12-Year-Old Boy Killed in Off-Road Vehicle Crash in Hendry County

A tragic off-road vehicle crash in Hendry County has claimed the life of a 12-year-old Miami boy and left another child seriously injured, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. The crash was reported around 4:40 p.m. Monday on a private dirt road near Doctors Hammock Road and Barfield Road.

According to investigators, a John Deere side-by-side utility vehicle was being driven by the 12-year-old boy when he lost control. Troopers say he overcorrected by steering sharply to the right, causing the vehicle to overturn. A 9-year-old boy from Miami and a 41-year-old Miami man were also in the vehicle at the time.

The 12-year-old driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The 9-year-old child suffered serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital for emergency treatment. The adult involved sustained minor injuries. FHP says the crash remains under active investigation.

Side-by-side utility vehicles like John Deere Gators, Polaris Rangers, and similar off-road models are commonly used on farms, rural properties, and private dirt roads throughout Florida. However, crashes involving children are becoming increasingly common. Young drivers often lack the physical strength, coordination, and judgment to safely operate these powerful vehicles.

Common factors in youth off-road vehicle crashes include:

• Overcorrection while steering
• Inexperience with uneven terrain
• Lack of seatbelts or protective gear
• Excessive speed on dirt or loose surfaces
• Rollover hazards due to high center of gravity

Florida law restricts the operation of certain off-road vehicles by minors, but rules vary depending on the type of vehicle and where it is being driven.

Who May Be Liable in an Off-Road Vehicle Fatality Involving a Child

Determining liability in off-road crashes involving minors can be complex. Even on private property, several parties may be responsible depending on the circumstances:

• Property owners who fail to maintain safe conditions
• Adults supervising or allowing a child to operate equipment
• Manufacturers of the off-road vehicle if a defect contributed
• Parties who modified the vehicle or removed safety features

Florida’s wrongful death statute permits families to pursue compensation when a child’s death results from negligence. Compensation may cover funeral expenses, medical bills, parental mental pain and suffering, and loss of companionship.

To determine what caused the overturning of the John Deere side-by-side, investigators will evaluate:

• Whether occupants were wearing seatbelts or protective equipment
• Speed of the vehicle prior to the crash
• Vehicle weight distribution and loading
• Condition of the dirt road and terrain
• Visibility and environmental conditions
• Mechanical defects or maintenance issues
• Adequacy of adult supervision

Children operating adult-sized off-road vehicles is a leading factor in many fatal and catastrophic rollovers.

Legal Options for the Injured Child and the Family of the Deceased

Families facing the death or serious injury of a child often feel overwhelmed and unsure where to turn. While nothing can undo the tragedy, pursuing a legal claim may help cover financial losses and provide accountability for preventable harm.

Possible claims include:

• Wrongful death
• Negligent supervision
• Negligent entrustment of a vehicle
• Product liability if a defect caused the rollover
• Premises liability when unsafe property conditions contributed

Off-road vehicle cases require thorough investigation, expert reconstruction, and immediate collection of evidence to preserve the facts.

The loss of a child is one of the most devastating experiences a family can face. Our law firm is committed to helping families understand their rights, hold negligent parties accountable, and obtain the financial support needed to begin healing.

We offer free consultations, work on a contingency-fee basis, and provide direct access to attorneys throughout the process.

If your family has been affected by an off-road vehicle crash in Hendry County or anywhere in Florida, contact us to discuss your legal options and learn how we can help support you during this difficult time.