Englewood Woman Killed in U.S. 41 Crash in Nokomis

A tragic crash on U.S. 41 in Nokomis claimed the life of a 63-year-old Englewood woman Thursday afternoon after the car she was riding in turned into the path of an oncoming pickup truck, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

FHP investigators said the collision occurred at the intersection of U.S. 41 and Colonia Lane around 4:30 p.m. A Cadillac sedan heading north on U.S. 41 was in the left turn lane and attempted to make a U-turn.

At that moment, a Dodge Ram 3500 pickup truck traveling south on U.S. 41 struck the passenger side of the Cadillac. The force of the impact pushed the sedan into the front of a nearby business.

The 63-year-old passenger in the Cadillac was pronounced dead at the scene, while the 83-year-old driver, also from Englewood, was airlifted to Sarasota Memorial Hospital in critical condition. The pickup truck driver sustained minor injuries, troopers said.

Authorities closed portions of U.S. 41 for several hours as crash investigators examined the scene and cleared debris.

U.S. Highway 41 runs the length of Florida’s Gulf Coast and is one of the state’s busiest and most dangerous routes. Intersections such as Colonia Lane in Nokomis see frequent traffic from both locals and visitors, making left turns and U-turns particularly risky when drivers misjudge distance or oncoming speed.

Common contributing factors in intersection-related crashes include:

• Failure to yield right-of-way during turns.
• Driver distraction or inattention.
• Poor visibility due to lighting or weather.
• Speeding or tailgating.
• Elderly drivers with slower reaction times.

Even a split-second miscalculation can lead to devastating side-impact (“T-bone”) collisions, which often result in catastrophic or fatal injuries.

Legal Options for Families After a Fatal Turn-Related Crash

When a fatal accident occurs, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under the Florida Wrongful Death Act (§§768.16–768.26, Fla. Stat.).

Depending on the circumstances, liable parties could include:

• The driver who made the unsafe turn or failed to yield.
• A business or property owner if roadway design or visibility contributed to the crash.
• A vehicle manufacturer if a mechanical failure or airbag defect worsened the outcome.

Recoverable damages in a wrongful death claim may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses.
• Medical costs incurred before death.
• Loss of companionship and emotional suffering for surviving family members.
• Loss of financial support and services previously provided by the deceased.

A Florida wrongful death attorney can help families preserve evidence, work with crash reconstruction experts, and pursue the maximum compensation available under the law.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we understand how overwhelming it can be to lose a loved one in a preventable car crash. Our attorneys have decades of combined experience handling intersection collisions, wrongful death cases, and catastrophic injury claims across Florida.

We take on a limited number of cases so every client receives the personalized attention and thorough representation they deserve. Our legal team investigates every angle — from driver negligence to road design and vehicle safety — to hold negligent parties accountable.

You pay no legal fees unless we win, and we advance all costs of investigation and litigation.

If your loved one was killed or critically injured in a U.S. 41 traffic accident or any crash involving a failed left turn or U-turn, contact our firm today for a free consultation.

📞 Call 305-638-4143 or reach us online to schedule your confidential case review.