Deadly Seven-Vehicle Crash Shuts Down North Military Trail in West Palm Beach

A tragic multi-vehicle crash along North Military Trail near Westgate Avenue left at least one person dead and several others injured on Tuesday morning, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO).

The crash, which occurred around 10:30 a.m., involved seven vehicles and brought traffic to a standstill in one of the city’s busiest corridors, a mixed-use area surrounded by residential neighborhoods and commercial businesses.

Palm Beach County Fire Rescue (PBCFR) confirmed the incident resulted in at least one fatality at the scene. Emergency responders transported four additional individuals to nearby hospitals, including two patients designated as trauma alerts, indicating life-threatening injuries.

Authorities have not yet released the names of the deceased or injured pending notification of next of kin.

The scene remained active for hours as investigators and first responders worked to assess the damage, care for victims, and remove debris from the roadway. Law enforcement diverted traffic and urged drivers to avoid the area, warning of significant delays in all directions.

Potential Causes of a Multi-Vehicle Collision

Seven-vehicle crashes are often the result of a chain reaction involving:

• Distracted or impaired driving
• Following too closely (tailgating)
• Speeding or aggressive lane changes
• Weather-related visibility issues
• Sudden braking in congested traffic
• Road design or construction-related hazards

With so many vehicles involved, accident reconstruction experts and law enforcement will need to conduct a detailed investigation to determine the sequence of impact, the primary cause, and whether any drivers were negligent or in violation of traffic laws.

When Is a Wrongful Death Claim Possible in Multi-Car Accidents?

If someone loses their life in a multi-vehicle collision due to another driver’s negligence, recklessness, or violation of Florida traffic laws, surviving family members may be entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit under Florida Statutes § 768.19.

Examples of negligence in these types of crashes may include:

• A distracted driver who failed to brake in time
• A speeding vehicle that rear-ended another and triggered a chain reaction
• A commercial vehicle operator not adhering to safety protocols
• A driver running a red light or stop sign

Victims’ families can pursue compensation for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical bills related to the crash
• Loss of future income or support
• Emotional pain and suffering
• Loss of companionship

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we have extensive experience representing victims of catastrophic car accidents throughout South Florida. Multi-vehicle crashes can quickly become complicated, especially when liability is shared or unclear. We work with investigators, crash reconstruction experts, and medical professionals to build strong cases on behalf of our clients.