Fatal Fiery Crash in Hollywood, FL: What Families Should Know About Wrongful Death and Serious Injury Claims

A tragic car accident in Hollywood, Florida, on Sunday evening has left one person dead and several others hospitalized after a violent two-car collision resulted in a vehicle bursting into flames. The crash occurred around 5:40 p.m. at the intersection of Sheridan Street and North 40th Avenue, a location that residents say has seen far too many devastating accidents.

While police have not yet released the name of the person who died or the conditions of the other victims, the collision shut down the intersection for hours as first responders extinguished the fire, cleared the wreckage, and began their investigation.

According to local news coverage, a bystander who heard the crash and rushed outside described the horrifying aftermath. One of the vehicles was reportedly engulfed in flames, and another had flipped upside down. A large tree nearby also collapsed after being damaged by the blaze.

“I was one of the first people to call 911—no one got out of the car,” the witness said. “I saw a huge fire… I just love to see Hollywood become a safer area for people to drive in, because it’s very triggering to see.”

This crash is being investigated by Hollywood Police’s Traffic Homicide Investigation Unit, and the exact cause of the accident, including whether speeding, distraction, or mechanical failure played a role, is still under review.

Wrongful Death and Injury Claims After a Fatal Crash in Hollywood

In situations like this, surviving family members and injured victims may have the right to pursue wrongful death or personal injury claims under Florida law. These legal actions are civil (not criminal) and focus on holding negligent parties financially responsible for the harm they’ve caused.

A wrongful death claim arises when someone is killed due to another person’s negligence, recklessness, or wrongful act. In a car accident, this could involve:

• Speeding
• Running a red light
• Distracted driving
• Driving a vehicle with known mechanical defects
• Failing to yield or follow traffic laws

Florida’s Wrongful Death Act (Florida Statutes § 768.16–768.26) allows the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate to file a claim on behalf of surviving family members.

Eligible family members under Florida law typically include:

• Spouses
• Children (including minor children)
• Parents of a minor child
• Any relatives or dependents who were financially supported by the deceased

In this case, once the identity of the person who passed away is confirmed, their family may be entitled to bring a claim if negligence is proven.

Damages in Personal Injury Claims

In a wrongful death or serious injury lawsuit, Florida law allows recovery for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical bills related to the crash
• Pain and suffering (mental anguish, trauma)
• Loss of companionship, guidance, and protection
• Loss of financial support (if the decedent was a wage earner)
• Property damage

For those who survived the crash but were hospitalized, a personal injury claim may be appropriate. This can include damages for:

• Emergency medical care
• Hospitalization and surgeries
• Lost income
• Long-term rehabilitation
• Pain and suffering

Who May Be Liable in a Fatal Car Crash?

Liability in crashes involving fire or explosion can be complex. Possible at-fault parties could include:

• A negligent driver (e.g., someone who ran a red light or was speeding)
• A vehicle manufacturer (if a defect caused or worsened the fire)
• A government agency (if poor road design or maintenance contributed to the crash)

In some cases, multiple parties share liability, which is why it’s essential to have an experienced injury and wrongful death lawyer conduct a full investigation and preserve evidence early on.

What Families Should Do After a Deadly Crash

If you’ve lost a loved one or a family member is seriously injured in a crash like this one in Hollywood, here are critical steps to take:

1. Preserve Records: Save medical records, police reports, photos, and eyewitness information.
2. Avoid Speaking to Insurers: Insurance companies may try to minimize your claim. Speak to an attorney before giving a statement.
3. Contact a Wrongful Death or Injury Lawyer: The sooner you involve legal counsel, the better your chances of recovering full compensation.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families across Florida who have suffered catastrophic loss due to another party’s negligence. We purposely keep a small caseload so each client receives our full attention. We understand the emotional and financial toll of these tragic events and will fight tirelessly to hold the responsible parties accountable.

If you lost a loved one in a similar accident, call us at 305-638-4143 or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation. We serve clients throughout Hollywood, Fort Lauderdale, Broward County, and across South Florida.