Fatal Motorcycle Crash in West Miami-Dade Sparks Traffic Homicide Investigation

A tragic motorcycle accident occurred the night of Sunday, April 20, 2025, in West Miami-Dade, resulting in the death of an adult male rider. According to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, the crash happened around 8 p.m. near Southwest 122nd Place and 18th Street. First responders from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue transported the motorcyclist to a nearby hospital in critical condition, but he sadly succumbed to his injuries.

Authorities have confirmed that the driver of the other vehicle involved in the collision remained at the scene. At this time, it is still unclear who was at fault, and the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Traffic Homicide Unit is continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash.

This heartbreaking incident is a solemn reminder of how vulnerable motorcyclists are on Florida’s roadways—and how quickly a collision can lead to catastrophic, or even fatal, consequences.

Motorcycle Accidents and Legal Responsibility in Florida

Florida law treats motorcycle accidents with the same standards as other vehicle crashes when it comes to determining liability. In the event of a fatal crash, surviving family members may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim under Florida Statutes § 768.16–768.26, known as the Florida Wrongful Death Act. However, whether or not such a claim can be filed depends on the facts uncovered in the investigation.

When it is unclear who was at fault, the Traffic Homicide Unit will review a wide range of evidence—including dash cam footage, skid marks, vehicle damage, and witness statements—to determine liability. Common causes of motorcycle crashes involving another vehicle include:

• A driver making a left turn in front of an oncoming motorcycle
• A motorist failing to yield at an intersection
• Distracted driving (texting, using GPS, etc.)
• Speeding or reckless lane changes
• Driving under the influence

If the investigation determines that the other driver’s negligence contributed to the crash, the motorcyclist’s family may have grounds to seek compensation for funeral costs, medical expenses, loss of companionship, and other damages.

What Happens If Fault Is Unclear?

In some cases, both parties may bear some degree of responsibility. Florida follows a modified comparative fault rule, which means an injured person (or their surviving family) can still recover damages even if they were partially at fault—so long as their share of fault does not exceed 50%.

For example, if a motorcyclist was speeding, but the other driver failed to yield while turning, both may be assigned a percentage of the blame. The total compensation would then be reduced in proportion to the motorcyclist’s share of responsibility.

What to Do If You Lose a Loved One in a Motorcycle Crash

If you have lost a family member in a motorcycle crash in Miami-Dade or anywhere in Florida, you may have the right to file a wrongful death claim. These claims can help recover:

• Funeral and burial costs
• Medical expenses incurred before death
• Loss of future earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of companionship and support

To pursue a wrongful death claim, Florida law requires that the case be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate. That representative will bring the claim on behalf of the surviving spouse, children, parents, or other dependent family members.

The loss of life in this recent Miami-Dade motorcycle crash is a tragic reminder of the dangers motorcyclists face every day—and of how important it is to take steps toward accountability and justice when preventable accidents occur.