Pedestrian Killed in Orange County Hit-and-Run; Driver Who Tried to Help Also Injured

A tragic series of events on Silver Star Road in Orange County left a pedestrian dead and a Good Samaritan driver injured after a hit-and-run collision late Monday night. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is actively searching for the driver responsible for the second impact.

The fatal crash occurred around 11:10 p.m. near Le Havre Boulevard, just east of Evans High School, and has raised renewed concerns about nighttime pedestrian safety and the growing number of hit-and-run incidents across Central Florida.

According to FHP, the incident unfolded in two devastating stages:

1. Initial Collision

• A 36-year-old Orlando man was driving a 2003 Honda Accord east on Silver Star Road.
• A pedestrian entered the eastbound lanes outside of a crosswalk.
• The Honda struck the pedestrian, who suffered significant injuries.

In a display of responsibility and compassion, the driver immediately pulled over, got out, and began assisting the injured pedestrian.

2. Hit-and-Run Second Impact

As the driver attempted to help, a blue Chevrolet Malibu approached the intersection and:

• Struck both the pedestrian and the Honda driver
• Continued through the scene, briefly stopping so the driver could inspect damage
• Fled the location without rendering aid

The force of this second impact proved fatal for the pedestrian.

Injuries and Fatality

• The pedestrian was transported to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead.
• The Honda driver who stopped to help sustained minor injuries.
• The hit-and-run driver has not yet been identified.

FHP reports the suspect vehicle likely has:

• Lower front-end damage
• Damage to the driver’s side mirror

The driver was described by witnesses as wearing a black hooded sweatshirt.

Anyone with information is urged to contact *FHP or Crimeline at 800-423-TIPS.

Hit-and-Run Crashes in Florida

Florida continues to see alarming rates of hit-and-run crashes. In fact:

• Thousands occur every year
• Many involve pedestrians who are particularly vulnerable
• Drivers who flee face felony charges and severe criminal penalties

But beyond the criminal side, hit-and-run crashes create immense challenges for victims and families seeking justice—especially when the at-fault driver is not immediately identified.

Legal Rights and Options for Victims and Families

Even when a driver flees, victims and families still have legal options.

Potential avenues for recovery include:

1. Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage

A pedestrian or assisting driver may be covered under:

• Their own auto insurance
• A resident relative’s policy

UM benefits can help pay for:

• Medical bills
• Lost income
• Pain and suffering
• Wrongful death damages

2. A Claim Against the Hit-and-Run Driver (Once Identified)

If located, the driver may be civilly liable for:

• Negligence
• Gross negligence
• Wrongful death damages

3. A Claim Against the First Driver (Depending on Circumstances)

Although the Honda driver stopped to render aid, the initial collision may still be examined under Florida’s comparative negligence law.

Determining fault requires a full independent investigation—including witness statements, vehicle inspections, surveillance footage, cellphone data, and event data recorder (“black box”) downloads.

This is why families must act quickly to protect their rights.

Why These Cases Require a Skilled Florida Injury and Wrongful Death Attorney

Hit-and-run cases are uniquely complex. Insurance companies often try to deny or minimize claims, and evidence can disappear without immediate action.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we:

• Limit our caseload so every client receives direct attorney access
• Conduct aggressive investigations to uncover the truth
• Pursue all available compensation under the Florida Wrongful Death Act
• Take on difficult cases other firms turn down — and win them

Families pay nothing unless we recover money for their loss.

No family should have to fight for answers alone. Whether the responsible driver has been located or remains unknown, our attorneys can guide you through your legal options and protect your rights.