Crawfordville Man Killed in Franklin County Crash While Attempting to Pass SUV

Authorities are investigating a fatal two-vehicle crash in Franklin County that left a 69-year-old Crawfordville man dead on Saturday evening.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the crash occurred on US Highway 98 near Apalachee Street. Investigators say the victim was driving a sedan eastbound behind an SUV when he attempted to pass the vehicle in a lawful passing zone.

During the maneuver, the front right side of the sedan struck the SUV, causing the driver to lose control. The sedan veered off the roadway and collided with a tree. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The SUV’s driver, a woman from Carrabelle, was not injured.

Troopers continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision, including whether the SUV may have been slowing, turning, or changing lanes at the time of impact. No additional details have been released.

Two-lane rural roads like US Highway 98 are among the most dangerous in Florida. According to data from FLHSMV, hundreds of fatal crashes occur each year due to passing maneuvers, left turns, and limited visibility on undivided highways.

Common contributing factors include:

• Drivers turning left without signaling
• Misjudged distance or speed during passing
• Limited nighttime visibility
• Sudden braking or lane changes
• Narrow shoulders and roadside hazards

Even when a driver attempts to pass legally, an unexpected action by another vehicle can quickly turn deadly.

Legal Rights for Families After a Fatal Florida Crash

When someone is killed in a preventable roadway collision, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under the Florida Wrongful Death Act (§768.16–§768.26).

Depending on the outcome of FHP’s investigation, the SUV driver—or another responsible party—may be held liable if evidence shows:

• An improper or unsignaled left turn
• A failure to maintain lane
• Distracted or inattentive driving
• Speeding or obstructing the roadway

Even if the victim attempted to pass, Florida’s comparative negligence law allows families to recover compensation reduced by any percentage of fault assigned.

Damages available in wrongful death claims may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support and future earnings
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Mental pain and suffering of surviving family members

Families should seek legal counsel as soon as possible. Critical evidence—such as crash reconstruction data, vehicle damage analysis, and witness statements—can become much harder to obtain as time passes.

Why Independent Investigations Matter

While FHP conducts its own inquiry, a wrongful death attorney can conduct an independent investigation to uncover additional evidence, including:

• Surveillance or traffic camera footage
• Black box (EDR) data from both vehicles
• Forensic analysis of roadway markings
• Phone records, if distraction is suspected
• Mechanical inspections for possible defects

This process ensures the full truth of the crash is uncovered and all potentially liable parties are identified.

Compassionate Legal Support for Florida Families

Losing a loved one in a sudden crash is overwhelming, and families are often left with unanswered questions and financial burdens. At our firm, we take a hands-on, compassionate approach to every wrongful death case, allowing families to focus on healing while we pursue justice.

We offer:

• Free consultations
• No upfront fees — you pay nothing unless we win
• Representation throughout Franklin County and all of Florida

If your loved one was killed in a traffic collision, you are not alone. Contact us today to discuss your rights and legal options. Our team is here to support you every step of the way.