Driver fled after striking wheelchair pedestrian near West 49th Street
January 09, 2026 | Hialeah, FL
A tragic hit-and-run incident claimed the life of a wheelchair-bound pedestrian in Hialeah on Jan. 9.
Antonio Hernandez was arrested after driving a Honda Pilot that struck a pedestrian in a wheelchair on Palm Avenue near West 49th Street in Hialeah and fleeing the scene.
What Happened in the Crash?
Police reports indicate that an unidentified victim in a wheelchair was struck by a Honda Pilot driven by 85-year-old Antonio Hernandez near Palm Avenue and West 49th Street. The vehicle pushed the victim along the road before the wheelchair became lodged underneath, leading to the pedestrian being run over. The SUV fled the scene immediately after.
The victim was transported urgently to Hialeah Hospital but succumbed to injuries there. Authorities have charged Hernandez with leaving the scene of a crash involving death.
- Date of Incident: Jan. 9
- Location: Palm Avenue and West 49th Street, Hialeah, FL
- Vehicle Involved: Honda Pilot
- Driver: Antonio Hernandez, 85
- Victim Status: Wheelchair user, deceased
- Charges: Leaving the scene of a fatal crash
Why Do Hit-and-Run Accidents Occur?
Under Florida statutes, drivers are required to remain at the scene of any collision causing damage, injury, or death, whether on public or private roads. Despite this, hit-and-runs remain a significant issue.
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, 2023 saw 104,273 such incidents statewide, resulting in 271 deaths and 871 serious injuries. Notably, up to 65% of fatalities in these crashes involve pedestrians or cyclists.
Common reasons for fleeing include intoxication, unlicensed driving, or fear of legal repercussions. Thorough investigations are essential to address these cases effectively.
Statistic |
Value (2023, Florida) |
Source |
|---|
Total Hit-and-Run Crashes |
104,273 |
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles |
Fatalities |
271 |
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles |
Serious Injuries |
871 |
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles |
Pedestrian/Cyclist Fatalities Percentage |
65% |
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles |
Legal Insights
National legal analysts emphasize the importance of independent investigations in hit-and-run cases to support affected families.
“Having the proper resources is crucial to investigate a hit-and-run accident case and prove negligence,” said Candice Bond, managing partner of Bond Legal. “Road conditions, signage visibility, and road lighting are all potential contributing factors that are considered and must be thoroughly examined. These procedures are necessary for helping someone who has lost a loved one at the hands of a hit-and-run driver receive the justice and monetary compensation that they deserve.”
- Independent investigations protect family rights in the aftermath of such tragedies.
- Factors like poor visibility or road hazards must be evaluated to establish liability.
- Legal support ensures access to compensation for losses, including emotional distress.
“We understand just what families are forced to go through, and having their rights protected is vital,” said Stefano Formica, of counsel with Bond Legal. “A wrongful death lawyer will stay updated on the official investigation and help ensure that their best interests are taken care of. Relatives of wrongful death victims are entitled to seek damages for the loss of companionship, pain and suffering, and emotional distress following a tragic or catastrophic accident.”
Families of the victim may pursue a wrongful death claim, seeking remedies for companionship loss, suffering, and distress after such incidents.
Newsline, a premier digital news platform owned by Belsito Communications, Inc., upholds rigorous editorial standards with an unwavering commitment to journalistic integrity and editorial excellence. Our Corrections Policy ensures a 24-hour review guarantee for accuracy. For corrections, use our Corrections Form.
(This report is based on verified data - learn more on our About Us page.)
Newsline - is your trusted source for legal news and accident reports, delivering timely updates to keep you informed.
If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one in a hit-and-run, national legal analyst Candice Bond is available for a free, no-obligation consultation.
(Candice Bond, our national legal analyst, is a Managing Partner at Bond Legal. Newsline can and does use quotes from prior interviews with our analysts for our news articles. If you would like to contact Bond Legal to help you, please call 866-985-6515 or use the submission box found on this page. Legal analysts quoted may or may not be licensed in your state).