Tragic Wrong-Way Crash on Florida Turnpike in Pompano Beach Leaves Two Dead, One Injured

A devastating wrong-way crash in the early hours of Monday, July 7, 2025, claimed the lives of two young men and left another injured, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

The collision occurred around 1:00 a.m. in the northbound lanes of the Florida Turnpike, just south of Atlantic Boulevard in Pompano Beach. According to authorities, a sedan traveling southbound in the northbound lanes caused a violent head-on collision, resulting in significant destruction and hours-long Turnpike closures.

According to the FHP incident report, a driver in an Acura TL sedan was headed the wrong direction—southbound—in the northbound lanes of the Florida Turnpike. He collided head-on with a Mercedes-Benz A220, driven by a 19-year-old from the Orlando area.

Upon impact:

• The Acura TL spun out, hit a concrete barrier, and caught fire.
• Both drivers died at the scene due to the severity of the crash.
• A 22-year-old male passenger in the Mercedes-Benz, from Key West, was rushed to North Broward Medical Center with injuries.

This crash marks another tragic addition to Florida’s growing list of wrong-way driving fatalities. Statistics show that wrong-way crashes are 12 times more likely to result in death compared to other types of accidents.

The Florida Highway Patrol has not confirmed what led the driver of the Acura TL to travel the wrong direction. However, common factors often investigated in wrong-way crashes include:

• Impaired driving
• Fatigue or drowsiness
• Confusion from poor signage
• Mental health episodes
• Driver distraction

Toxicology reports, surveillance footage, and interviews with witnesses are typically part of a comprehensive crash investigation.

Legal Options for Victims and Families After a Fatal Car Crash

In tragic cases like this, surviving family members and injured passengers may be entitled to pursue wrongful death or personal injury claims, even if the at-fault driver also perished.

What Is a Wrongful Death Claim in Florida?

Under Florida Statute §768.19, surviving family members, including parents, spouses, and children, can pursue compensation for losses resulting from the death of a loved one due to another’s negligence.

Compensation may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical bills before death
• Loss of companionship
• Mental anguish
• Loss of financial support

In this case, the family of the 19-year-old Mercedes-Benz driver may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit. Likewise, the injured passenger may have a personal injury claim for:

• Emergency and follow-up medical care
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages or diminished earning potential
• Long-term physical or emotional trauma

Even if the at-fault driver is deceased, there may still be insurance coverage available through their auto insurance policy or other avenues:

• Liability insurance from the at-fault driver
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage (UM/UIM) from the victim’s policy
• Third-party claims if a mechanical defect or poor roadway signage contributed to the crash

An experienced car accident lawyer can investigate all possible sources of compensation and build a strong claim on behalf of victims and families. At Flanagan & Bodenheimer, we help families pursue justice after preventable tragedies. If you’ve lost a loved one or suffered injuries in a wrong-way crash, we are here to provide clear legal guidance, investigate the facts, and advocate fiercely for your rights.