9-Year-Old Girl Killed in U.S. 301 Crash Near Selmon Expressway, FHP Says

A 9-year-old girl from Riverview was killed Saturday night following a serious two-vehicle crash on U.S. 301 near the Lee Roy Selmon Expressway interchange, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

The tragic collision occurred late in the evening and highlights the devastating consequences that can arise from left-turn crashes at busy highway intersections.

FHP troopers say the crash happened at approximately 11:00 p.m. on Saturday.

According to investigators:

• A 32-year-old Riverview woman was driving an SUV southbound on U.S. 301
• A 27-year-old man from Tampa was traveling northbound in a sedan
• As the SUV attempted to make a left turn at the Selmon Expressway interchange, it turned into the path of the oncoming sedan
• The two vehicles collided, resulting in significant impact

The 9-year-old girl, who was a passenger in the SUV, suffered critical injuries and was transported to a local hospital, where she later died from her injuries, troopers said.

The SUV driver sustained minor injuries and was hospitalized. The driver of the sedan was not injured.

Left-turn collisions are one of the leading causes of serious and fatal traffic accidents, especially at high-speed roadways like U.S. 301 and highway interchanges.

These crashes often occur when:

• A driver misjudges the speed of oncoming traffic
• Visibility is limited at night
• Traffic signals or signage are confusing or poorly timed
• Drivers feel pressured to “beat” oncoming vehicles

Side-impact crashes are particularly dangerous for children, who are more vulnerable to severe injuries even when properly restrained.

In fatal crashes involving left turns, investigators carefully analyze:

• Whether the turning driver failed to yield the right-of-way
• Traffic signal timing and visibility
• Vehicle speeds and braking data
• Roadway design and lighting conditions
• Event data recorders (“black box” data)
• Witness statements and surveillance footage

If negligence is established, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under Florida law.

Legal Rights for Families After a Child’s Death in a Crash

Under the Florida Wrongful Death Act, families who lose a child in a preventable traffic crash may be entitled to compensation for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses incurred before death
• Mental pain and suffering of surviving parents
• Loss of companionship and guidance

These cases are emotionally devastating and legally complex, requiring careful investigation and prompt preservation of evidence.

How Flanagan & Bodenheimer Helps Families After Fatal Crashes

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families throughout Florida who have suffered unimaginable losses due to preventable crashes.

We intentionally maintain a small caseload, allowing families direct access to our attorneys—not case managers. Our team works swiftly to:

• Conduct an independent investigation
• Preserve crash-scene and vehicle evidence
• Obtain FHP reports and roadway data
• Analyze fault and insurance coverage
• Handle all communications with insurers

Families pay nothing upfront. We only recover fees if we recover compensation.

If your family lost a child or loved one in a crash on U.S. 301, near the Selmon Expressway, or anywhere in Hillsborough County, you do not have to face this alone.

📞 Contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm for a free, confidential consultation.