Pedestrian fatalities in Miami are unfortunately commonplace—and among the most heartbreaking of them are hit-and-run motorists. When a loved one dies at the hands of a hit-and-run driver, families aren’t just left to grieve but with haunting, unanswered questions. Who was driving? Why did they flee? And how can justice ever be served?
At Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP, we represent Miami families and Florida families alike in holding negligent motorists accountable—even when motorists try to run from liability. Our experienced wrongful death attorneys are quite familiar with the complexity of hit-and-run accidents and legal strategies involved in fighting for what families deserve. If you’re dealing with a tragic loss, our team is here to support you.
Miami’s Rising Pedestrian Fatality Crisis
Miami is one of the most dangerous metropolitan areas for pedestrians in the United States. According to statistics presented by Smart Growth America, South Florida is one of the worst places in the country for pedestrian safety annually. The combination of heavy traffic, inadequate crosswalks, distracted drivers, and speeding cars is a deadly mix.
In hit-and-run cases, the tragedy is compounded. When a driver flees the scene, they deny the victim any chance of emergency aid and deny families a sense of accountability. It is both a legal and moral failure—and unfortunately, it happens far too often on Miami’s roads.
These crashes don’t just impact the immediate family—they shake entire communities. Memorials, vigils, and renewed public demands for better infrastructure often follow such tragedies. Yet for the surviving families, the emotional trauma, financial stress, and unanswered questions remain long after the headlines fade.
For many families, the pain is worsened by the silence that follows. When law enforcement is unable to identify the driver quickly, it can feel like justice is slipping away. That’s why legal representation plays such a critical role—not just in securing compensation, but in pushing forward an active investigation and applying pressure for answers.
What Makes Hit-and-Run Wrongful Death Cases Unique?
Wrongful death claims typically begin with identifying the negligent party—but what happens when that party vanishes?
In hit-and-run pedestrian death cases, the challenges are distinct:
- Unidentified Driver – Police may struggle to locate the person responsible.
- Lack of Witnesses – Accidents at night or in low-traffic areas often have few or no witnesses.
- Insurance Barriers – If the driver remains unidentified, families may need to pursue compensation through the victim’s uninsured motorist (UM) policy—if one exists.
- Criminal and Civil Proceedings – These cases may also involve simultaneous criminal investigations, which can affect the timing of civil wrongful death claims.
Working with an experienced Miami wrongful death lawyer is essential in navigating these complications. Our team investigates aggressively, collaborates with law enforcement, and helps families understand their rights throughout the legal process.
The Role of a Miami Wrongful Death Attorney in Hit-and-Run Cases
At Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP, our attorneys bring decades of experience handling high-stakes wrongful death cases across Florida. In hit-and-run situations, we focus on:
1. Conducting Independent Investigations
We often hire private investigators, obtain security footage, request vehicle damage reports from local auto shops, and canvass neighborhoods for potential witnesses. Surveillance from nearby businesses or traffic cameras can make the difference in identifying the driver.
2. Working with Law Enforcement
While police work to solve the crime, we stay in communication to track developments, gather reports, and ensure no lead is overlooked. Our legal team also takes steps to preserve evidence that could be critical to your civil case.
3. Exploring All Sources of Compensation
If the driver is identified, we pursue damages through their insurance—or through litigation if insurance is unavailable. If the driver is never found, we can help families file claims through UM policies or potentially explore third-party liability if poor road conditions or vehicle defects played a role.
4. Advocating for Maximum Damages
A successful wrongful death lawsuit can include compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills incurred before death
- Loss of financial support
- Loss of companionship and emotional support
- Pain and suffering experienced by surviving family members
Our team takes the time to understand your loss in full—both emotionally and financially—and fights for every dollar you’re entitled to under Florida law.
Time Limits for Filing a Claim in Florida
Florida law sets a strict two-year statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death lawsuit. This means families must file their claim within two years from the date of death—or risk losing their legal right to compensation. In hit-and-run cases, early legal action is especially important, as evidence can disappear quickly.
If you’re unsure about the timeline or your eligibility to file, our legal team can offer a free consultation to help you assess your options.
Families Deserve Justice, Even When the Driver Runs
No amount of compensation can undo the heartbreak of losing someone you love. But holding the responsible party accountable—even if it’s through civil court rather than criminal charges—can provide a sense of justice and financial relief.
In hit-and-run pedestrian death cases, legal action also sends a powerful message: fleeing the scene will not shield a person from responsibility. These cases can highlight the importance of better infrastructure, more vigilant law enforcement, and stronger pedestrian protections in Miami.
A wrongful death attorney does more than just file paperwork. They offer clarity when you feel lost, speak on your behalf when emotions are too raw, and navigate a system that can feel overwhelming. Most importantly, they help families find a path forward.
Call a Miami Wrongful Death Lawyer Today
If you’ve lost a loved one in a hit-and-run pedestrian accident, don’t face the legal system alone. At Dolan Dobrinsky Rosenblum Bluestein, LLP, we’re committed to helping families uncover the truth, demand accountability, and pursue full compensation under Florida law.
Call us today at 305-371-2692 or contact us online for a free consultation. Our team is available 24/7, and we’re ready to fight for justice on your behalf.
We understand the pain, the uncertainty, and the urgency that follows a sudden loss. Let our experienced attorneys guide you every step of the way—and help your family find the justice and closure you deserve.