash involving death. Jail records indicate he is currently being held without bond.

Pedestrians who rely on wheelchairs face heightened risks in traffic environments, particularly at busy intersections. Fatal crashes involving wheelchair users often stem from:

• Driver inattention or failure to yield
• Speeding or delayed reaction times
• Poor visibility or inadequate pedestrian infrastructure
• Drivers fleeing the scene instead of rendering aid

Florida law requires drivers to stop immediately, provide assistance, and notify law enforcement when involved in a crash causing injury or death. Failing to do so can result in serious felony charges, as well as civil liability.

Legal Options After a Fatal Hit-and-Run

When a hit-and-run results in death, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under Florida law. Compensation may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of companionship, protection, and support
• Mental pain and suffering of surviving family members
• Medical expenses incurred prior to death

Even when a driver is criminally charged, a separate civil case may be necessary to hold them financially accountable.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families devastated by fatal pedestrian and hit-and-run crashes across Florida.

We intentionally maintain a small caseload, allowing families to work directly with experienced attorneys who take immediate action to:

• Conduct an independent investigation
• Preserve surveillance footage and witness statements
• Analyze crash scene and vehicle evidence
• Identify all available insurance coverage
• Handle all communications with insurers and investigators

Families pay nothing upfront. We only recover fees if we recover compensation.

If your loved one was killed in a hit-and-run crash or pedestrian accident, you do not have to face this process alone.

📞 Contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm for a free, confidential consultation. We represent families throughout Hialeah, Miami-Dade County, and across Florida.