Amazon driver hits Florida mom, leaves her with severe injuries

Amazon driver hits Florida mom, leaves her with severe injuries

A young Florida mother is recovering from severe injuries. This comes after being struck by an Amazon delivery driver in a shocking hit-and-run incident. The driver was identified as 45-year-old Sarahy Parra-Ovalles. Allegedly she fled the scene, leaving the injured mother and her 4-month-old baby in the street. The horrifying incident has raised concerns about the safety standards of delivery services.

A Routine Walk Turned Tragic

The incident occurred in the Ives Estates community near Miami. The mother, whose name has not been released, was out for a walk with her infant in a stroller and the family dog. While she was out, the tragic event unfolded. Surveillance footage captured the moment when Parra-Ovalles, driving for Amazon, struck the mother. As a result, dragging her onto the front of the car and throwing the baby from the stroller.

Shockingly, Parra-Ovalles briefly stopped, only to prop the stroller back up and place the baby inside before fleeing the scene. The infant was left in the middle of the intersection. Meanwhile the mother was left bleeding from her skull.

Mother’s Road to Recovery

The mother was rushed to the hospital, where she was treated for severe injuries. The injuries include a brain injury, a fractured skull, and a brain bleed. Despite the gravity of her condition, she has since returned home to begin the long and challenging recovery process. According to her lawyer, Judd Rosen, she even managed to pump breast milk from her ICU bed over the weekend. Meanwhile her husband rushed home to their baby. Fortunately, the baby was unharmed.

“This is one of the worst and most graphic videos I have ever seen as a parent,” Rosen said, describing the emotional impact of the incident on the family.

Driver’s Troubling History

Sarahy Parra-Ovalles is originally from Venezuela. However, she entered the United States on a tourist visa in 2019, which expired in 2021. She was granted Temporary Protected Status that same year. Thus, allowing her to apply for a work permit. According to the Miami-Dade Police Department, she was arrested on charges of leaving the scene of a crash with serious bodily injury and leaving the scene of a crash without serious bodily injury.

Parra-Ovalles had a history of driving infractions, including a 2019 failure to stop at a sign violation. In addition, there was a 2020 careless driving incident. Although these past violations were dismissed, they are expected to be significant in any future legal proceedings against Amazon.

Legal Action Against Amazon

The family is represented by attorney Judd Rosen. As a result, the family is preparing to take legal action against Amazon. Rosen has a track record of handling high-profile cases. However, he expressed frustration with the justice system after Parra-Ovalles was released on bond within 24 hours of her arrest.

“She was run down in broad daylight and left for dead, and within 24 hours of getting arrested, the suspect is back on the streets, potentially driving around. Where is the justice system when you need them?” Rosen questioned.

Amazon’s Response and Public Backlash

Amazon has confirmed that Parra-Ovalles is no longer employed by the company. A spokesperson for Amazon stated, “This is a terrible incident, and our thoughts are with this family. We’re looking into the matter and will support law enforcement as they investigate.”

The company has come under scrutiny for its hiring practices. In addition, they have come under scrutiny over the safety of its delivery operations. Rosen criticized Amazon and other delivery services for allegedly prioritizing profits over safety. “Amazon has an army of delivery people invading the suburbs every day, and they put the profits of Jeff Bezos and the Amazon corporation over the safety of the moms and children walking around suburbs throughout America,” he said.

A Growing Concern: Safety in the Gig Economy

This tragic incident has placed a focus on broader concerns about the safety practices of delivery and rideshare services. Rosen revealed that he receives numerous calls every few months about dangerous incidents involving companies like Amazon and Uber. So, he emphasized that the only way to change these companies’ behavior is through financial penalties.

“There is no amount of money that could alleviate the family’s trauma,” Rosen stated. However, he is committed to holding Amazon accountable, insisting that the company’s hiring practices and emphasis on speed over safety must be addressed.

A Family’s Fight for Justice

As the young mother continues her recovery, her family is left to deal with the emotional and physical aftermath of a preventable tragedy. The legal battle ahead may be lengthy. However, Rosen and his clients are determined to seek justice for the severe injuries and trauma they have endured.

This case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of corporate responsibility. In addition, it’s a reminder of the need for stricter safety standards in the gig economy. The outcome could have significant implications for the future of delivery and rideshare services in America.

Source: NY Post