A 10-year-old girl was fatally struck down by a hit & run driver and a boy remains hospitalized in critical condition after a collision involving an electric bicycle in Northwest Miami-Dade.
According to investigators, the children were riding an e-bike along Northwest 117th Street when a driver making a left turn from Seventh Avenue collided with them at approximately 8:40 p.m. Wednesday.
Authorities said the driver fled after the collision. Witnesses reportedly told investigators that the motorist continued down the street, stopped, looked back toward the injured children and then drove away.
Miami-Dade Fire Rescue transported both children to Ryder Trauma Center in critical condition. Authorities later confirmed that 10-year-old Peyton died from her injuries. Her brother, Willbrent, remained hospitalized as detectives continued their investigation.
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office is reportedly searching for a gray or silver Nissan Versa from approximately model years 2009 through 2012.
E-Bike Accidents and Florida Law
Electric bicycles have become increasingly common throughout Miami-Dade and South Florida. Unfortunately, collisions between e-bike riders and motor vehicles can result in catastrophic injuries because riders have little physical protection from the impact of a vehicle.
Under Florida law, electric bicycles generally receive the same rights and are subject to many of the same responsibilities as traditional bicycles. Florida law also recognizes people lawfully operating bicycles and electric bicycles as vulnerable road users.
Drivers have a responsibility to operate their vehicles carefully around cyclists, e-bike riders and other vulnerable road users. Left-turn collisions, distracted driving, speeding, failure to yield and unsafe passing can all contribute to serious bicycle and e-bike accidents.
Florida law also requires drivers involved in crashes resulting in injury or death to stop and remain at the scene while fulfilling their legal responsibilities. Leaving the scene of a crash involving serious injuries or a fatality can result in significant criminal consequences.
Legal Options After an E-Bike or Hit-and-Run Accident
In addition to a criminal investigation, victims and their families may have civil legal options following a serious e-bike collision.
A Miami e-bike accident lawyer can investigate how the crash occurred, review surveillance or traffic camera footage, identify witnesses, examine available insurance coverage and determine whether compensation may be available for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering or other damages.
When a fatal collision occurs, surviving family members may also have questions regarding a potential wrongful death claim.
An experienced Miami bicycle accident lawyer or car accident lawyer in Miami can evaluate the circumstances surrounding the crash and explain which legal options may apply.
Contact The Perazzo Law Firm
The Perazzo Law Firm represents victims and families affected by e-bike accidents, bicycle crashes, pedestrian accidents, hit-and-run collisions and other serious traffic accidents throughout Miami and South Florida.
If you or a loved one has been injured, contact a Miami e-bike accident lawyer at The Perazzo Law Firm for a free initial consultation.
There are no upfront attorney’s fees, and personal injury cases are handled on a contingency-fee basis.
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