Officials Searching for Driver After Man in Wheelchair Fatally Struck by Three Vehicles on Orange Blossom Trail

A devastating crash on Orange Blossom Trail (U.S. 441) in Kissimmee, Florida has claimed the life of a 31-year-old man from Iowa after he was struck by three separate vehicles while attempting to cross the roadway in his wheelchair early Friday morning.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the crash occurred around 7:03 a.m. near Hilda Street, just north of downtown Kissimmee. Troopers say the man was crossing the northbound lanes of Orange Blossom Trail when he was hit by three vehicles — a 2012 Kia Rio, a possible silver Lexus sedan, and a 2012 Ford Taurus.

While the drivers of the Kia and Taurus remained at the scene and cooperated with authorities, the driver of the Lexus fled, leaving the scene of a fatal collision.

The man was pronounced dead at the scene.

FHP’s preliminary report indicates that the man was crossing outside of a designated crosswalk when he was struck by the first vehicle. The impact caused the wheelchair and victim to be struck by two more northbound vehicles. Investigators are now searching for the silver Lexus sedan, which they believe sustained undercarriage damage in the crash.

As of Friday afternoon, the Florida Highway Patrol had not yet released the victim’s name pending notification of family members.

Anyone with information regarding the Lexus or the driver involved is urged to contact the Florida Highway Patrol or Crimeline at 1-800-423-TIPS.

The Legal Implications of Hit-and-Run Crashes in Florida

Leaving the scene of a fatal crash is one of the most serious offenses under Florida law, carrying both criminal and civil consequences. According to Florida Statute §316.027, any driver involved in a crash that results in death is required to:

1. Immediately stop at the scene,
2. Render reasonable assistance to the injured person, and
3. Report the crash to law enforcement.

Failure to do so constitutes a first-degree felony, punishable by up to 30 years in prison, along with substantial fines, license revocation, and a permanent felony record.

Unfortunately, hit-and-run incidents continue to rise across Florida. According to data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), more than 25% of all fatal crashes in 2024 involved a driver who fled the scene.

Understanding Wrongful Death Claims After a Fatal Hit-and-Run

For families who lose a loved one in a crash like this, the emotional and financial toll can be overwhelming. Under the Florida Wrongful Death Act (§768.16–§768.26), surviving family members have the right to pursue compensation against negligent or reckless drivers, including those who flee the scene.

A wrongful death claim can help the family recover damages such as:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical costs incurred before death
• Loss of income or financial support
• Loss of companionship and emotional suffering for surviving relatives

If the at-fault driver is eventually identified, the victim’s family may also pursue punitive damages under Florida Statute §768.72, which are designed to punish egregious behavior such as fleeing a fatal accident scene.

In Florida, the personal representative (executor) of the deceased’s estate must file the wrongful death claim on behalf of eligible survivors. According to §768.20, eligible survivors may include:

• A spouse, children, or parents of the deceased
• Any blood relatives or adoptive siblings who were financially dependent on the deceased

The lawsuit can be filed against the driver, their employer (if the vehicle was being used for commercial purposes), or even uninsured motorist coverage if the at-fault driver cannot be located or identified.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families who have lost loved ones due to negligent or reckless drivers across Florida. We understand that financial compensation can’t replace what you’ve lost, but it can provide crucial stability and justice in the wake of tragedy.

Our firm has successfully handled numerous fatal pedestrian and vehicle accident cases throughout South Florida, holding drivers and corporations accountable for their actions.

If your loved one was killed in a hit-and-run or pedestrian accident, we are here to help you every step of the way.