Miami, FL — Woman Driving With Suspended License Kills 2 in Hit-and-Run

Miami, FL (August 12th 2024) – A woman involved in a hit-and-run accident last weekend that killed two people and left two more injured is facing several felony charges after she allegedly attempted to leave the scene. 

Local10.com reports that 24-year-old Maecee Marie Lathers of Miami Gardens was speeding in a white Mercedes sedan going south on North Miami Avenue around 6:45 a.m. when she ran a red light and hit a black Range Rover. The accident caused both vehicles to collide with a Suzuki sedan that had three passengers inside, according to police.

The rear passenger of the Suzuki died at the scene, and the driver died at Jackson Memorial Hospital. The other passenger of the Suzuki was taken to JMH with lacerations on the face and arms. The driver of the Range Rover had minor injuries. Lathers was also taken to JMH to be treated for her injuries, but only after bystanders stopped her from walking away from the scene. 

According to reports, Lathers allegedly attempted to flee without rendering aid to the injured victims, or calling 9-1-1 to report the accident. 

Lathers was later arrested on eight felony charges, including two counts of leaving the scene of a fatality accident. 

Lathers’ license had been suspended since January 16th, according to the police, so she should not have been behind the wheel in the first place. 

A toxicology report is pending at this time.

What Is Considered a Hit-and-Run Accident?

An accident is considered a hit-and-run when the at-fault party flees the scene of the accident without rendering aid or providing identification. In some states, accidents involving a singe motor vehicle can be considered a hit-and-run if the driver neglects to report the accident. 

In Florida, leaving the scene of an accident is illegal, and can lead to criminal charges, the severity of which depends on the extent of the damages. Leaving the scene of a motor vehicle that causes death is a felony. 

In addition to criminal charges, the hit-and-run driver can be held liable for any injuries and deaths that were caused by the crash. 

What to Do After a Hit-and-Run Accident

There are several steps you should take after a hit-and-run accident. These steps will protect your rights and well-being, and they could help to strengthen your case. 

• Remain at the scene: It may be tempting to chase down the other driver, but doing so not only puts you and your passengers at risk, it puts other drivers at risk as well. Chasing a fleeing car can result in more severe injuries or more damage to your vehicle.
• Call 911: Contacting the authorities is essential. This ensures a proper police report about the accident is filed. Calling 9-1-1 also gets emergency medical technicians on the way if there are injuries. Additionally, the police will attempt to locate the at-fault driver, so you can focus on what’s most important: your health and recovery.
• Gather information: If you are able, try to gather as much information and evidence as you can right after the crash. Get contact information for any witnesses. Take photos or videos of the scene. Ask other drivers if they have dashcam footage of the accident. 
• Seek medical attention: Even if you feel fine, you should get evaluated by a medical professional as soon as possible. You could be suffering from a hidden or delayed-symptom injury that can worsen with time. Prompt medical attention can ensure that any injuries sustained in the accident are documented, and a care plan can be drafted based on the specifics of your injuries.
• Report to your insurance company: Florida is a no-fault state, and your financial recovery begins with your own insurer. You’ll need to file a claim with your insurance company as soon as possible to ensure your right to compensation is preserved. Deadlines vary per company, and the Florida statute of limitations for car accident cases will apply, so it’s best to file sooner rather than later. 
• Contact a Florida car accident lawyer: Dealing with the aftermath of a hit-and-run accident on your own can leave you feeling overwhelmed. An experienced hit-and-run car accident attorney can work with you to lessen the burden and ensure your rights are protected.

If you suffered injuries or your loved one was killed in a hit-and-run accident in Florida, reach out to Magazine & Light Law Group at 727-499-9900 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Clearwater attorney Jim Magazine is an experienced, Board Certified personal injury lawyer, and our team takes your injuries personally. 

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