Person Airlifted After Vehicle Crashes Into Canal in Southwest Miami-Dade: Legal Rights After Water-Related Car Accidents

A frightening crash occurred Friday morning in southwest Miami-Dade when a vehicle veered off the road and plunged into a canal near Southwest 157th Avenue and Southwest 264th Street.

According to Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, crews rushed to the scene after receiving reports of a vehicle submerged in the water. By the time first responders arrived, one occupant of the car had already managed to escape the canal. Emergency divers entered the water to confirm that no other passengers were inside.

The injured person was airlifted to a nearby hospital as a trauma alert, highlighting the severity of the crash. At this time, authorities have not released the individual’s identity or provided additional details regarding their condition.

South Florida is unique in that roadways often run parallel to canals, retention ponds, and waterways. Unfortunately, this design increases the risk of cars leaving the roadway and ending up submerged. These crashes can lead to drowning, brain damage from lack of oxygen, spinal trauma, or internal injuries.

Many canal crashes involve contributing factors such as:

• Distracted or impaired driving
• Speeding or reckless maneuvers
• Mechanical failures (e.g., steering or brake malfunctions)
• Poor roadway design or inadequate barriers
• Limited visibility or missing guardrails

When these elements play a role, victims and their families may have grounds for a personal injury or wrongful death claim.

Potential Legal Claims After a Canal Crash

Victims of canal crashes in Florida may be entitled to pursue compensation depending on the circumstances:

If another motorist forced the vehicle off the road—through reckless lane changes, tailgating, or failure to yield—that driver could be held liable for the resulting injuries.

If the roadway lacked appropriate safety features, such as guardrails, warning signage, or proper lighting, the government entity responsible for the road may be liable. Claims against municipalities must comply with Florida’s sovereign immunity laws (Fla. Stat. § 768.28), which limit damages and impose strict notice deadlines.

If a mechanical failure caused the driver to lose control, a product liability claim may be pursued against the vehicle or parts manufacturer.

Because Florida is a no-fault state, anyone injured in a crash should first seek compensation through their PIP insurance for medical bills and some lost wages, regardless of fault. However, in cases of serious injury, victims may step outside the no-fault system and file a claim against the at-fault party.

If the injured person was a passenger in the vehicle, they may have a claim against the at-fault driver—even if it was the driver of their own vehicle. Florida law allows passengers to pursue compensation for:

• Medical expenses and ongoing treatment
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma, including PTSD common in drowning incidents

Time is critical in canal crash cases. Evidence such as skid marks, eyewitness accounts, surveillance video, and vehicle data recorders can disappear quickly.

An experienced Miami personal injury attorney can:

• Investigate the cause of the crash and identify liable parties
• Preserve accident scene and vehicle evidence
• Work with accident reconstruction and water safety experts
• Pursue full compensation through insurance or litigation

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we have handled complex roadway and water-related accident cases across South Florida. We understand the devastating physical and emotional toll of crashes like the one in southwest Miami-Dade and fight tirelessly for victims and their families.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident involving a canal or waterway, call us today at 305-638-4143 for a free, confidential consultation. We charge no fees unless we win.