Brian Silber Law

Civil Forfeiture Attorney

Free Initial Consultation

(954) 462-3636

Show the Way

Broward, Miami-Dade, Palm Beach Counties Rank 1, 2, and 3 for Hit-and-Run Crashes in Florida

By

Kaiser-Car-Accident-300x169Broward County, Miami-Dade County, and Palm Beach County are the top three counties in Florida for hit-and-run car accidents, according to news sources. The overall number of hit-and-run car accidents has risen by over a 25% in the last three years. In 2016 alone, Palm Beach County reportedly experienced 7,694 hit-and-run car accidents, which caused 12 fatalities and 102 injuries.

Hit-and-run car accidents occur when a driver hits another vehicle or a pedestrian and fails to remain at the scene of the accident. The incident is considered a hit-and run crash even if the driver is apprehended or becomes incapacitated near the scene of the accident. While some hit-and-run accidents are truly an accident (a driver may not realize they hit someone), many involve drugs and alcohol. And the results are sobering: Sources indicate that 179 people died after being struck by hit-and-run drivers in Florida last year.

One such case occurred earlier this week, when Oscar Roberto Acevedo of Miami-Dade, Florida was arrested for a DUI accident that occurred last year. Although the case was not a hit-and-run, 29-year-old Acevedo allegedly crashed into a vehicle on Sawgrass Expressway. The crash killed Samuel Anthony Ruiz Jr. of Coral Springs and injured four others, sources report. It is not clear why it took a year for authorities to charge Acevedo, nor is it known whether he sustained injuries in the crash.Acevedo, 29, is now facing charges of DUI causing death, DUI causing serious bodily injury, and reckless driving. A bond of $99,000 has been set for him, and if he is released, he is not permitted to use drugs or drink alcohol while he awaits trial.
Continue reading

Philip Varsam of Delray Beach, Florida Arrested for Hit-and-Run Crash

By

Philip-Varsam-240x300Philip Varsam of Delray Beach, Florida surrendered to police on Tuesday to face charges for an alleged hit-and-run crash that severely injured cyclist Alkiva Douglas of Fort Lauderdale. The crash reportedly occurred on New Year’s night and left Douglas with severe brain damage.

Varsam, 28, was arrested on suspicion of failing to remain at the scene of an accident involving a serious injury. He was transferred from Delray Beach to Broward Main Jail for a brief court appearance on Tuesday. His bond was set at $30,000 by Broward County Judge Michael Davis. The judge also ordered Varsam to surrender his passport.

According to Broward Sheriff’s Office, the accident occurred at 9 p.m. on Sunday along the 6700 block of NW Ninth Avenue. Douglas, 19, was reportedly pedaling south when he was hit from the back by a car. A witness purportedly saw a white 2015 Lexus hit the cyclist and drive away from the scene of the crash.

Police have not provided details on how the witness’ description of the car led investigators to Varsam in Delray Beach. It’s also unclear if Varsam negotiated his surrender with police or if he surrendered of his own accord.

Broward court records show that Varsam works as a server at an Italian restaurant and does not have a criminal record. Douglas worked at a gas station car wash and was sentenced to three years probation in November 2016 on grand theft and forgery charges.

Christopher MohrA similar hit-and-run incident was reported on the same day in Weston. Christopher Mohr was fatally struck in a hit-and-run crash in the early hours of New Year’s Day. Investigators are still searching for the driver and urge anyone with information to come forward.

According to Broward Sheriff’s Office, Mohr, 50, was riding his bicycle on a bike lane on State Road 84 at around 7:30 a.m. when he was struck from behind by a driver who did not stop. He was rushed to Broward Health Center where died from his injuries.

The vehicle that hit Mohr is believed to be a white and of an unknown but older make. Investigators are looking for a a vehicle matching that description with a damage on the passenger-side headlight and windshield. Sources report that a car fitting the description was found at a shopping center in Weston on Monday, but police said it’s too soon to tell whether it was the one involved in the crash.

Source: 1.3.17 Varsam Hit-and-Run.pdf

7-Year-Old Jayden McFarlane of Miramar, Florida Recovers From Hit-and-Run; No Arrests Made

By

Jayden McFarlane7-year-old Jayden McFarlane is making a full recovery after he was struck by a van in Miramar, Florida, last weekend. McFarlane was riding his bike in front of his home on November 20 when a hit-and-run driver almost killed him.

He doesn’t remember much of the accident, only that his ankle, arm, and knee were “hurting bad,” but a neighbor’s surveillance camera captured the crash and shows the young boy getting run over by a speeding van.

The 1st grader survived the accident with a concussion, a broken collarbone and swollen ankle. His mother Felissa McFarlane told news sources that she’s grateful to have her boy home for Thanksgiving and that it feels like a miracle that her son not only survived, but only suffered minor injuries.

Jayden’s bicycle was destroyed in the accident, but he has no plans of quiting biking. He told the press that he was still going to ride a bike “but that guy [the hit-and-run driver] should pay for it.”

The unidentified driver has reportedly contacted Miramar Police Department, but he has not been arrested. According to news sources, Jayden’s mother is feeling frustrated because no arrests have been made. It is unclear if she has acquired the services of an attorney.

Ajinka KelkarThe legal status of another hit-and-run car crash was reported yesterday. The crash involved Ajinka Kelkar of Boca Raton, Florida. Kelkar, 21, faces felony charges for DUI manslaughter, leaving the scene of a crash involving a death, and vehicular homicide after he allegedly caused an accident that killed a man in July. He was ordered held in Palm Beach County Jail in lieu of a $200,000 bond.

Kelkar allegedly rear-ended a GMC Sierra into a 2001 Toyota on Okeechobee Boulevard in Boca Raton. The crash caused the Toyota’s driver Edgar Vasquez-Bolvito to sustain serious injuries and led to the death of his passenger, Victor Cuxon-Bolvito.

Source: 11.23.16 McFarlane Hit-and-Run.pdf and 11.22.16 Kelkar DUI manslaughter.pdf