One Dead, One Hospitalized After State Road 207 Crash in Elkton

A tragic crash in Elkton, Florida, claimed the life of a 68-year-old man on Thursday morning, September 4, 2025, after his pickup truck collided with an SUV on State Road 207. According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the man was ejected from his vehicle and died at the scene. Another driver was hospitalized with minor injuries.

The crash occurred around 6:50 a.m. when the 68-year-old man attempted to cross SR-207 from Armstrong Road in his pickup truck. Troopers say his vehicle entered the path of an SUV driven by a 47-year-old woman from St. Augustine, who was traveling southbound on SR-207.

The vehicles collided — the front right of the pickup truck striking the front left of the SUV. The impact caused the pickup truck driver to be ejected from his vehicle. FHP noted that the man was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, a factor that tragically contributed to the severity of his injuries. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The SUV driver was transported to a local hospital with minor injuries and is expected to recover. Authorities have not yet released the names of those involved, pending family notification.

This tragic crash underscores the critical importance of seat belt use. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), seat belts reduce the risk of fatal injury by 45% in passenger cars and by 60% in light trucks. Drivers and passengers who fail to wear a seat belt are far more likely to be ejected in a crash — and 75% of ejections are fatal.

Florida law requires all drivers and passengers in the front seat, as well as passengers under 18, to wear a seat belt (Florida Statute § 316.614). While not wearing a seat belt can limit recovery in some personal injury cases under Florida’s comparative negligence law, it does not bar families from pursuing a wrongful death claim when another driver’s negligence contributed to the crash.

Potential Legal Claims After the Crash

Crashes like this raise important questions of liability and compensation for victims and their families. Depending on the outcome of the investigation, several legal avenues may be available.

The surviving family members of the 68-year-old man may be able to file a claim under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act. Damages may include funeral expenses, loss of companionship, mental pain and suffering, and lost financial support.

The injured SUV driver may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering through a personal injury claim if it is determined that the pickup driver’s actions caused the crash.

If both parties contributed to the accident — for example, if speeding, distracted driving, or failure to yield played a role — damages may be apportioned based on fault under Florida’s modified comparative negligence system.

Crashes at intersections like Armstrong Road and SR-207 often occur due to:

• Failure to yield the right-of-way
• Obstructed visibility from trees, buildings, or signage
• Driver distraction or inattention
• Speeding on major highways
• Improper judgment when crossing or turning

Given SR-207’s mix of rural and commuter traffic, accidents involving turning or crossing vehicles are unfortunately common.

Losing a loved one in a sudden, preventable crash is devastating. While no amount of compensation can undo such a loss, pursuing a wrongful death claim can provide financial support for families while also holding negligent drivers accountable.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we specialize in handling complex auto accident and wrongful death cases across Florida. Our attorneys thoroughly investigate each case, consult with accident reconstruction experts, and fight for maximum compensation on behalf of victims and their families.

If your family has been impacted by a fatal crash in Florida, call us at 305-638-4143 for a free, confidential consultation. We only charge fees if we recover compensation for you.