Four Killed in Three Early Morning South Florida Vehicle Collisions

On Thursday, four people were killed in three early morning motor vehicle crashes on Miami-Dade and Broward County highways. A Miami Herald newspaper carrier and her father who was visiting from Nicaragua were killed in Miami-Dade County while on the way to a warehouse to pick up newspapers for delivery. The carrier, Carolina Cuadra, was driving south on the Palmetto Expressway around 1 am when a pick-up truck driven by 45-year-old Jeff Hood reportedly struck her vehicle from behind. Both Cuadra and her father, Isaac Antonio Lopez, were killed in the crash. Hood was treated on the scene by Miami-Dade Fire and Rescue for minor injuries. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, it is not clear whether alcohol was a factor in the deadly crash but charges are now pending against Hood.

Less than an hour later, a crash in Broward County claimed the life of 22-year-old Sara Ramirez Sandoval of Dania Beach. According to authorities, the accident involved two motorcycles that apparently collided on the Interstate 595 ramp to the Florida Turnpike. Both motorcycle drivers reportedly lost control on a curve, hit a retaining wall, left the roadway, and fell about 30 feet. Following the accident, the driver of the second motorcycle was taken to a local hospital in critical condition.

A few hours later, a hit-and-run crash in Broward County left a 20-year-old Sunrise woman dead. Bertha J. Rodriguez-Garcia was killed on Interstate 595 near Nob Hill Road when she was struck by a vehicle driven by 36-year-old Wilbert Saintubert of Fort Lauderdale. Saintubert allegedly lost control of the car he was driving and struck Rodriguez-Garcia’s Honda CR-V after he was hit by a dark-colored sport utility vehicle that reportedly fled the scene. Rodriguez-Garcia died after being ejected from her vehicle. The Florida Highway Patrol is currently on the lookout for the vehicle that caused the deadly accident.

Unexpected automobile, car, and motorcycle accidents can occur at any time. Tragically, motor vehicle collisions are one of the primary causes of injury and death in the State of Florida. Automobile accidents can cause a wide range of complex injuries and lifelong medical conditions. If you were hurt in a motor vehicle crash, you may be eligible to receive financial compensation for your past and future medical expenses, lost wages, lost earning capacity, suffering, and pain. A knowledgeable South Florida personal injury attorney can assist you.


If you were hurt or lost a family member in an automobile accident, contact Gerson & Schwartz, P.A. Our diligent Miami car accident lawyers have more than 40 years of experience litigating a wide variety of complex accident, injury, and negligence claims. The lawyers at Gerson & Schwartz, P.A. are committed to helping you get the compensation you deserve based on your injuries. To speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer about your case, call Gerson & Schwartz, P.A. today at (305) 371-6000. You may also contact our hardworking personal injury attorneys through the law firm’s website.

More Blog Posts:

Polk County Hospital Sued After Nurse Severs Infant’s Finger, Miami Injury Lawyer Blog, April 11, 2012
Hit & Run Accidents in Miami Dade: Why are they so common?, Personal Injury Lawyer Says Thorough Investigation Needed, Miami Injury Lawyer Blog, April 3, 2012
Additional Resources:

Four dead in South Florida crashes, by Monique O. Madan, Miami Herald

Contact Information