SUV from Hit and Run Found

An SUV has been recovered that the Florida State Patrol believes was involved in a deadly hit and run accident early Tuesday morning in southwest Miami-Dade.

The accident happened just after midnight at SW 40th Street/Bird Road and SW 97th Avenue.

According to witnesses a Toyota Yaris was were heading westbound on Bird Road when it was struck from behind in the intersection by a light colored Cadillac Escalade travelling at a high rate of speed.  The force of the crash sent the car across the sidewalk and sent it into a light pole.

The driver of the Toyota Yaris, 67-year old Carlos Jesus Pildain, was pronounced dead at the scene, while his wife, Dixiana, had to cut from the wreckage by emergency crews. She was taken to Kendall Regional Medical Center and is listed in serious condition.

German Rodriguez witnessed the crash, then followed the Escalade as it sped off.

“You know I tried to follow him as fast as possible. I tried to do the right thing. I called 9-1-1 and they told me to stop following the guy. I gave them as much information as possible and tried to help out as much as I could,” said Rodriguez. “I came back and saw all his tools on the ground. A working guy and his wife, all his tools on the ground, it was heartbreaking.”

Rodriguez added, however, that the driver of Escalade was going so fast that he was unable to get the license plate number.

The Florida Highway Patrol stated that it was able to locate the SUV that they believe was involved in the crash and have impounded it at their headquarters located just off the Turnpike Extension near 107th Avenue.  The FHP, however, has not disclosed whether or not they currently have the hit-and-run driver in custody.

If you are ever involved in a serious accident, sometimes instincts rather than reason takes over. The temptation to flee must be resisted. Never be tempted to leave the scene of an accident before law enforcement arrives. The penalties for leaving the scene of an accident in the State of Florida are extremely serious. According to Florida Statute 316.027, if you are ever involved in an accident, and there are personal injuries, or a fatality, you must immediately stop the vehicle at the scene of the crash, or as close to it as you possibly can. If you are involved in such an accident, then Leaving the scene of an accident can result in up to 30 years in prison for the charge of first-degree felony if there is a fatality or injuries and you are convicted of the charge. you must remain at the scene of the crash until you have been released by law enforcement.

In addition staying until you are released by police, you must also remember never sign any statement or settlement with an insurance company until you have competent legal representation behind you.

If you or a loved one have been involved in or the victim of a hit and run accident, call our offices as soon as possible. We will get your case started for you once you’ve had a chance to see a doctor. As soon as you are able, our attorneys will take the time to sit down with you and discuss your case. Most importantly, we have years of experience in the Miami-Dade area and have successfully argued accident cases in the Florida courts. We can help you recover the medical costs, the expenses of ongoing treatment and pain and suffering to get you what your case is really worth. We are on your side and we are here to help you. Your initial consultation is free and there is no obligation to you.