Alachua County Man Found Dead After Single-Vehicle Crash Discovered a Day Later

A tragic single-vehicle crash in Alachua County claimed the life of a 55-year-old man after the wreckage was discovered more than a day later, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). The delayed discovery highlights the serious dangers of rural roadway crashes and how quickly they can become fatal when help is not immediately available.

FHP troopers said the crash was discovered Wednesday morning at the intersection of Northwest 107th Terrace and Northwest 11th Avenue. Investigators later determined that the crash had occurred the previous evening.

According to the preliminary investigation:

• The man was driving northbound on NW 107th Terrace Tuesday evening
• His vehicle left the roadway, entered a ditch, and struck shrubbery
• The vehicle then collided with a tree, coming to rest off the road
• The driver was pronounced dead at the scene

Authorities have not released the victim’s name pending notification of next of kin. The investigation into what caused the driver to veer off the road remains ongoing.

Single-vehicle crashes in rural or low-traffic areas are especially dangerous because they may go unnoticed for hours or even days. When a crash is not immediately discovered, victims lose critical access to emergency medical care that could potentially save their lives.

Factors often examined in these cases include:

• Roadway design and shoulder conditions
• Poor lighting or visibility
• Unmarked ditches or roadside hazards
• Mechanical failure
• Medical emergencies while driving
• Weather or road surface conditions

Even when no other vehicle is involved, external factors can still play a significant role in causing a fatal crash.

Determining Liability in a Single-Vehicle Fatal Crash

While single-vehicle crashes are often assumed to be unavoidable or driver-related, that is not always the case. Investigators and attorneys may look beyond the driver’s actions to determine whether negligence by another party contributed to the crash, such as:

• Dangerous road conditions or lack of guardrails
• Improper drainage or hidden ditches
• Poor signage or roadway maintenance
• Defective vehicle components
• Inadequate lighting or visibility

If a dangerous condition or defect contributed to the crash, surviving family members may have legal options under Florida law.

Legal Options for Families After a Fatal Crash

Under the Florida Wrongful Death Act, certain surviving family members may be entitled to pursue compensation when negligence contributes to a fatal accident.

Potential damages may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support and services
• Loss of companionship, protection, and guidance
• Mental pain and suffering
• Medical expenses incurred prior to death

Because evidence can deteriorate quickly—especially in crashes discovered late—prompt legal action is often critical to preserving roadway conditions, vehicle data, and investigative findings.

How Flanagan & Bodenheimer Helps After Fatal Crashes

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families across Florida who have lost loved ones in sudden and preventable crashes, including rural and single-vehicle fatalities.

We intentionally maintain a small caseload, allowing families direct access to experienced attorneys. Our firm works quickly to:

• Conduct an independent crash investigation
• Review FHP reports and scene evidence
• Examine roadway design and maintenance issues
• Work with accident reconstruction experts
• Identify all potential sources of liability and insurance coverage
• Handle all communications with insurers and investigators

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

If your loved one was killed in a crash and you have questions about whether negligence played a role, you do not have to navigate this process alone.

📞 Contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm for a free, confidential consultation. We represent families throughout Alachua County and across Florida.