3 Children Hospitalized After Crash Near U.S. 1 Wildfire in Miami-Dade

On Friday afternoon, March 21, 2025, a multi-vehicle crash on U.S. 1 near Mile Marker 121 in southwest Miami-Dade left three children and one adult hospitalized, according to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. The crash occurred near the massive 344 Fire, a wildfire that has been burning through more than 24,000 acres of brush since last week.

The crash took place around 1:00 p.m., prompting an emergency response from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue. Officials confirmed that at least one child had to be airlifted from the scene due to the severity of their injuries. Two of the children were described as trauma patients, while the condition of the adult and the third child has not yet been released.

Photos from the scene shared by first responders showed a damaged pickup truck in the middle of the highway and a flipped boat on the roadside, suggesting a severe and possibly high-speed collision.

Officials noted that the crash occurred in the same area where the 344 Fire has led to road closures and heavy traffic congestion. The Card Sound Road has been shut down for several days, and U.S. 1 has seen intermittent closures as firefighters battle the wildfire.

In a post shared on social media, Miami-Dade Fire Rescue urged residents to avoid driving through areas affected by the wildfire, not only due to fire danger but also because heavy traffic can delay emergency response times in situations like this crash.

The Impact of Road Hazards on Car Accidents

When wildfires or other large-scale emergencies impact road conditions, the risk of serious accidents increases. Drivers may face:

• Reduced visibility due to smoke or dust
• Sudden congestion or stopped traffic
• Emergency vehicles entering and exiting the roadway
• Stress and distraction while navigating unfamiliar detours

Multi-vehicle crashes in these conditions often involve chain reactions, impaired reaction times, or limited space to safely stop or maneuver. Even drivers who are cautious can become victims when circumstances escalate quickly.

Understanding Liability in Complex Crashes

In situations like this, determining who is at fault can be difficult. When multiple vehicles are involved—and external factors like wildfires or government-managed road conditions come into play—liability may be shared among several parties:

• A driver who was speeding or not paying attention
• A third-party vehicle that triggered a chain reaction
• A government entity responsible for road closures, signage, or failing to manage traffic flow
• A vehicle manufacturer, if a mechanical failure contributed to the collision

Establishing fault requires a detailed investigation that often includes reviewing traffic camera footage, accident reports, black box data, and eyewitness statements.

What Parents Should Know When Children Are Injured in a Crash

When a child is seriously injured in a car accident, it adds another layer of emotional and legal complexity. Pediatric trauma cases often involve:

• Long-term medical care or rehabilitation
• Developmental impacts from brain or spinal cord injuries
• Emotional distress and trauma that can affect school, relationships, and confidence
• The possibility of lifelong impairment or disability

Florida law allows parents or legal guardians to pursue claims for:

• Medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Future medical or care needs

In especially serious cases, claims may also be made for loss of earning potential if the injury limits the child’s future ability to work.

We are deeply saddened to hear about this crash and extend our thoughts and well wishes to the children and families involved. Accidents involving children are always heartbreaking—especially when they occur alongside large-scale events like the wildfire currently burning in Miami-Dade.

If your family has been affected by a serious car accident in South Florida, and you’re unsure of what to do next, know that help is available. At Flanagan & Bodenheimer, we offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Please feel free to reach out if you have questions about your rights or how to move forward after a traumatic crash. Call 305-638-4143 or complete our online form.