1 Killed, 1 Injured After FedEx Truck Collides With SUV on Florida’s Turnpike at I-595: What We Know & Legal Options for Families

A tragic early-morning crash on Florida’s Turnpike near I-595 in Broward County left one woman dead and another driver hospitalized, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The violent collision involved a 2021 Mercedes-Benz SUV and a 2015 FedEx Freightliner tractor-trailer pulling two trailers.

The crash occurred around 6:49 a.m. Friday in the southbound lanes at Mile Marker 55, causing massive traffic delays as all but one southbound lane were closed for hours.

According to FHP:

• The Mercedes-Benz SUV was stopped in the center lane of the Turnpike for reasons still under investigation.
• A FedEx truck traveling in the same lane was “unable to avoid” the stationary SUV and slammed into its rear.
• The impact sent the SUV southeast, where it collided with a concrete median wall, sustaining catastrophic damage.

Victims Identified

• A 36-year-old Miami woman, who was a passenger in the SUV, was pronounced dead at the scene.
• The driver of the SUV, also from Miami, suffered serious injuries and was transported to a Broward hospital.
• The FedEx driver, a 57-year-old man from Naples, was injured but survived.

Video from the scene shows the SUV crushed and partially lodged into the front of the FedEx truck.

The Florida Highway Patrol’s Traffic Homicide Unit is investigating the circumstances leading up to the crash, including why the SUV was stopped in an active travel lane.

Stopped or disabled vehicles in high-speed travel lanes are among the deadliest scenarios on Florida highways. Semi-trucks—especially those hauling double trailers—require significantly more distance to brake or maneuver. Even a brief stop without hazard lights or shoulder placement can be fatal.

Investigators will assess:

• Whether the SUV experienced a mechanical failure
• Whether hazard lights or warning signals were activated
• Road and visibility conditions
• Possible distracted or impaired driving
• Compliance with federal trucking safety regulations

Who May Be Liable in a Crash Like This?

Fatal crashes involving commercial trucks require a specialized legal investigation due to the number of parties that may be responsible. Depending on the findings, liability may fall on:

1. The SUV Driver

If the vehicle was improperly stopped in an active lane or the driver failed to pull off to the shoulder, partial liability may apply. However, the driver’s medical emergency, mechanical issues, or other factors may mitigate responsibility.

2. FedEx / Trucking Company

Commercial carriers may share responsibility if:

• The driver was fatigued
• The truck was speeding or following too closely
• The driver was distracted
• The vehicle’s brakes or systems were not maintained properly
• Federal safety regulations were violated

3. Vehicle Manufacturers

If the SUV suffered a sudden mechanical failure (stalling, loss of power), a product liability claim may be possible.

4. Roadway or Construction Negligence

If lane closures, debris, or poor roadway design contributed to the crash, additional entities may be liable.

Legal Options for Families After a Fatal Crash

The family of the deceased Miami woman may pursue a Florida Wrongful Death Claim, which can provide compensation for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship and mental suffering
• Medical bills
• Punitive damages in cases of egregious negligence

The injured SUV driver may pursue a personal injury claim, including damages for hospitalization, lost income, disability, and pain and suffering.

Crashes involving commercial trucks often result in significant settlements due to the size of the companies involved and the high insurance coverage required under federal law.

Why These Cases Require Immediate Legal Action

Trucking companies and their insurers respond instantly to serious crashes with:

• Defense attorneys
• Accident reconstruction teams
• Evidence preservation units

Families need their own legal team to:

• Obtain black box data
• Secure surveillance and traffic cam footage
• Preserve vehicle damage evidence
• Interview witnesses
• Analyze mechanical failures
• Investigate driver logs and safety records
• Identify all liable parties

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer, we intentionally handle a small caseload and provide direct access to your attorneys, ensuring every detail is investigated and nothing is overlooked. We cover all upfront costs, and families owe nothing unless we win.

No family should have to face a tragedy like this alone. Our attorneys are available 24/7 for a free consultation.

Contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm to discuss your options and protect your family’s rights.