Child Killed, Multiple Critically Injured in Marion County Crash Involving Motorhome

A tragic crash in Marion County early Saturday morning claimed the life of a 5-year-old child and left multiple people critically injured, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

The collision occurred just before 6 a.m. on U.S. Highway 27 at County Road 316, outside of Williston, when a motorhome and an SUV collided, causing the motorhome to overturn.

Authorities say the crash resulted in one child fatality and 13 people being transported to hospitals with critical injuries.

According to FHP troopers:

• The crash happened on U.S. Highway 27 at CR-316
• A motorhome and an SUV were involved
• The motorhome overturned after impact
• 15 people were inside the motorhome
• None of the motorhome occupants were wearing seatbelts
• A 5-year-old child from Ohio was pronounced dead at the scene
• The driver of the SUV was transported to the hospital in critical condition
• 13 additional people were hospitalized with serious to critical injuries

The investigation into what caused the collision is ongoing.

Motorhome and RV crashes often result in severe or fatal injuries, especially when:

• Vehicles overturn or roll
• Passengers are not restrained
• High occupancy leads to multiple victims
• Smaller vehicles collide with large, heavy RVs

Unlike passenger vehicles, many motorhomes lack standard passenger safety features, and occupants may not be protected by traditional seating or restraints—greatly increasing the risk of catastrophic injury or death.

While FHP noted that none of the motorhome occupants were wearing seatbelts, lack of seatbelt use does not automatically eliminate legal responsibility.

Key questions investigators and attorneys will examine include:

• Which vehicle caused the initial collision
• Whether a driver failed to yield or violated traffic laws
• Speed, braking, and road conditions
• Visibility and roadway design
• Whether the motorhome was overcrowded or improperly configured
• Whether vehicle defects or maintenance issues played a role

Under Florida law, comparative negligence may reduce—but does not bar—recovery, especially in cases involving children and catastrophic injuries.

Legal Rights After a Child Is Killed in a Crash

When a child is killed due to negligence, Florida law allows surviving family members to pursue a wrongful death claim under the Florida Wrongful Death Act.

Potential damages may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical costs incurred prior to death
• Mental pain and suffering of parents
• Loss of companionship and support
• Loss of future services and contributions

If negligence is proven, liability may extend to:

• One or more drivers
• Vehicle owners
• Employers (if a vehicle was being used for business purposes)
• Manufacturers (defective vehicles or components)
• Government entities (dangerous roadway conditions)

These cases require immediate investigation to preserve evidence and protect families’ rights.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families devastated by fatal and catastrophic vehicle crashes, including those involving children and multiple victims.

We intentionally maintain a small caseload, allowing our attorneys to provide direct, personal attention during the most difficult moments.

Our team immediately works to:

• Conduct an independent crash investigation
• Preserve vehicle and scene evidence
• Obtain dashcam, traffic camera, and surveillance footage
• Work with accident reconstruction experts
• Identify all available insurance coverage
• Handle all communications with insurers and investigators

Families never pay upfront fees—we only get paid if compensation is recovered.

If your child or loved one was harmed or killed in the U.S. Highway 27 crash near Williston, you may have legal options that deserve careful, immediate review.

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