Davenport Man Killed in Tragic Two-Car Crash on U.S. 27 in Haines City

A 20-year-old Davenport man lost his life in a fatal two-car collision Sunday afternoon in Haines City, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). The crash occurred around 4 p.m. on October 12 along U.S. Highway 27, near Blue Heron Boulevard, an area known for heavy traffic and high-speed intersections.

Investigators say the young driver was traveling south on U.S. 27 in a Kia sedan when he attempted to make a left turn onto Blue Heron Boulevard. As he turned, his vehicle entered the path of a Tesla Model 3, driven by a 26-year-old Haines City man who was traveling north on the highway.

The Tesla struck the Kia with significant force. The Davenport driver was pronounced dead at the scene, while the Tesla driver suffered non-life-threatening injuries and was transported to a local hospital for treatment.

Authorities have not yet released the name of the deceased pending notification of next of kin. The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, including whether speed or visibility played a role.

Understanding Legal Options After a Fatal Car Accident

A fatal accident like this can leave families devastated, not only emotionally but financially. Under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act (§768.16–§768.26), surviving family members may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim if the evidence shows that another driver’s negligence caused or contributed to the fatal crash.

In cases involving left-turn collisions, liability often centers on right-of-way violations or failure to yield. However, determining fault is not always straightforward—factors such as speeding, distracted driving, or poor intersection design may also contribute.

An experienced attorney can conduct a full investigation to determine:

• Whether either driver failed to yield or violated traffic laws.
• If traffic light timing or road conditions played a role.
• Whether any vehicle malfunctions or visibility issues contributed to the collision.

When negligence leads to a fatal crash, Florida law allows families to pursue damages for both economic and emotional losses, including:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support and future income
• Mental pain and suffering for the surviving spouse, parents, or children
• Loss of companionship, guidance, and protection
• Medical expenses incurred prior to death

For the surviving driver of the Tesla, if he was not at fault, a personal injury claim may also be available to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Wrongful death and serious injury claims involving intersections and high-speed highways require meticulous investigation. Evidence such as surveillance footage, vehicle data recorders, skid marks, and eyewitness statements can help establish liability and protect your rights.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we have extensive experience representing victims of fatal and catastrophic crashes across Florida. Our firm handles every case with compassion, urgency, and dedication, ensuring that families receive the justice and financial support they deserve.

If you lost a loved one in a fatal accident on U.S. 27 or elsewhere in Florida, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone.

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

We handle all wrongful death and serious injury cases on a contingency-fee basis — meaning you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.