Deadly Pedestrian Crash Shuts Down I-95 North in Lake Worth Beach for Hours

A fatal crash involving a pedestrian caused major traffic disruptions early Friday morning on Interstate 95 in Palm Beach County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The crash occurred shortly after 3:00 a.m. on March 13, 2026, on northbound Interstate 95 just before the 10th Avenue North exit in Lake Worth Beach.

Authorities say the incident involved a pedestrian who was struck by multiple vehicles.

According to investigators, the pedestrian was walking in the outside center lane of northbound I-95 when she was struck by a vehicle.

Officials say the driver who initially hit the pedestrian continued northbound without stopping.

After the initial impact, the victim was run over by additional vehicles traveling on the highway, authorities said.

An independent witness reported seeing a small four-door sedan strike the pedestrian, though investigators have not yet confirmed the vehicle involved.

At the scene, authorities were unable to immediately identify the victim.

Officials described the victim as a Black female, and her identity is currently being determined through fingerprint analysis by the Palm Beach County Medical Examiner’s Office.

Authorities have not yet released additional details about the victim.

Because of the severity of the crash and the need for a detailed investigation, all northbound lanes of Interstate 95 were shut down for several hours.

The closure caused significant traffic delays throughout the area.

Officials reported that traffic backups stretched as far back as the Lantana Road exit.

The roadway was reopened around 7:15 a.m., more than four hours after the crash occurred.

Pedestrian Risks on High-Speed Highways

Pedestrians on interstate highways face extremely high risks due to the speed of traffic and limited visibility for drivers.

Vehicles traveling at highway speeds often have very little time to react to pedestrians in the roadway, especially during nighttime hours.

Pedestrian crashes on highways may occur due to:

• Vehicle breakdowns or roadside emergencies
• Impaired or distracted pedestrians
• Drivers failing to see individuals in the roadway
• Poor visibility or lighting conditions
• Hit-and-run incidents

These crashes are frequently catastrophic due to the speed and volume of traffic.

Legal Considerations in Hit-and-Run Pedestrian Crashes

When a driver strikes a pedestrian and leaves the scene, it can lead to serious criminal and civil liability.

Under Florida law, drivers involved in crashes resulting in injury or death must:

• Stop immediately at the scene
• Provide assistance to injured individuals
• Contact law enforcement

Failing to stop after a crash involving death is a serious felony offense.

In addition to criminal charges, families of victims may be able to pursue wrongful death claims if negligence contributed to the crash.

Investigation Ongoing

The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the fatal pedestrian crash on northbound Interstate 95 near the 10th Avenue North exit in Lake Worth Beach.

Authorities are still working to identify the victim and determine the vehicle involved in the initial collision.

Anyone with information about the crash is encouraged to contact law enforcement.

If your family has lost a loved one in a pedestrian accident or hit-and-run crash, speaking with an experienced attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options.