Crash With Injuries on Southbound Florida Turnpike in West Palm Beach Causes Major Delays

A morning crash involving injuries shut down part of the southbound Florida Turnpike in West Palm Beach on Thursday, leading to significant commuter delays, according to traffic officials.

Florida 511 reported the crash around 7:56 a.m. near mile marker 96, just south of the Southern Boulevard exit. Authorities confirmed that the right lane was blocked, with traffic quickly backing up to before mile marker 98.

The Florida Highway Patrol said the crash involved injuries, though the number of vehicles and the severity of those injuries have not yet been released. The incident remains under investigation.

Busy toll corridors like the Florida Turnpike experience heavy morning congestion, where even minor lane disruptions can trigger chain-reaction collisions. Sudden slowdowns, limited shoulder space, and high speeds increase the risk of injury when drivers cannot react in time.

Common injuries from highway crashes include:

• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
• Head trauma
• Back and spinal injuries
• Internal injuries

Even crashes initially described as involving “non-life-threatening injuries” may result in long-term complications.

Investigators often examine whether the collision involved:

• Following too closely
• Distracted driving
• Speeding in congested traffic
• Unsafe lane changes
• Driver fatigue

Florida drivers have a legal duty to operate their vehicles safely and maintain proper following distance — especially in heavy traffic conditions.

Legal Options After a Florida Highway Injury Crash

Injured victims may have the right to pursue compensation if another driver’s negligence contributed to the crash. Florida applies a modified comparative negligence system (§768.81, Florida Statutes), meaning recovery may still be available even when multiple drivers share fault.

Potential compensation may include:

• Emergency and ongoing medical treatment
• Lost wages
• Rehabilitation costs
• Pain and suffering

Because highway crashes often involve multiple vehicles and disputed liability, early investigation is critical.

Law enforcement documents the crash scene and traffic violations, but civil claims require deeper evidence analysis. A legal investigation may involve:

• Crash reconstruction
• Traffic camera or dashcam footage
• Witness interviews
• Vehicle damage review
• Insurance coverage analysis

Prompt evidence preservation can significantly impact a victim’s ability to recover compensation.

Representation for Injured Highway Crash Victims

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent individuals injured in serious highway crashes throughout Florida.

We intentionally maintain a focused caseload so clients work directly with experienced attorneys — not intermediaries — while we pursue accountability and full recovery.

Our firm can help by:

• Conducting an independent investigation
• Identifying liable parties
• Managing insurer communications
• Pursuing compensation under Florida law

There are no upfront fees, and we only get paid if we recover compensation.

📞 If you were injured in a crash on the Florida Turnpike in West Palm Beach or anywhere in Florida, contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer for a free, confidential consultation.