A 52 year-old Miami woman was struck by a motorist while crossing a dark street around 8:20 p.m. on Sept. 7. Thelma Morrow was rushed to Jackson Memorial Hospital in critical condition at. Emergency workers reportedly found her inside the vehicle after the impact of the crash sent her right through the windshield.
Morrow has undergone surgery for two broken legs, which will require the placement of steel rods in each leg, and also has a broken shoulder and a lacerated liver.
Although heavy rain contributed poor visibility, this Miami car accident is being blamed on darkness caused by the disabled street lights that have been targeted by copper thieves. Miami Police and Fire Rescue agree that the driver of the vehicle probably did not see Morrow because of poor street lighting.
Thieves have taken copper wiring out of all of the street lights in a 40 block stretch near the scene of the accident. It is not the only area that has been targeted. According to reports, as so far this year in Miami-Dade County nearly 300 streetlights have been stripped by copper thieves.
The driver, who has been identified as Kinston Dugazon, 18, of Miami Gardens, crashed into Morrow as she crossed Northwest Seventh Avenue and 59th Street. Morrow was apparently wearing dark clothing, and the driver claimed that by the time he saw her it was too late.
Dugazon stayed on the scene and talked to authorities. Police said speed was not a factor in the crash, and no charges are expected to be filed against the driver.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in an accident contact the Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary. Mr. Cleary is an experienced Miami auto accident lawyer who can provide you with qualified representation in your case.