Driver Killed, Passenger Seriously Injured After Lake County Corvette Crash: Legal Options for Injured Passengers

A tragic crash in Lake County, Florida has left one man dead and another with life-threatening injuries after their Corvette went off the road on County Road 439. According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the crash occurred late Friday night but went unnoticed for hours, leaving the passenger trapped inside the wrecked car until Saturday morning.

Authorities say Jason Myers, 35, was driving the Corvette when he lost control of the vehicle. The car crashed in a rural area, and Myers was ejected from the vehicle. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The passenger, 27-year-old Zachary Craig, was trapped inside the Corvette for approximately nine hours before a neighbor finally discovered the wreck and called for help. Craig was rushed to the hospital with severe injuries, and his family has reported that he may now face permanent paralysis.

FHP has not released the precise cause of the crash, though speed is believed to be a factor. Investigators are still working to determine whether road conditions, impairment, or other hazards may also have contributed.

Neighbors told FOX 35 that the site of the crash is a “notorious” danger zone, with multiple accidents in recent years tied to speeding and the design of the roadway.

Passenger Rights After a Serious Crash in Florida

Under Florida law, injured passengers generally have the right to pursue a personal injury claim if the crash was caused by negligence. This can include negligence on the part of:

• The driver of the vehicle they were riding in (in this case, Myers)
• Another motorist who may have contributed to the crash
• A government entity if dangerous road design or poor maintenance played a role

Even though Myers tragically lost his life, his estate and insurance policy may still be liable for the damages suffered by Craig. Florida’s comparative negligence laws allow passengers to recover compensation even if the driver was partially or fully at fault.

Potential damages in Craig’s case could include:

• Emergency medical treatment and hospital bills
• Long-term care, rehabilitation, and medical equipment
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity if he is unable to work
• Pain and suffering, including the trauma of being trapped for hours
• Compensation for permanent disability or paralysis

While Craig may have a claim as an injured passenger, Myers’ family may also be entitled to file a wrongful death claim under the Florida Wrongful Death Act if evidence emerges that outside factors—such as hazardous road conditions or another negligent driver—played a role. Damages in wrongful death cases can include funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and mental anguish for surviving loved ones.

Crashes that result in life-altering injuries or fatalities require thorough investigation and strong legal advocacy. Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts in these cases, despite the enormous medical and emotional costs for victims and their families.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent injured passengers and grieving families throughout Florida. Our team investigates all angles of serious crashes, including driver negligence, defective roadways, and insurance coverage disputes, to hold all responsible parties accountable.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Florida car accident as a passenger, or if your family has lost someone in a preventable crash, you have legal rights. Contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm for a free consultation. We serve clients across the state and charge no fees unless we win your case.

Call us today at 305-638-4143 or visit us online to schedule your consultation.