Three Panama City Teenagers Injured in Serious Crash on Hathaway Bridge

A devastating single-vehicle crash on the Hathaway Bridge Tuesday night left three teenagers hospitalized, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). The collision, which involved a red Ford Mustang, occurred around 8:00 p.m. as the car traveled westbound on U.S. 98 toward Panama City Beach.

Investigators say the Mustang lost control while crossing the Hathaway Bridge. The vehicle spun across multiple lanes before striking a curb, which caused it to overturn. The car then slammed into a tree, where it finally came to rest.

All three occupants, teenagers from Panama City, were rushed to a local hospital. Authorities report that two suffered serious injuries, while the backseat passenger remains in critical condition.

Fortunately, no other vehicles were involved in the incident, and no additional injuries were reported. The cause of the crash remains under investigation by FHP.

Highway and bridge accidents are often caused by a combination of factors such as:

• Excessive Speed: Sports cars like the Mustang may be particularly prone to loss of control when driven at high speeds.
• Wet or Slippery Roadways: Bridges can accumulate slick conditions more quickly than other roads, especially during rain or humidity.
• Driver Inexperience: Teenage drivers may not have the skill or reaction time needed to handle a vehicle once it begins to skid or spin.
• Mechanical Issues or Tire Problems: Blowouts or steering malfunctions can also cause sudden loss of control.

While investigators have not released an official cause, these factors are commonly examined in cases involving single-car crashes.

When minors are involved in a serious collision, questions often arise about liability and insurance coverage. Florida law allows injured passengers or their families to pursue personal injury claims for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, even if the driver was also a minor.

• Parental Responsibility: Parents or guardians may be held financially responsible if their teenager caused the crash.
• Passenger Claims: Injured passengers, including those who were friends of the driver, may still file claims against the driver’s insurance policy.
• Potential Third-Party Liability: If a defect in the vehicle or roadway contributed to the accident, additional claims may be possible.

For families, these legal rights can be critical in covering the cost of medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care, especially when injuries are serious or life-altering.

Crashes involving young drivers are heartbreaking for both families and communities. While the physical and emotional recovery will be long and difficult, families should know they have legal options to ensure their children receive the care and support they need.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we have extensive experience representing crash victims and their families throughout Florida. We investigate every detail of the accident, work with experts to determine cause, and pursue full compensation on behalf of our clients.