Belleview Man Killed, Three Others Hospitalized After Head-On Collision in Marion County

A tragic early morning crash in Marion County claimed the life of a 40-year-old Belleview man and sent three others to the hospital, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). The accident occurred around 2:40 a.m. Saturday on County Road 42, just west of SE 160th Avenue Road.

Investigators say a pickup truck driven by a 29-year-old Lake County woman was traveling eastbound when she crossed the center line and struck a westbound car head-on. The impact was severe, leaving one driver dead at the scene and multiple others injured.

• The 40-year-old Belleview man, who was driving the car, was pronounced dead on the scene.
• His passenger was rushed to a nearby hospital in critical condition.
• The pickup driver and her passenger were both hospitalized with serious injuries, according to FHP.

Authorities have not released the names of those involved, and the cause of the crash remains under investigation. Troopers are working to determine whether speed, fatigue, or impairment played a role.

Understanding Legal Rights After a Fatal Head-On Collision

Head-on collisions are among the most catastrophic types of crashes, often resulting in life-threatening or fatal injuries. When a driver crosses the center line, as alleged in this case, it can create grounds for a wrongful death or personal injury claim under Florida law.

For the family of the deceased Belleview man, there may be a wrongful death claim under Florida Statute §768.16–§768.26 (Florida Wrongful Death Act). This law allows surviving family members—such as a spouse, children, or parents—to seek compensation for:

• Loss of financial support and services
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Mental pain and suffering (especially for surviving spouses and parents)
• Loss of companionship, guidance, and protection

Meanwhile, the surviving passenger and other victims may pursue personal injury claims to recover damages for:

• Medical expenses and rehabilitation
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
• Long-term care costs for permanent disabilities

To recover compensation, the injured parties or the family of the deceased must show that the at-fault driver acted negligently. In cases like this, negligence might include:

• Crossing the center line or drifting into oncoming traffic
• Driving while fatigued, distracted, or impaired
• Speeding or failing to maintain lane control

Evidence such as eyewitness statements, surveillance footage, accident reconstruction, and toxicology reports can be key to establishing liability.

Even if more than one party contributed to the crash, Florida’s comparative negligence law (§768.81) allows recovery of damages proportionate to the other driver’s share of fault.

Beyond seeking justice for the deceased, filing a claim can help families and victims alleviate financial burdens caused by sudden medical bills, funeral costs, and loss of income. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, making it crucial to have a skilled personal injury and wrongful death attorney who can advocate for full and fair compensation.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we have extensive experience handling catastrophic car and truck accident cases across Florida. We conduct in-depth investigations, preserve critical evidence, and work with accident reconstruction experts to ensure that every responsible party is held accountable.

If your loved one was killed or seriously injured in a head-on collision in Marion County or anywhere in Florida, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone.

Call (305) 638-4143 to schedule a free, confidential consultation with one of our experienced attorneys.

We handle all wrongful death and injury claims on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win.