Firefighter Critically Injured After Being Struck by SUV on I-75 in Lee County

A Bonita Springs Fire battalion chief was left critically injured early Sunday morning after being struck by an SUV while assisting with traffic control on Interstate 75, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Authorities say the crash occurred just after 12:30 a.m. on the southbound lanes of I-75 near mile marker 116. Crews had already been responding to a separate crash in the area when the firefighter, who was wearing a reflective safety vest, stood on the inside shoulder to direct traffic around the scene.

As traffic slowed near the crash site, an SUV approached at speed. Troopers said the driver attempted to avoid a collision with stopped vehicles by veering onto the shoulder. Instead, the SUV collided with the battalion chief.

The firefighter sustained critical injuries and was immediately transported to Gulf Coast Hospital, where officials later confirmed his condition was stabilized.

The Bonita Springs Fire Control & Rescue District released a statement expressing its focus on supporting the injured firefighter and his family during this difficult time.

“Our priority is ensuring that our firefighter, his family, and our crews receive the care and support they need,” the department said.

The crash remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.

This incident underscores the extreme risks that first responders face while working on Florida’s busy roadways. Even when wearing reflective gear and working in marked emergency zones, firefighters, law enforcement officers, and paramedics remain vulnerable to distracted or reckless drivers.

Florida’s Move Over Law requires drivers to change lanes or slow down to at least 20 mph below the posted speed limit when approaching emergency vehicles stopped along the road. Violating this law not only places lives at risk but can also lead to fines and potential civil liability.

Potential Legal Implications

While the full details of this crash are still under investigation, several legal issues may arise:

• Negligence of the SUV Driver: If the driver was speeding, distracted, or otherwise careless, they could face both criminal charges and civil liability for the firefighter’s injuries.
• Move Over Law Violations: If evidence shows the driver failed to move over or slow down, this could strengthen claims of negligence.
• Workers’ Compensation for the Firefighter: Because the firefighter was injured in the line of duty, he and his family are entitled to workers’ compensation benefits, including medical care and wage replacement.
• Third-Party Civil Claim: In addition to workers’ compensation, the firefighter may have grounds for a personal injury lawsuit against the at-fault driver to recover damages not covered by workers’ comp, such as pain and suffering.

Incidents like this highlight the sacrifices that first responders make daily to keep our communities safe. Local residents and colleagues have already expressed an outpouring of support for the firefighter and his family as he continues to recover.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we are committed to standing up for first responders and their families when tragedy strikes. Collisions involving roadside workers often stem from preventable driver negligence, and those injured deserve justice and fair compensation.

If you or someone you love has been injured in a roadside crash or because another driver failed to follow Florida’s Move Over Law, contact us today for a free consultation.