Charges Pending After Orlando Crash Hospitalizes Nine Children and One Adult

A devastating two-vehicle crash in Orlando sent nine children and one adult to the hospital on Thursday evening, with Florida Highway Patrol confirming that charges are pending against one of the drivers involved.

The collision occurred on Raleigh Street near Campanella Avenue in Orlando’s Parramore neighborhood. According to investigators, a 29-year-old man driving an Alfa Romeo was traveling eastbound when he rear-ended a Nissan Altima driven by a 58-year-old woman.

The impact forced the Nissan off the roadway and into a tree. Inside the Nissan were nine children, ages 3 to 14, and one adult woman. First responders described a chaotic scene, with multiple victims needing immediate medical attention.

Orlando Fire Department crews worked to extricate the trapped female driver before transporting her to Orlando Regional Medical Center, where she remains in stable condition.

All nine children were taken to Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children. As of Friday, four of them have been released, while five remain hospitalized. One child is listed in critical but stable condition.

The male driver of the Alfa Romeo was not injured and stayed at the scene to cooperate with authorities. Troopers said charges are pending as the investigation continues, with early findings suggesting the driver was speeding and failed to notice the slowing vehicle ahead.

Rear-end collisions are among the most common — and preventable — types of crashes. Under Florida Statute §316.0895, drivers must maintain a safe following distance and operate their vehicles at a speed appropriate for traffic conditions. Failure to do so can result in both criminal charges and civil liability if others are injured or killed.

When a driver’s reckless behavior — such as speeding or distracted driving — causes a crash involving children, Florida law allows victims and their families to pursue compensation for medical expenses, emotional trauma, and long-term rehabilitation costs.

Children are particularly vulnerable in high-impact collisions. Even when properly restrained, they may suffer severe or life-altering injuries such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Internal bleeding or organ damage
• Fractures or spinal injuries
• Emotional trauma and PTSD

These injuries often require months or years of treatment and can permanently alter a child’s future. Families in such situations deserve full accountability from negligent drivers and their insurers.

Legal Options for Families After a Serious Crash

Under the Florida Civil Remedies for Motor Vehicle Accidents and Florida’s Personal Injury Protection (PIP) laws (§627.736), victims can recover medical costs through insurance. However, in cases involving serious injury or permanent impairment — as may be true here — families can also pursue personal injury or wrongful death claims against the at-fault driver.

Potential recoverable damages include:

• Hospital and rehabilitation costs
• Future medical expenses
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life

If criminal charges are filed, a parallel civil claim may still be pursued to hold the negligent driver financially responsible for the harm caused.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families across Florida who have suffered catastrophic injuries or the loss of loved ones in preventable crashes. We work closely with accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals to build strong, evidence-based cases.

We purposely maintain a small caseload to give every client — especially those facing tragedies involving children — the time, compassion, and attention they deserve.

If you or your child were injured in a car accident caused by a negligent driver in Orlando or anywhere in Central Florida, the attorneys at Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm are here to help.

We handle all personal injury and wrongful death cases on a contingency-fee basis — meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case.

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