Jury Awards Over $1M in Miami Rear-End Crash Involving City Detective

Anidjar & Levine secures verdict for injured clients in collision with government vehicle

Mar. 11, 2026 at 8:38am

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A jury has awarded over $1.1 million to two women injured in a 2018 rear-end collision in Miami involving a City of Miami police detective. The detective struck the plaintiffs' vehicle from behind while it was lawfully stopped to allow a Florida Highway Patrol trooper to make a right turn. The verdict holds the government driver accountable and reflects the significant impact the crash had on the clients.

Why it matters

This case highlights the importance of holding all drivers, including those operating government vehicles, to the same standard of care on the road. The jury's findings affirm that negligence has consequences regardless of whether the at-fault driver is a private citizen or a public employee.

The details

Evidence presented at trial showed the plaintiffs' vehicle was fully stopped and complying with traffic conditions when the detective's vehicle struck them from behind in a forceful collision. One woman sustained serious injuries requiring ongoing medical treatment, including injections, while the other had a preexisting back condition that was aggravated by the crash. The jury awarded $999,000 to the woman with the more severe injuries and $140,000 to the other plaintiff.

  • The collision occurred in 2018.
  • The jury verdict was reached in March 2026.

The players

Anidjar & Levine

A Florida-based personal injury law firm representing individuals and families harmed by negligence, with offices throughout the state.

Bill McAfee

The attorney who represented the plaintiffs and presented evidence detailing the cause of the crash, the extent of the injuries, and the responsibility of drivers operating government vehicles to exercise reasonable care.

City of Miami police detective

The driver of the government vehicle who struck the plaintiffs' vehicle from behind while it was lawfully stopped.

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What they’re saying

“This verdict holds government drivers accountable and reflects the real impact this crash had on our clients'”

— Bill McAfee, Attorney

What’s next

The judge will determine whether the City of Miami will be required to pay the full $1.1 million jury award.

The takeaway

This case demonstrates that all drivers, including those operating government vehicles, must exercise reasonable care on the road. The jury's verdict affirms that negligence has consequences regardless of the driver's employment status, and reinforces the principle of equal accountability for unsafe driving.