- Free Consultation: 305-638-4143 Tap Here to Call Us
17-Year-Old Driver Killed After Crashing Into Tree on Landstar Boulevard in Orange County
A tragic crash in Orange County claimed the life of a 17-year-old driver from Orlando early Sunday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
Troopers say the accident occurred on Landstar Boulevard near Island Cove Drive when a 2017 Hyundai Santa Fe, driven by the teen, collided with the rear of a 2007 Honda CR-V around the early morning hours. Both vehicles were traveling southbound when, for reasons still under investigation, the Hyundai lost control after striking the Honda.
The impact caused the Hyundai to veer off the road and onto the median, where it collided with a tree. The teenage driver was transported to Osceola Regional Medical Center but was later pronounced dead. The driver of the Honda, a 42-year-old man from Kissimmee, was not injured and remained at the scene.
Florida Highway Patrol investigators have not yet determined what caused the young driver to lose control. Possible contributing factors in single-vehicle fatalities often include:
- Speeding or overcorrection following a rear-end impact
- Wet or uneven road surfaces
- Driver distraction or fatigue
- Sudden mechanical failure or tire blowout
- Inexperience behind the wheel
While the investigation continues, this tragedy serves as a painful reminder of how quickly a routine drive can turn deadly — especially for young and inexperienced drivers.
Understanding Liability and Wrongful Death in Single-Vehicle Crashes
Even when only one vehicle appears to be at fault, additional parties may share legal responsibility. For example, if a road hazard, vehicle defect, or another driver’s negligence played a role, families may still have grounds for a wrongful death claim under the Florida Wrongful Death Act (§§768.16–768.26).
Potentially liable parties can include:
- Another motorist whose unsafe driving caused the collision
- Vehicle manufacturers or tire companies if a mechanical defect contributed to loss of control
- Government entities or contractors if dangerous roadway conditions or inadequate signage were involved
Losing a teenage child in a preventable accident is one of the most devastating experiences a family can face. Beyond the heartbreak, parents are often left searching for answers — and accountability. Funeral expenses, medical bills, and emotional trauma can create overwhelming burdens in the wake of tragedy.
At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we have represented numerous Florida families who have lost loved ones in fatal car crashes. Our attorneys conduct thorough investigations, consult with accident reconstruction experts, and fight to ensure that every responsible party is held accountable.
Legal Help for Families After a Fatal Accident
Under Florida law, surviving family members may recover compensation for:
- Funeral and burial costs
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship or parental guidance
- Lost income and future earning potential
- Medical expenses related to emergency treatment
Our firm operates on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we secure a recovery on your behalf.
If you lost a loved one in a fatal accident in Orange County or anywhere in Central Florida, the attorneys at Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm are here to help.
We proudly represent families across the state in car accident, wrongful death, and catastrophic injury cases, and we are committed to pursuing justice for those whose lives were cut short by negligence.
📞 Call 305-638-4143 or contact us online for a free consultation in English or Spanish.
