Deadly Wrong-Way Crash on Palmetto Expressway Kills One, Injures Two in Miami-Dade

A devastating wrong-way crash early Monday morning on the Palmetto Expressway left one man dead and two others seriously injured, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). The incident occurred around 1:14 a.m. in the southbound lanes near Okeechobee Road in Miami-Dade County.

Authorities say a white Mercedes SUV was traveling north in the southbound express lanes of the Palmetto Expressway when it collided head-on with a white Dodge SUV. The force of the crash caused significant damage to both vehicles and resulted in widespread debris along the highway.

The front passenger of the Mercedes SUV, a man who has not yet been publicly identified, was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. Both drivers—the driver of the Mercedes and the driver of the Dodge SUV—were transported to the hospital with serious injuries.

Family members identified the Dodge SUV’s driver as 33-year-old Alex Nieves. His sister, Bianca Nieves, shared that he was en route to pick up a family member from the airport when the crash occurred.

In a video captured by Only in Dade shortly after the crash, Nieves was seen lying on the ground, conscious and talking on the phone. According to his sister, he was calling his mother.

“My mom is distraught. She hasn’t left his side,” Bianca said. “His son was waiting for him to come back home… they were supposed to leave on a trip that day.”

Bianca added that Nieves suffered multiple fractures throughout his body and is undergoing surgeries at HCA Florida Kendall Hospital. A Good Samaritan, identified only as “Jose,” reportedly pulled Nieves from the wreckage moments after the crash. The family expressed their deep gratitude for his actions and ongoing concern.

“A head-on collision like that, for him to be here, everyone is saying he is so blessed. This is a miracle,” said Bianca.

Wrong-Way Crashes in South Florida

Wrong-way crashes, while relatively rare, are among the deadliest types of collisions. In most cases, they occur in the early morning hours, are often linked to impaired driving, and involve high speeds on highways or expressways.

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), wrong-way driving crashes frequently result in fatalities or catastrophic injuries due to the head-on nature of the impact.

FHP has not confirmed whether impairment was a factor in this crash. The investigation is ongoing, and the identities of the deceased and Mercedes driver have not yet been released.

Legal Options After a Serious Car Accident

In the aftermath of such a tragic and preventable crash, victims and their families may have legal options. If the wrong-way driver was found to be negligent, whether through intoxication, distraction, or reckless behavior, the victims or their families may pursue a personal injury or wrongful death claim.

These legal claims can help cover:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Future medical care or rehabilitation
• Pain and suffering
• Funeral and burial costs (in fatal cases)

If you or a loved one has been injured in a serious accident like the Palmetto Expressway crash, it’s important to take the following steps:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention – Even if injuries seem minor, some symptoms may appear later.
2. Document the Scene – Take photographs or videos if you are physically able.
3. Get Witness Information – Witnesses can be crucial in reconstructing what happened.
4. Avoid Discussing Fault – Don’t speak to insurance adjusters without legal guidance.
5. Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney – Legal representation is critical in securing full compensation.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we help crash victims and their families throughout Florida seek justice and compensation after devastating collisions.