Driver Killed in Three-Vehicle Crash Involving Ambulance in Winter Haven

A tragic three-vehicle collision involving a Polk County Fire Rescue ambulance left one driver dead on Tuesday morning in Winter Haven, according to local authorities. The crash occurred along Spirit Lake Road around 10 a.m., as the ambulance was responding to an emergency call with its lights and sirens activated, officials said.

According to Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR), the ambulance was traveling along Spirit Lake Road en route to an emergency when it became involved in a multi-vehicle crash. The sequence of events leading to the impact has not yet been confirmed by investigators, but three vehicles were involved.

When additional rescue crews arrived at the scene, they discovered that the driver of one vehicle had died as a result of the collision. Another driver involved in the crash was uninjured, while two PCFR paramedics were transported to a local hospital for evaluation and later released with minor injuries.

Images from the scene show extensive vehicle damage, and portions of Spirit Lake Road were temporarily closed as law enforcement and crash reconstruction teams conducted their investigation.

The Florida Highway Patrol and Winter Haven Police Department are assisting in the investigation to determine the cause of the collision and whether any factors such as speed, right-of-way issues, or failure to yield to an emergency vehicle played a role.

Collisions involving ambulances, fire trucks, and police vehicles are complex due to Florida’s sovereign immunity laws and specific exemptions under Florida Statute §316.072. This law allows emergency responders to disregard certain traffic rules—such as running red lights or exceeding speed limits—when responding to emergencies, provided they use lights and sirens and operate with due regard for public safety.

However, immunity is not absolute. If evidence shows that an emergency vehicle operator acted with reckless disregard for the safety of others, victims or their families may be entitled to pursue compensation. This can include:

• Wrongful death claims for surviving family members under Florida Statute §§768.16–768.26
• Personal injury claims for injured motorists or passengers
• Property damage and medical expense recovery

In cases involving public entities such as Polk County Fire Rescue, compensation claims must follow special procedures under Florida’s sovereign immunity statute (§768.28). This includes limitations on damages and notice requirements before filing a lawsuit.

Steps for Families After a Fatal Crash

After a fatal accident involving a government or emergency vehicle, families should take immediate steps to preserve evidence and protect their rights, including:

1. Requesting the crash report from FHP or local law enforcement.
2. Documenting all medical and funeral expenses related to the accident.
3. Contacting a wrongful death attorney experienced in government liability claims.
4. Avoiding direct contact with the county or insurance representatives before legal consultation.

Investigations involving emergency response vehicles often rely on black box data, vehicle telemetry, dashcam footage, and radio dispatch logs to determine the exact sequence of events leading to impact. An experienced attorney can subpoena this evidence and work with accident reconstruction experts to establish whether negligence occurred.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent victims and families affected by fatal crashes involving government and emergency vehicles across Florida. These cases require navigating both civil injury law and the complexities of sovereign immunity, and our firm has the experience to handle both.

We fight to ensure families receive full and fair compensation for:

• Loss of companionship and emotional suffering
• Lost income and future financial support
• Medical and funeral expenses
• Accountability for reckless or negligent operation of emergency vehicles

If you lost a loved one in a fatal crash involving an ambulance or other emergency vehicle, our attorneys are here to help you understand your rights and pursue justice.

Our firm proudly serves clients throughout Winter Haven, Polk County, and statewide, helping families find answers, accountability, and closure after life-changing tragedies.