Gibsonton, FL — Motorcyclist Killed in Hit-and-Run Accident 

Gibsonton, FL (December 12, 2024) – Authorities in Hillsborough County have issued an arrest warrant for Jonathan Saldana Rojas, 27, after a motorcyclist was killed in a hit-and-run accident Wednesday evening in Gibsonton, Florida.

The fatal crash happened around 7:30 p.m. when a white sedan turned left on Symmes Road, colliding with the motorcycle. The motorcyclist, Isaiah Raposa, 18, was taken to the hospital but later died from his injuries.

Anyone with information on Saldana Rojas’ whereabouts is urged to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at 813-247-8200.

At Magazine & Light Law Group, our Clearwater wrongful death lawyers understand that hit-and-run accidents cause profound emotional, financial, and physical hardships for victims’ families. In addition to grieving the loss of their loved one, families often face significant financial burdens, including:

• Medical Bills: If the victim received emergency care before their death, the costs of hospital stays, surgeries, or other treatments can be overwhelming.
• Funeral Expenses: Families may struggle to cover the high costs of funeral and burial services.
• Lost Income: If the victim contributed financially to their household, their sudden absence can leave families without essential support.
• Emotional Distress: The pain of losing a loved one in a preventable accident is compounded by the lack of closure when the responsible driver initially flees the scene.

What Can Families Do If the At-Fault Driver Flees the Scene of a Fatality Accident?

For families affected by a fatal hit-and-run, pursuing legal action is often necessary to secure compensation and hold the at-fault party accountable. The legal options available to victims’ families typically depend on whether the fleeing driver is identified and located. Actions might include:

Filing a Wrongful Death Claim

In Florida, the family of a deceased victim can file a wrongful death lawsuit against the at-fault party if that person’s identification and whereabouts are known. The purpose of this claim is to recover damages for the losses suffered because of the victim’s death. Damages in wrongful death claims typically include:

• Medical and funeral expenses
• Loss of income and benefits
• Loss of companionship and emotional support
• Pain and suffering endured by surviving family members

Our motorcycle accident attorneys can help determine the full extent of damages and build a strong case against the responsible party.

Filing a Claim Against Uninsured Motorist Coverage

In cases where the at-fault driver cannot be located or lacks sufficient insurance coverage, uninsured motorist (UM) insurance may provide financial relief. UM coverage is designed to cover the policyholder’s damages in accidents involving uninsured or underinsured drivers, including hit-and-run incidents. Families should review their insurance policies to determine if they have this coverage and how it applies to their case. 

Victim Compensation Programs

The state of Florida offers victim compensation programs to assist families impacted by violent crimes, including hit-and-run accidents resulting in fatalities. While these programs may not cover all losses, they can provide some financial support for medical bills, funeral expenses, and counseling services.

Why Should You Consult a Florida Motorcycle Accident Lawyer?

When the identity of the at-fault driver in a fatal accident is unknown, wrongful death attorneys who are experienced in handling motorcycle-involved cases can provide valuable assistance and support. Motorcycle accident lawyers may collaborate with private investigators to track down witnesses, secure and analyze surveillance footage, work with accident reconstruction experts to piece together the exact circumstances of the wreck, and obtain and preserve physical evidence that may aid in identifying the responsible driver.

In addition, accident lawyers also guide families through the processes of filing claims against insurance companies or suing for wrongful death in court.

When Can Florida Families File Wrongful Death Lawsuits for Motorcycle Accidents?

If drivers who flee the scene of fatal accidents are eventually identified, families may pursue wrongful death actions for compensation. The personal representative of a decedent’s estate, or the surviving spouses, children, or parents of those killed in motorcycle accidents, may file a lawsuit against the at-fault drivers, once their identities are discovered.

Through a wrongful death lawsuit in Florida, victims’ families may recover economic and non-economic damages, including loss of companionship and support, lost future income, and pain and suffering.

What Is the Time Limit for Filing a Lawsuit for a Fatal Hit-and-Run Motorcycle Accident?

With few exceptions, families have up to two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit against an at-fault party. Not filing within the allowed statute of limitations will cost them their ability to recover compensation through the courts. 

Filing within the statute of limitations may be problematic in hit-and-run cases, as victims’ families may not know the identities of the drivers involved in their loved ones’ accidents until the window has expired. With this in mind, however, Florida has a discovery rule in place. The state’s discovery rule tolls, or pauses, the statute of limitations until the driver is identified.

Collecting and Preserving Evidence Is Vital in Hit-and-Run Accident Cases

To help identify the other drivers involved, and take legal action, preserving evidence is essential in fatal hit-and-run motorcycle accident cases. Experienced lawyers will help families take steps to this end, including:

• Gathering any available surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras
• Collecting statements from witnesses
• Preserving the motorcycle and any other physical evidence from the accident scene
• Documenting all the circumstances surrounding the incident, including the time of day, weather conditions, and other factors that may impact liability

Losing a loved one in a Florida motorcycle accident is difficult enough. When at-fault drivers flee, they leave families to bear the entirety of the burdens. At Magazine & Light Law Group, Board-certified injury attorney, Jim Magazine, has more than 30 years of experience helping injury victims and families like yours recover maximum compensation for their losses. Contact us today for a FREE initial consultation at 727-499-9900.

Jim Magazine

James (Jim) Magazine is a Florida Board Certified Civil Trial lawyer who has spent his career helping injured victims. Jim is licensed to practice law in the State of Florida since 1990 and is also admitted to practice at the Appellate level and admitted to the United States Supreme Court.

Years of Experience: More than 30 years
Florida Registration Status: Active
Bar Admissions:
Clearwater Bar Association
West Pasco Bar Association