An Ordinary Day Turned Unexpected

On February 27, 2019, around 2:11 p.m., Florence Mueller rode as a passenger in a 2017 Jeep. The vehicle stopped at a red light near Northeast 15th Street and North Bayshore Drive in Miami. Officer Kennht Brito followed in a 2016 Ford Taurus. The City of Miami owned the vehicle she drove.

A Preventable Mistake Behind the Wheel

While the Jeep remained stopped, Officer Brito allegedly became distracted. She texted while driving, took her foot off the brake, and let the car roll forward. The Ford struck the rear of the Jeep. The collision, according to the complaint, resulted from Brito’s failure to drive safely and pay attention.

Lasting Effects on the Passenger

Mueller sustained physical injuries. She experienced pain, disability, and a worsening of a prior condition. She sought medical care and rehabilitation. Her injuries limited her physical ability and reduced her quality of life. The effects, the lawsuit claimed, continued and could be permanent.

Damages That Followed

Mueller claimed damages for medical expenses, physical suffering, and emotional distress. She also sought recovery for loss of enjoyment of life. The total claimed damages exceeded $30,000, not i