2 Dead, 3 Hospitalized After Multi-Vehicle Crash in Lakeland

On Saturday afternoon, a devastating four-vehicle crash on Kathleen Road in Lakeland left two people dead and three others hospitalized. According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO), the collision occurred around 5:47 p.m. in front of Nick and Moe’s gas station and shut down the roadway for nearly six hours.

This tragic event has shaken the Lakeland community and it also raises important legal questions for victims and surviving families.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we help families navigate the aftermath of catastrophic crashes like this one. Below is a breakdown of what authorities say happened, along with a detailed overview of the legal options available to those affected.

PCSO reports that 23-year-old Rylee Hill was driving a Nissan westbound along a bend on Kathleen Road when the car failed to maneuver the curve, crossed the grass median, and briefly went airborne.

While traveling out of its lane:

• The Nissan struck the front of a Kia driven by Emily Placeres, 48, who was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.
• The vehicle then hit a Dodge Ram truck driven by 53-year-old Chad Hiltner. He was not injured.
• Continuing west, the Nissan collided head-on with an Audi SUV, killing:
  • The Nissan driver, Rylee Hill, 23, and
  • Audi passenger Annette Zalner, 79.

Two occupants of the Audi, including driver Brock Hiltner, 25, were hospitalized with injuries.

PCSO investigators believe excessive speeding by the Nissan driver played a major role in the crash.

Legal Options for Victims & Surviving Families

A crash involving multiple vehicles, potential speeding, and multiple injuries creates a complex legal landscape. Families and survivors may be entitled to significant compensation under Florida personal injury and wrongful death law.

Below is a breakdown of the most important legal considerations.

1. Wrongful Death Claims (Florida Statute § 768.21)

Families of Annette Zalner may be eligible to pursue a wrongful death claim.

A wrongful death action can recover damages such as:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of companionship and protection
• Loss of financial support
• Mental pain and suffering for surviving family
• Medical expenses related to the final injury

If the at-fault driver is deceased, the claim is typically brought against the driver’s estate and any available auto insurance policies (bodily injury liability, umbrella coverage, etc.).

2. Personal Injury Claims for Surviving Victims

Survivors—including:

• Emily Placeres (Kia driver)
• Brock Hiltner (Audi driver)
• The additional Audi passenger

may have claims for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability or impairment
• Future medical care
• Emotional trauma

Even if the at-fault driver passed away, injury victims still have the right to bring claims against the estate and all applicable insurance policies.

3. Claims Against Multiple Insurance Policies

Crashes involving several vehicles often unlock multiple layers of insurance, including:

Bodily Injury Liability Insurance

If the at-fault driver carried BI coverage, it can be used to compensate victims.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) Coverage

Victims may be able to make UM/UIM claims under their own policies if:

• The at-fault driver had low policy limits, or
• The damages exceed available coverage.

UM/UIM is often one of the most important sources of recovery in catastrophic Florida crashes.

Umbrella Policies

Some drivers have excess or umbrella insurance that may apply.

4. Potential Claims Related to Dangerous Roadway Conditions

While authorities believe speeding is the primary cause, a comprehensive investigation may look into:

• Poor roadway design
• Inadequate signage
• Overgrown vegetation blocking visibility
• Improper maintenance

If roadway defects contributed to the crash, a government liability claim may be possible under Florida Statute § 768.28. These claims have shorter deadlines and strict requirements.

5. Probate & Estate Considerations

Because the at-fault driver is deceased, any claims may need to go through the driver’s probate estate. This can include:

• Filing a claim against the estate
• Ensuring insurers do not deny liability due to the driver’s death
• Identifying all available assets and coverage

A wrongful death and personal injury law firm can coordinate both injury/wrongful death and probate matters.

Why These Families Should Consider Hiring an Attorney

Crashes involving multiple vehicles and fatalities are high-stakes cases where:

• Evidence disappears quickly
• Insurance companies attempt to minimize payouts
• Liability disputes arise
• Multiple claims compete for limited insurance funds

Early legal intervention allows an attorney to:

• Conduct an independent investigation
• Preserve dashcam, surveillance, and black-box data
• Obtain the crash report and witness statements
• Identify every potential insurance policy
• Handle communication with insurers
• Protect victims from lowball offers
• Ensure wrongful death and probate deadlines are met

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer, we represent families who have lost loved ones in catastrophic crashes across Florida. Our firm is known for taking on complex, multi-vehicle and wrongful death cases—and winning.

We offer:

• Free consultations
• No upfront fees (you pay nothing unless we win)
• Personalized, compassionate representation
• A proven track record in high-value wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases

If you or a loved one were involved in the Lakeland crash on Kathleen Road, or if you have questions about your legal options, our team is here to support you.

📞 Call: (305) 638-4143