Child Killed, Three Critically Injured in ATV Crash in Grand Ridge

A tragic ATV crash in Jackson County has left one child dead and three others critically injured after a collision with an SUV in the Grand Ridge area, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

Troopers say the crash occurred shortly before 9 p.m. Sunday near Sandridge Church Road in Grand Ridge.

According to investigators:

• An ATV carrying four children was traveling east from a nearby residence.
• The occupants included a 10-year-old girl, a 4-year-old girl, and two 9-year-old boys.
• The ATV entered the southbound lane of the roadway and into the path of an approaching SUV.
• The SUV, driven by a 27-year-old man from Sneads, with a 21-year-old passenger from Grand Ridge, struck the left side of the ATV.
• All four children were thrown from the ATV upon impact.

Authorities confirmed that one 9-year-old boy died from his injuries. The other three children were transported to the hospital in critical condition.

The occupants of the SUV were not injured.

The crash remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.

All-terrain vehicles (ATVs) can be extremely dangerous, especially when operated by or carrying children. These vehicles lack many of the safety features found in passenger cars, including:

• Seat belts
• Enclosed passenger compartments
• Airbags
• Rollover protection

As a result, collisions involving ATVs often lead to severe or fatal injuries, particularly when riders are ejected.

Common factors in serious ATV crashes include:

• Young or inexperienced operators
• Multiple riders on vehicles not designed for passengers
• Operation on public roadways
• Limited visibility at night
• Failure to use helmets or safety gear

Florida Laws and ATV Safety Requirements

Florida law regulates ATV operation, particularly when it involves minors.

Key safety considerations include:

• Children under 16 must be supervised by an adult when operating an ATV on public land or roads.
• ATVs are generally not permitted on public roadways, except in limited circumstances.
• Operators and passengers under 16 are required to wear approved helmets and eye protection when operating on public lands.

Violations of ATV safety laws or negligent supervision may raise questions of liability when a serious injury or fatality occurs.

Potential Liability in ATV Crash Cases

Fatal and catastrophic ATV crashes involving children often require careful investigation to determine whether negligence played a role.

Potential sources of liability may include:

• Negligent supervision of minors
• Improper or unsafe ATV operation
• Allowing multiple riders on a single ATV not designed for passengers
• Property owners who allowed unsafe ATV use
• Defective or improperly maintained vehicles

Florida applies a modified comparative negligence system (§768.81), meaning liability can be shared among multiple parties depending on the circumstances.

Legal Options for Families After a Fatal Crash

When a child is killed in a preventable crash, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under Florida law.

Compensation in a wrongful death case may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses related to the incident
• Mental pain and suffering of parents
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Other damages permitted under Florida’s wrongful death statute (§768.16–768.26)

An independent investigation may help determine whether negligence or safety violations contributed to the crash.

The Importance of an Independent Investigation

While law enforcement investigates to determine what happened and whether any criminal violations occurred, those investigations do not focus on securing compensation for injured victims or grieving families.

A separate legal investigation may examine:

• ATV ownership and condition
• Supervision of minor riders
• Roadway and lighting conditions
• Witness statements
• Insurance coverage and responsible parties

Preserving evidence early can be critical in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases.

Representation for Families After Tragic Child Injury Cases

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families across Florida in wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases involving children.

Our firm:

• Conducts thorough independent investigations
• Identifies all responsible parties
• Handles all communications with insurers
• Pursues full compensation under Florida law

We intentionally maintain a small caseload so families receive direct attention from experienced attorneys.

There are no upfront costs, and we only get paid if compensation is recovered.

If your family has been affected by a serious or fatal ATV crash in Florida, contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer for a free, confidential consultation.