Police Seek Help To Find Driver that Killed a Disabled Person
In a story that appeared on the Miami CBS Local website, Miami-Dade law enforcement is asking for the public’s help in apprehending the driver in a fatal hit and run crash that happened in the N.E. 62nd Street and N.E. 2nd Court intersection.
Margarett Ruiz, 83, was riding in her wheelchair when a four-door dark-colored vehicle struck her as she was attempting to cross the street.
Ruiz’ friend, Alfreda Marshall witnessed the incident as it happened. Marshall blames a large garbage can or dumpster that obstructed Ruiz’ way as she attempted to cross the street at the wheelchair access ramp at the intersection. Video surveillance also captured the elderly woman’s final moments before she was hit by a car that sped off without any attempt to stop or lend assistance to Ruiz.
Ruiz was rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital where she later died from her injuries shortly after her arrival.
Ruiz had been homeless in the past and had once been a resident of the Carrefour Supportive Housing community where she lived for a decade. The residents describe it as being one that is closely knit. Social worker, Lakeisha Ware said, ”It’s like losing one of my grandparents, my mother. “That’s how close we are here.”
No one should ever have to face having a loved one either seriously hurt or tragically killed in such a senseless and callous act. In a study conducted by the Florida Department of Safety and Motor Vehicles, 25% of all crashes in the state were hit-and-run accidents. While the urge to fight or to flee may be strong, many of the drivers who do stay at the scene of an accident won’t face charges. However, once a driver flees the scene of an accident they face arrest and imprisonment. Because this woman died, the guilty party will also be facing a $10,000 fine and up to 30 years in prison for a first-degree felony.
If you live in the Miami-Dade area and if you or a loved one has been the victim of a hit-and-run crash, you deserve legal representation that will protect your rights and who will ensure that justice is done.
Having such compensation would help with expenses such as medical bills, rehabilitative care, property damages, lost wages, pain and suffering and punitive damages and even wrongful death.
Our law firm is committed to the needs of our clients. We will diligently work on your behalf. Call us today to schedule a free initial consultation and legal analysis.