MIAMI LAKES, Fla. – Just last week, Miami Lakes Mayor Michael Pizzi was in an automobile accident involving only his vehicle and a tree. The accident has come on the heels of his acquittal stemming from charges that he accepted illegal donations.
In August 2013, the mayor was arrested on federal charges of accepting illegal donations that totaled over $6,000. The mayor was suspended from his office and, a year later, acquitted of all charges. In this latest incident, Pizzi not only struck a tree, but walked away from the scene of the accident.
According to police reports, Pizzi struck a tree on the side of Northwest 82nd Avenue, very close to 140th Street. The accident occurred at about 9 p.m., damaging the tree and leaving various car parts scattered at the point of impact. Pizzi was the only occupant of the vehicle.
Police did not respond to the scene for an hour and a half after the accident occurred, finding Pizzi to be nowhere in the area. In the report, police stated that there was fresh blood on both the console and the driver’s seat. The area was canvassed but Pizzi could not be found.
Shortly after officers arrived on scene and began their investigation, Pizzi returned, displaying a cut on his forehead. The report stated that it was evident that Pizzi was not wearing his seat belt because of the injuries to his head. Authorities on scene do not believe that Pizzi was impaired, and it is reported that he was cooperative with officers.
Pizzi claimed to have struck the tree after veering to avoid an animal in the road. Pizzi was not asked to complete any field sobriety tests and is not expected to be charged in the incident. He released a statement that said, in part:
“Like any other human being, I can have a traffic accident. Thank God no one was injured and there were no other cars involved, and the only property damage was to my car and a tree, which I hope it survives. I am happy that all of the police officers found me to be cooperative and respectful.”
If you have been injured in an auto accident, our experienced attorneys are here for you. We will work tirelessly to protect your rights and get you any compensation that you are entitled to. Call us today for a free initial consultation with an experienced Miami car accident lawyer.
About the Author
Michael Steinger
MICHAEL S. STEINGER, founding partner of Steinger, Greene & Feiner, believes in representing real people, not big businesses. Since the firm’s creation in 1997, Steinger, Greene & Feiner has never represented an insurance company or large corporation, and he vows to keep this promise. Over the course of his career, Michael has handled thousands of Florida accident cases, recovering millions of dollars for his clients and earning him membership into the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum.
Staying up-to-date on the ever-evolving laws protecting injury victims and their families, Michael is an active member of the American Bar Association, the Palm Beach, and St. Lucie Bar Associations, and sits on the Auto Insurance Committee of the Florida Justice Association.
Michael Steinger
MICHAEL S. STEINGER, founding partner of Steinger, Greene & Feiner, believes in representing real people, not big businesses. Since the firm’s creation in 1997, Steinger, Greene & Feiner has never represented an insurance company or large corporation, and he vows to keep this promise. Over the course of his career, Michael has handled thousands of Florida accident cases, recovering millions of dollars for his clients and earning him membership into the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum. Staying up-to-date on the ever-evolving laws protecting injury victims and their families, Michael is an active member of the American Bar Association, the Palm Beach, and St. Lucie Bar Associations, and sits on the Auto Insurance Committee of the Florida Justice Association.