18-Year-Old Driver Killed After Mustang Clips Tow Truck on Florida’s Turnpike in Lake County

A tragic crash on Florida’s Turnpike in Lake County claimed the life of an 18-year-old woman on Friday night after her Ford Mustang Mach-E collided with a Hino tow truck, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

The crash occurred around 9:44 p.m. on October 24, as both vehicles were traveling southbound on the Turnpike. According to investigators, the tow truck was merging from the outside shoulder into the travel lane when it entered the path of the Mustang.

The Mustang struck the side of the tow truck in a violent impact that caused fatal injuries to the teenage driver, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The tow truck driver remained on-site and cooperated with authorities.

Troopers are continuing to investigate the cause of the crash, including whether visibility, speed, or improper merging played a role in the fatal collision.

Collisions that occur when one vehicle merges from the shoulder are often complex and require a detailed reconstruction to determine fault. Under Florida Statute §316.125, drivers entering a roadway from the shoulder or curb are required to yield to all approaching traffic already on the roadway.

If a vehicle re-enters the road unsafely or without proper signaling, the driver may be held legally responsible for any resulting crash.

However, investigators will also review other contributing factors, such as:

• Whether the tow truck had emergency lights or reflective markers activated
• The Mustang’s speed and reaction distance
• Roadway lighting and visibility conditions
• Compliance with vehicle safety protocols

Accidents involving vehicles merging from the shoulder are particularly dangerous on high-speed roads like Florida’s Turnpike. Drivers often have little time to react when a large vehicle unexpectedly re-enters the lane of travel. For young or less experienced drivers, such situations can be especially deadly.

At night, limited visibility can further increase the risk of fatal outcomes. A split-second delay in noticing a merging vehicle can result in catastrophic collisions, particularly when one vehicle is significantly larger — such as a tow truck — compared to a smaller passenger car.

Legal Rights for Families After a Fatal Collision

When a loved one is killed in a crash caused by another driver’s negligence, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim under the Florida Wrongful Death Act (§§768.16–768.26).

Compensation may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Emotional pain and suffering
• Loss of companionship and parental guidance
• Lost income and future earning potential
• Medical expenses related to emergency care

Establishing liability in such cases requires a detailed investigation that may include dashcam footage, witness statements, event data recorders (“black boxes”), and expert accident reconstruction.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we have extensive experience representing families who have lost loved ones in shoulder-merge, truck, and Turnpike accidents throughout Florida.

Our attorneys understand the devastating impact of losing a young family member in a preventable crash. We work tirelessly to uncover the truth, hold negligent parties accountable, and secure justice for grieving families.

We intentionally maintain a small caseload to provide every client with the compassion, attention, and individualized legal support they deserve.

If you lost a loved one in a fatal Turnpike accident or truck collision in Lake County or anywhere in Florida, the attorneys at Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm are here to help.

📞 Call 305-638-4143 or contact us online for a free consultation in English or Spanish.