A man in a wheelchair and his dog were killed late Thursday night in a hit-and-run crash in Orlando, and a woman who was with them was rushed to the hospital in critical but stable condition — while the driver responsible fled the scene and left them behind. The Florida Highway Patrol confirmed the tragedy Friday morning, and investigators say the case remains an active criminal investigation.

The crash unfolded around 9 p.m. at the intersection of Lee Road and Adanson Street in Orlando. According to an FHP report, a 2021 Lexus ES traveling eastbound ran off the road, struck the curbed median, and hit two adults and a dog who were standing there. The force of the collision was severe enough that debris from the wheelchair struck a 2006 Toyota Tacoma that was stopped in the westbound left-turn lane — a vehicle whose driver, a 20-year-old Orlando man, was fortunately not seriously injured.

FHP said the Lexus fled the scene eastbound after the collision, and the suspected vehicle was later found unoccupied in a nearby parking lot with damage consistent with the crash. Despite locating the vehicle, troopers have not yet publicly identified or arrested the driver responsible. The investigation is ongoing, and authorities are asking anyone with information to come forward.

“The man in the wheelchair and the dog were pronounced dead at the scene. A woman who was with the man was taken to the hospital in stable but critical condition.”

— Florida Highway Patrol, March 20, 2026

What Investigators Know So Far

FHP troopers have confirmed the 2021 Lexus ES was found abandoned not far from the crash scene, its damage matching the collision. Identifying and charging the driver is now a priority for law enforcement. Under Florida law, leaving the scene of a crash that results in death is among the most serious traffic offenses the state prosecutes — and carries consequences far greater than the underlying traffic violation.

The crash site at Lee Road and Adanson Street sits in a residential area on the north side of Orlando, not far from the intersection with US-441 (Orange Blossom Trail) — one of the city’s most crash-prone corridors. The area sees heavy evening traffic, and late-night speeds on Lee Road have been a concern for residents in the past.

Florida’s Hit-and-Run Laws: What the Driver Faces

Florida takes hit-and-run crashes — particularly those involving death or serious injury — extraordinarily seriously. The law creates a clear legal duty for any driver involved in a crash: stop, render aid, and exchange information. Fleeing is not just morally wrong; it is a felony.

⚖️ Florida Statute § 316.027 — Leaving the Scene

Under Florida law, any driver involved in a crash resulting in death or serious bodily injury who fails to stop, render reasonable assistance, and provide identification commits a first-degree felony, punishable by up to 30 years in prison, a $10,000 fine, and permanent driver’s license revocation. There is a mandatory minimum sentence of 4 years for leaving the scene of a crash involving death.

Beyond criminal prosecution, the driver who fled this crash also faces significant civil liability. The victims — and their families — have the legal right to pursue compensation for wrongful death, medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages. The fact that the suspect vehicle has been located, and that the investigation is ongoing, gives investigators strong leads to identify the driver.

Hit-and-Run Crashes in Orlando: A Growing Problem

Thursday night’s deadly crash is not an isolated incident. Hit-and-run crashes have been on the rise across Florida, and Orange County consistently ranks among the worst counties in the state for these incidents. Statewide, Florida records thousands of hit-and-run crashes every year — many of them involving pedestrians, cyclists, and other vulnerable road users.

Pedestrians in wheelchairs and other mobility devices face amplified risks because they travel at street level, may be harder to see at night, and often rely on the same roadway space as vehicles. The intersection of Lee Road and Adanson Street, where Thursday’s crash occurred, is in a part of Orlando where pedestrian traffic is common in the evening hours.

📊 By the Numbers: Pedestrians account for more than 21% of all traffic fatalities in Florida despite representing less than 3% of total reported crashes — one of the highest disproportionality rates in the United States, according to FLHSMV data.

What Hit-and-Run Victims and Families in Orlando Need to Know

If you or someone you know has been the victim of a hit-and-run crash in Orlando or anywhere in Central Florida, you have legal rights — even if the driver who hit you has not been caught yet. Many people don’t realize that Florida’s insurance laws may allow them to recover compensation through their own policy while the criminal investigation proceeds.

Your Legal Options After a Hit-and-Run in Florida

  1. File an Uninsured Motorist (UM) Claim. Florida law allows hit-and-run victims to file a claim under their own uninsured motorist coverage when the at-fault driver cannot be identified or located. This can cover medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
  2. File a Personal Injury Protection (PIP) Claim. Florida’s no-fault PIP coverage pays up to $10,000 in initial medical and wage benefits regardless of fault — available immediately after a crash.
  3. Pursue a Civil Lawsuit Once the Driver Is Identified. Once law enforcement identifies the suspect, a civil claim can be filed directly against them for all damages — including wrongful death if a loved one was killed.
  4. Act Before the Statute of Limitations Expires. Personal injury and wrongful death claims in Florida must generally be filed within two years of the crash. Time passes quickly and evidence degrades. Contact a lawyer as soon as possible.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hit-and-Run Crashes in Florida

Call 911 right away, photograph the scene and any visible injuries, collect names and contact information from any witnesses, and note anything you remember about the fleeing vehicle (color, make, partial plate). Seek medical attention even if you feel okay — adrenaline can mask serious injuries.

Then, contact Martindale Law Group immediately. Acting quickly can make a major difference in preserving evidence, guiding you on what to say (and what not to say) to insurance companies, and protecting your rights from the start. Their team can begin investigating your case right away, help identify the driver if possible, and ensure you don’t miss critical deadlines.

Avoid giving any recorded statements to insurance companies until you’ve spoken with an attorney.

Can I recover compensation if the hit-and-run driver is never found?
Yes. Florida allows victims to file an uninsured motorist (UM) claim through their own auto insurance policy when the at-fault driver is unknown or uninsured. A car accident attorney can help you maximize this recovery and navigate the claims process.
Is hit-and-run a felony in Florida?
Yes. Leaving the scene of a crash involving death or serious bodily injury is a first-degree felony under Florida Statute § 316.027, carrying up to 30 years in prison and a mandatory minimum of 4 years. Even leaving after a property-damage-only crash is a criminal offense.
How long do I have to file a claim after a hit-and-run in Florida?
Florida’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally two years from the date of the crash. For wrongful death claims, the same two-year window applies. Acting promptly protects your rights and preserves critical evidence.
Does the Martindale Law Group handle hit-and-run cases across Central Florida?
Yes. Rick handles car accident and hit-and-run cases throughout Orlando and surrounding areas including Kissimmee, Sanford, Winter Park, Oviedo, Lake Mary, Altamonte Springs, and across Orange, Seminole, and Osceola counties. Consultations are always free and there is no fee unless you win.