Fort Lauderdale Woman Killed in Secondary Crash on I-95 After Initial Multi-Vehicle Accident

In the early hours of Monday, January 13, 2025, a fatal chain of events on I-95 in Broward County tragically claimed the life of a 53-year-old woman from Fort Lauderdale.

The accident occurred in the northbound lanes of I-95, just north of Oakland Park Boulevard, shortly before 6 a.m. According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the events unfolded in two stages:

1. The Initial Crash: Four vehicles were involved in a collision, leading to significant damage and forcing some drivers and passengers to exit their vehicles to assess the situation.
2. The Secondary Crash: While a woman was standing near her vehicle and speaking with another person involved in the first crash, a second collision occurred.

A Ford pickup truck involved in the secondary crash lost control, flipped over, and tragically struck the woman. She was transported to Broward Health North but succumbed to her injuries. The driver of the pickup truck, a 42-year-old man from Hialeah, sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

This heartbreaking incident serves as a reminder of the dangers of secondary crashes and the importance of understanding your rights after a roadway tragedy.

Navigating Injury Claims After a Secondary Collision in Florida

Secondary collisions occur when an initial crash creates hazards that lead to additional accidents, often with devastating consequences. On highways like I-95, these risks are heightened due to:

• High Speeds: Vehicles traveling at high speeds have less time to react to stopped or slowed traffic.
• Poor Visibility: Low light conditions, such as those present early in the morning, can make it difficult for drivers to see hazards ahead.
• Driver Distraction: Motorists may be distracted by the initial accident scene, increasing the likelihood of subsequent crashes.

Secondary collisions not only endanger those involved in the initial crash but also pose significant risks to first responders, other motorists, and pedestrians near the scene.

Liability in Multi-Vehicle Accidents

For victims of secondary collisions and their families, determining liability can be a complex process. Multiple parties may be held responsible for the events leading to the crash, including:

1. Drivers in the Initial Collision: Negligence in the first crash may have created hazardous conditions that led to the second accident.
2. Drivers in the Secondary Collision: Reckless driving, speeding, or failing to maintain control of a vehicle can make a driver liable for injuries or fatalities.
3. Government Entities or Contractors: Poor road design, inadequate signage, or failure to clear hazards promptly may contribute to secondary collisions.

Filing a Wrongful Death Claim After a Fatal Accident in Florida

Losing a loved one in a tragic accident like the recent I-95 collision in Broward County is a devastating experience. While no legal action can truly compensate for such a loss, filing a wrongful death claim can provide financial relief, hold negligent parties accountable, and bring a sense of justice to grieving families. Here’s what you need to know about filing a wrongful death claim in Florida.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim?

Under Florida Statutes § 768.20, a wrongful death claim must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate. The claim is brought on behalf of the surviving family members, which can include:

• Spouses: Eligible for loss of companionship and emotional support.
• Children: Minor children can recover damages for lost parental guidance, emotional suffering, and financial support. Adult children may also qualify under specific circumstances.
• Parents: For minors, parents may claim emotional damages. For adult children, eligibility depends on the circumstances of the death.
• Other Dependents: Blood relatives or adoptive siblings financially dependent on the deceased may also qualify.

Our experienced personal injury attorneys can guide you through the process of establishing who is eligible to recover compensation and ensuring all qualifying family members are represented.

Compensation Available to Victims and Families

Victims of secondary crashes, or their surviving family members in cases of wrongful death, may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical Expenses: Hospital bills, surgeries, and ongoing treatments.
• Lost Wages: Income lost due to injury or death.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional trauma.
• Funeral and Burial Costs: For families of those who have tragically passed away.
• Loss of Companionship: Damages for the emotional loss suffered by spouses and family members.

How Our Florida Car Accident Lawyers Can Help

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we understand the pain and uncertainty that follow a tragic accident like this. Our experienced car accident attorneys are here to help victims and their families seek justice and hold negligent parties accountable.

• Exclusive Focus on Personal Injury and Wrongful Death: By concentrating solely on personal injury and wrongful death cases, we have honed our skills and knowledge to handle even the most complex claims. Unlike firms that spread their attention across multiple practice areas, we are singularly devoted to advocating for victims of negligence.
• Small Caseload for Personalized Attention: We intentionally maintain a small caseload to ensure every client receives the individualized attention they deserve. When you work with our firm, you have direct access to your attorney, who will personally handle your case from start to finish. You are never just another file; you are our priority.
• Proven Track Record of Success: Our team has recovered millions of dollars for accident victims and their families across Florida. From multi-million-dollar settlements to substantial verdicts, we have a history of delivering results, even in cases other firms rejected.
• Thorough Investigations and Strategic Advocacy: We leave no stone unturned in building your case. Our attorneys work with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and other specialists to uncover the truth, prove negligence, and identify all liable parties. Whether negotiating with insurance companies or taking your case to trial, we fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a secondary collision?

A secondary collision occurs when a second crash happens as a result of an initial accident. For example, vehicles may slow down or stop due to a crash, leading to another accident nearby. Secondary collisions are common on highways and can often cause more severe injuries or fatalities due to the unexpected nature of the crash.

Who is responsible for a secondary collision?

Responsibility for a secondary collision depends on the circumstances. Drivers who are speeding, distracted, or following too closely are often found at fault. In some cases, liability may also extend to parties involved in the initial crash if their negligence created a hazardous situation that led to the second collision.

Can I file a wrongful death claim after a secondary collision?

Yes, under Florida Statutes § 768.16-768.26, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim if your loved one was killed in a secondary collision caused by someone else’s negligence. Compensation can cover funeral costs, medical expenses, lost income, and emotional pain and suffering for the family.

How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Florida?

In Florida, you generally have two years from the date of the death to file a wrongful death claim. It’s crucial to consult an attorney as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss this deadline.

What if I’m partially at fault for the secondary collision?

Florida follows a modified comparative negligence system, meaning your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, as of March 2023, you cannot recover damages if you are found to be more than 50% responsible for the accident. An attorney can help you navigate this and fight for your rights.

Contact Us for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been affected by a secondary collision or any other tragic accident, Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm is here to provide the support and legal expertise you need. With offices conveniently located in Coral Gables and Hollywood, we proudly serve clients throughout South Florida. For your convenience, we also offer virtual consultations to ensure seamless communication no matter where you are.

Our experienced attorneys will work relentlessly to secure the compensation you deserve while providing the personalized attention and care your case requires. Let us handle the legal complexities so you can focus on healing and rebuilding your life.

Call us today at (305) 638-4143 or complete our online form to schedule your free consultation. Let Flanagan & Bodenheimer be your voice in the fight for justice.