1 Dead After Car Slams Into Tree on Millenia Boulevard in Orlando: Legal Options

A deadly single-vehicle crash on Millenia Boulevard early Thursday morning has left one person dead and another critically injured, according to the Orlando Police Department and Orlando Fire Department. The violent collision, captured on surveillance video, shows a vehicle crashing directly into a tree before smoke begins to rise from the wreckage.

The crash occurred around 1 a.m. in the 4300 block of Millenia Boulevard, just east of I-4 near major retail and residential areas.

Surveillance footage from Mercedes-Benz of South Orlando, located near the crash site, shows a vehicle traveling at high speed before losing control and colliding with a palm tree in the median. Smoke quickly appears, and what looks like a person exits the car moments after impact.

This type of footage may become critical to investigators as they work to determine:

• The vehicle’s speed
• Whether the driver attempted to brake or swerve
• Any mechanical issues or roadway factors
• Whether impairment, distraction, or fatigue contributed

According to Orlando Fire Department officials:

• A woman was extricated from the wreckage and transported to a hospital in critical condition
• A male occupant was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries

Orlando Police later confirmed that one person died, though no further identifying information has been released.

A tow truck removed the heavily damaged vehicle from the scene, and all previously blocked lanes were reopened. The investigation remains active.

Common Causes of Single-Vehicle Crashes Like This One

Even though this collision involved only one vehicle, serious crashes of this nature often stem from preventable causes, including:

Speeding or Driving Too Fast for Conditions

High speeds dramatically increase stopping distance and injury severity.

Distracted or Fatigued Driving

Driver inattention—whether due to phones, passengers, or fatigue—can lead to sudden loss of control.

Impaired Driving

Alcohol or drug impairment is a common factor in late-night and early-morning crashes.

Roadway or Mechanical Issues

Poor lighting, sharp curves, tire blowouts, steering issues, or debris can contribute to loss of control.

Weather Conditions

Wet pavement or reduced visibility can heighten risks on major corridors like Millenia Boulevard.

Investigators will evaluate each of these possibilities to determine how the crash occurred and who may ultimately be responsible.

Legal Rights for Victims and Their Families After a Single-Vehicle Crash

Many people assume a single-car crash means there is no legal claim. That is not always the case. Depending on the circumstances, several parties may bear responsibility:

1. The Vehicle Manufacturer or Parts Maker

If defects—such as brake failure, steering malfunctions, or tire blowouts—played a role, a product liability claim may apply.

2. A Roadway Authority

If improper signage, poor lighting, dangerous curves, or maintenance failures contributed to the crash.

3. A Third Party

Other vehicles not captured in the initial report may have forced the driver to swerve or lose control. Hit-and-run contributing factors are common.

4. The At-Fault Driver’s Insurance

If the driver was negligent and a passenger was injured or killed, the passenger’s family may pursue a wrongful death or personal injury claim.

Under the Florida Wrongful Death Act, families may recover damages for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical bills
• Loss of companionship and support
• Mental pain and suffering
• Lost income and benefits the deceased would have provided

Because evidence can quickly disappear—especially in single-vehicle crashes captured on video—early legal action is critical.

Why Choose Flanagan & Bodenheimer After a Serious Orlando Crash?

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we handle a very small caseload, ensuring:

• Direct access to your attorney
• Immediate preservation of evidence, including surveillance video
• Accident reconstruction experts when needed
• Thorough investigation into all possible causes
• Compassionate guidance for families facing unimaginable loss

We take on complex cases other firms reject—and we win them. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation.

Whether you are a family seeking answers after a wrongful death or a survivor dealing with injuries and trauma, our attorneys are here to provide support and clarity.

Schedule a free consultation today to understand your rights and next steps.