Miami-Dade Police are on the hunt for the driver involved in a hit-and-run accident that left a woman in critical condition and injured three other family members last Friday. The incident took place around 3:40 p.m. on January 3 on Highway 836. The driver of a white sedan switched lanes, colliding with a car carrying four members of the Vázquez family, who are of Venezuelan descent.
The victims' vehicle then crashed into another car and was rear-ended by a fourth vehicle, causing it to overturn multiple times on the highway, as reported by the authorities. In the chaos of the multi-car crash, Hortensia Vázquez was ejected from the vehicle through a window, hitting the pavement and sustaining severe injuries. The driver responsible fled the scene without offering assistance, according to police reports.
Due to her grave condition, Hortensia was rushed to the Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital in Miami. She underwent several surgeries and remains in a medically induced coma, reliant on a ventilator. Doctors have indicated that further surgeries will be necessary because of her critical state.
The other three family members injured in the accident, which include her children and daughter-in-law, have since been discharged from the hospital. Five days following the accident, the family is pleading for help in identifying the person responsible for the collision.
"Whoever did this to my wife, if you have a heart, I would soulfully appreciate it if you came forward and took responsibility for what you did," said Frank Vázquez, her husband, tearfully in an interview with Telemundo 51. "She can't speak right now, she doesn't recognize anyone. She's intubated, on a ventilator."
Aside from the distress caused by the tragedy and the mother's critical state, the Vázquez family is also facing overwhelming medical expenses. They are seeking assistance to cover these costs and are urging for justice to be served.
"We need the person responsible to come forward and do the right thing," a family member of Hortensia told the television channel, expressing gratitude for any information that could lead to finding the culprit. "Today, we ask for everyone's solidarity—not just for my mother, but to prevent anyone else from suffering this kind of pain," added one of her children.
The family has set up a page on GoFundMe to raise funds to manage the medical expenses. Meanwhile, Miami-Dade Police continue their investigation and are appealing for cooperation from anyone with information about the suspect vehicle or its driver.
In Florida, leaving the scene of an accident that results in death or serious injury is classified as a second-degree felony. This crime can lead to penalties of up to 15 years in prison or probation, along with a $10,000 fine.
Key Details on Miami Hit-and-Run Case
What are the consequences of a hit-and-run in Florida?
In Florida, fleeing the scene of an accident that causes death or serious injury is a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison or probation, and a $10,000 fine.
How is the Vázquez family coping with the accident aftermath?
The family is dealing with the emotional trauma of the accident and the critical condition of their mother, as well as significant medical expenses, for which they have started a GoFundMe page.
What is the police doing to find the hit-and-run driver?
Miami-Dade Police are actively investigating the accident and are asking for public assistance in identifying the driver and vehicle involved in the hit-and-run.