1 Dead in Florida Turnpike Crash That Snarled Morning Commute in Broward County, FHP Says

A deadly crash on the Florida Turnpike early Friday morning left one person dead, another seriously injured, and thousands of drivers stuck in severe delays throughout the morning commute. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) has confirmed that the crash occurred in the southbound lanes at Interstate 595 in Davie.

According to FHP, a Mercedes-Benz SUV was stopped in the center lane of the Florida Turnpike for unknown reasons around daybreak. A tractor-trailer traveling in the same lane was unable to stop in time and collided with the rear of the SUV.

The impact pushed the SUV toward the southeast, slamming it into a concrete median wall. The force of the crash caused catastrophic damage.

A 36-year-old Miami woman who was riding as a passenger in the SUV was pronounced dead at the scene. The SUV’s driver, who has not yet been identified, was rushed to a nearby hospital with serious injuries.

The 53-year-old driver of the tractor-trailer, a Miami resident, was not injured.

FedEx, which owns the tractor-trailer involved in the collision, issued a statement expressing condolences:
“Safety is our highest priority, and we are cooperating fully with local authorities in this investigation. Our thoughts are with the family and friends who had loved ones involved in this tragic accident.”

The fatal collision caused significant disruptions to the Friday morning commute. Multiple lanes were closed for several hours as investigators examined the scene, resulting in heavy backups throughout Broward County.

Drivers reported delays stretching miles beyond the crash site as traffic was diverted and crews worked to clear the roadway.

The Florida Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate key questions, including:

• Why the SUV was stopped in the center lane
• Whether mechanical failure, driver distress, or another factor played a role
• Speed and braking data from both vehicles
• Whether video footage from traffic cameras or nearby vehicles captured the collision

Investigators will also review crash reconstruction findings, witness statements, and potential black box data from the vehicles involved.

Legal Considerations After a Fatal Turnpike Crash

Crashes involving stopped vehicles in active lanes, especially on high-speed roadways like the Florida Turnpike, often raise complex issues of fault and liability. Victims and families may be entitled to pursue claims related to:

• Wrongful death
• Serious bodily injury
• Negligent maintenance
• Commercial vehicle negligence
• Roadway hazard or obstruction liability

Commercial carriers—including FedEx and similar companies—are held to strict safety standards. Their vehicles, drivers, and operational practices can all become part of a formal legal investigation.

Families dealing with sudden, catastrophic losses often face enormous emotional and financial burdens. An experienced wrongful death and trucking accident attorney can help ensure evidence is preserved and that responsible parties are held accountable.

Our Law Firm Is Here to Help

Truck crashes on Florida highways frequently result in devastating injuries—and when a loved one is killed, the impact on surviving family members is immeasurable. At Flanagan & Bodenheimer, we represent victims and families across Broward County and all of Florida in wrongful death and serious injury cases involving tractor-trailers, commercial vehicles, and dangerous roadway conditions.

We offer:

• Free, confidential case evaluations
• No fees unless we recover compensation
• Rapid evidence preservation and investigation
• Guidance for grieving families navigating their legal options

If your family has been affected by this or any other serious Turnpike accident, contact our office today.