Family of Miami Girl Killed in Hit-and-Run Crash Seeking Help to Find Driver

April 21, 2015 / 12:00 pm

A family in our community who lost a loved one in a hit-and-run crash is reaching out for help in locating the driver responsible for the wreck.

According to WSVN-TV, the tragic accident took place on February 28 as the 18-year-old victim was walking home with her boyfriend. As the two neared the intersection of 13th Avenue and Northwest 54th Street, the young woman was struck by a car, believed to be a green 2008 Toyota Corolla.

A surveillance video of the incident shows the vehicle swerving in an attempt to avoid hitting the 18-year-old girl and then fleeing the scene following the collision. In addition, at the time of crash, the car reportedly had two “for sale” signs in its windows. A witness recovered a fog lamp that was left behind by the car and handed it over to the police.

Right now, all the girl’s family can do is hope either that the police find the driver or the driver turns himself or herself into authorities.

“I just want to let you know, whoever you are, you really hurt this family,” the victim’s brother told WSVN. “We’re going to find you.”

Anyone who has information regarding the driver or the incident is encouraged to call Miami-Dade Crime Stoppers at 305-471-TIPS. Callers can remain anonymous and might be eligible for a reward.

I Lost a Family Member in a Hit-and-Run Wreck. What Can I Do?

While hit-and-run drivers should face criminal charges if they are caught following a wreck, if a hit-and-run driver is arrested, it does not help victims or their families recover the money they need for lost pay, hospital expenses, property damage and rehabilitation costs.

However, if victims or their families file a civil lawsuit against the hit-and-run driver, they may be able to hold him or her accountable for the financial problems they caused.

To learn more about what to do if you or a loved one has been the victim of a hit-and-run accident, visit our motor vehicle accident and wrongful death information pages and watch the video below in which injury lawyer Deborah Gander explains the tactics insurance companies use following accidents.

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Colson Hicks Eidson has been named to the 2027 edition of “Best Law Firms” by Best Lawyers®, recognized at both the national and regional levels. Twelve of the firm’s attorneys were also named to the 2027 edition of Best Lawyers across multiple practice areas.

Best Lawyers® ranks top lawyers and law firms through a peer review process, using feedback from lawyers, clients, and professional references, along with firm data. 

We’re proud to be recognized in the following categories:

National

  • Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Plaintiffs

Miami

  • Bet-the-Company Litigation
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Criminal Defense: White-Collar
  • Insurance Law
  • Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Plaintiffs
  • Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs
  • Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs
  • Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs
  • Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants

About Colson Hicks Eidson

Colson Hicks Eidson is a renowned law firm based in Miami, Florida, that is recognized as one of the top trial firms in the United States. Built on a foundation of nearly 60 years of dedication forging strong client relationships, Colson Hicks Eidson handles local, national, and international litigation, with cases spanning from Miami, Florida, and throughout the United States, to matters in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and Europe. Learn more at: www.colson.com.

We are pleased to announce that the Miami-Dade Bar has named partners Stephanie A. Casey and Thomas A. Kroeger 2026 Circle of Excellence Award honorees. Stephanie was recognized in the Civil Litigation category and Tom in the Appellate category.

Both were selected for exemplifying skill, integrity, and professionalism in their respective practice areas, with honorees chosen by a committee of past recipients following input from the local legal community.

Stephanie has more than 15 years of experience handling complex civil litigation and class actions in state and federal courts, on both the plaintiff and defense sides. She represents businesses, injured consumers, whistleblowers, and individuals improperly denied health benefits.

Tom’s practice focuses on complex civil litigation and appellate matters, including personal injury, wrongful death, medical negligence, product liability, and other complex disputes. He has argued appeals before state and federal appellate courts, including the Eleventh and Eighth Circuit Courts of Appeals.

They will be honored at the Miami-Dade Bar’s Annual Awards Ceremony on November 18 at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. Register here. 

About Colson Hicks Eidson

Colson Hicks Eidson is a renowned law firm based in Miami, Florida, that is recognized as one of the top trial firms in the United States. Built on a foundation of nearly 60 years of dedication forging strong client relationships, Colson Hicks Eidson handles local, national, and international litigation, with cases spanning from Miami, Florida, and throughout the United States, to matters in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and Europe. Learn more at: www.colson.com.

We are pleased to announce that all of our partners have been named to the 2027 Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators in America guide. Congratulations to Susan Carlson, Stephanie A. Casey, Dean C. Colson, Lewis S. “Mike” Eidson, Joseph J. Kalbac Jr., Julie Braman Kane, Thomas A. Kroeger, Zachary A. Lipshultz, Roberto Martínez, and Curtis Miner.

We are proud to celebrate their work and the exceptional litigation talent across our firm. This recognition reflects their dedication to excellence in advocacy, meaningful contributions to complex litigation matters, and continued leadership within the legal profession.

This guide is based on a record number of submissions, combined with journalistic research and independent vetting through clients and peers.

Click here to read the full guide.

About Colson Hicks Eidson

Colson Hicks Eidson is a renowned law firm based in Miami, Florida, that is recognized as one of the top trial firms in the United States. Built on a foundation of nearly 60 years of dedication forging strong client relationships, Colson Hicks Eidson handles local, national, and international litigation, with cases spanning from Miami, Florida, and throughout the United States, to matters in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and Europe. Learn more at: www.colson.com.

Colson Hicks Eidson has secured key rulings on behalf of the family of Cristian Fernandez in a wrongful death lawsuit arising from a 2023 collision between a Fisher Island ferry and a recreational vessel in Miami’s Government Cut.

During a September 1 hearing, Eleventh Judicial Circuit Judge Abby Cynamon granted the estate’s motion for partial summary judgment, finding that the defendant was operating and in control of the recreational vessel when it collided with a Fisher Island ferry. Cristian, a 27-year-old passenger aboard the recreational vessel, tragically lost his life in the collision.

The court also denied the defendants’ motion for partial summary judgment regarding the ferry, finding that the evidence concerning any alleged navigational rule violations was disputed.

Colson Hicks Eidson partner Thomas A. Kroeger argued the motions on behalf of Cristian Fernandez’s estate. Tom and partner Julie Braman Kane represent the Fernandez family in the litigation.

Colson Hicks Eidson is proud to continue representing the Fernandez family in seeking justice for Cristian.

Media coverage includes:

Law360 – Boater Was In Control In Fatal Ferry Crash, Fla. Judge Rules

About Colson Hicks Eidson

Colson Hicks Eidson is a renowned law firm based in Miami, Florida, that is recognized as one of the top trial firms in the United States. Built on a foundation of nearly 60 years of dedication forging strong client relationships, Colson Hicks Eidson handles local, national, and international litigation, with cases spanning from Miami, Florida, and throughout the United States, to matters in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and Europe. Learn more at: www.colson.com.

Congratulations to Colson Hicks Eidson attorneys, Susan Carlson, Stephanie A. Casey, Dean C. Colson, Lewis S. “Mike” Eidson, Joseph J. Kalbac, Jr., Julie Braman Kane, Thomas Kroeger, Roberto Martinez, and Curtis Miner, who have been recognized in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.

And congratulations to Eleni I. Constant, Zachary A. Lipshultz, and Sabrina S. Saieh, who are each recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch.

Best Lawyers’ lists of outstanding lawyers are developed through peer review surveys where tens of thousands of lawyers evaluate their professional peers. Best Lawyers recognized attorneys in all of the firm’s core practice areas. 

Susan Carlson

  • Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs

Stephanie A. Casey

  • Commercial Litigation
  • Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Plaintiffs

Dean C. Colson

  • Bet-the-Company Litigation
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs
  • Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs
  • Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants
  • Professional Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs

Lewis S. “Mike” Eidson

  • Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Plaintiffs
  • Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs

Joseph J. Kalbac Jr. – “Lawyer of the Year”

  • Commercial Litigation
  • Insurance Law
  • Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Plaintiffs
  • Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs
  • Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs

Julie Braman Kane

  • Commercial Litigation
  • Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs
  • Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs

Thomas Kroeger

  • Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs

Roberto Martínez

  • Bet-the-Company Litigation
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Criminal Defense: White-Collar

Curtis Miner 

  • Commercial Litigation
  • Criminal Defense: White-Collar
  • Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Plaintiffs
  • Personal Injury Litigation –  Plaintiffs

Eleni I. Constant

  • Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs

Zachary A. Lipshultz

  • Commercial Litigation
  • Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Plaintiffs
  • Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs

Sabrina S. Saieh

  • Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Plaintiffs
  • Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs
  • Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs

About Colson Hicks Eidson

Colson Hicks Eidson is a renowned law firm based in Miami, Florida, that is recognized as one of the top trial firms in the United States. Built on a foundation of nearly 60 years of dedication forging strong client relationships, Colson Hicks Eidson handles local, national, and international litigation, with cases spanning from Miami, Florida, and throughout the United States, to matters in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and Europe. Learn more at: www.colson.com.

We are pleased to announce that nine of our partners have been named to the 2026 Lawdragon 500 Leading Global Litigators guide. Congratulations to Stephanie A. Casey, Dean C. Colson, Lewis S. “Mike” Eidson, Joseph J. Kalbac Jr., Julie Braman Kane, Thomas Kroeger, Zachary A. Lipshultz, Roberto Martínez, and Curtis Miner.

We are proud to celebrate the outstanding work of our partners and the exceptional litigation talent across our firm. This recognition reflects their unwavering dedication to achieving outstanding results for clients and their continued leadership within the legal profession.

This guide is based on a record number of submissions, combined with journalistic research and independent vetting through clients and peers.

Click here to read the full guide.

About Colson Hicks Eidson

Colson Hicks Eidson is a renowned law firm based in Miami, Florida, that is recognized as one of the top trial firms in the United States. Built on a foundation of nearly 60 years of dedication forging strong client relationships, Colson Hicks Eidson handles local, national, and international litigation, with cases spanning from Miami, Florida, and throughout the United States, to matters in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and Europe. Learn more at: www.colson.com.