Fatal Crash on Military Trail Claims Life of 8-Year-Old Girl in Palm Beach County

A devastating single-vehicle crash on South Military Trail in West Palm Beach has claimed the life of an 8-year-old child and left three other family members seriously injured, according to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office (PBSO). The tragic incident occurred late Saturday night and is under active investigation.

PBSO reports that the crash occurred at approximately 9:52 p.m. in the 2600 block of South Military Trail. Investigators say a 2017 Audi Q7, driven southbound by 38-year-old Joel Isaias Leiniz of Margate, was traveling at a high rate of speed.

While driving in the left lane, the driver attempted to merge into the right lane but abruptly swerved to avoid a slower-moving vehicle in the center lane. That sudden maneuver caused the driver to lose control of the SUV, which mounted the curb and slammed into a concrete power pole.

The force of the impact was extreme. Authorities said the rear of the Audi lifted off the ground, rotated counterclockwise around the pole, and came to rest on the sidewalk. Moments later, the engine compartment caught fire.

All four occupants of the vehicle were rushed to a nearby hospital. Tragically, 8-year-old Zoe Alaya Leiniz later succumbed to her injuries.

The driver and two other child passengers, ages 5 and 11, remain hospitalized with serious injuries, according to law enforcement.

Investigators are continuing to examine the circumstances leading up to the crash, including:

• Vehicle speed
• Lane-change dynamics and traffic conditions
• Whether road design, lighting, or signage contributed
• Vehicle safety systems and post-impact fire causes

High-speed crashes involving sudden evasive maneuvers often result in catastrophic outcomes, particularly when young children are involved.

Legal Options After a Fatal Crash Involving a Child

When a child is killed in a motor vehicle crash, Florida law allows surviving family members to pursue a wrongful death claim. Depending on the facts, liability may extend beyond the driver to include other responsible parties.

Potential compensation may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical costs incurred prior to death
• Mental pain and suffering of surviving parents
• Loss of companionship, guidance, and protection
• Damages related to the serious injuries of surviving family members

Even in single-vehicle crashes, a full legal investigation is essential. Factors such as roadway design, vehicle defects, fire after impact, or unsafe conditions may play a role in determining responsibility.

How Flanagan & Bodenheimer Helps Families After Tragic Crashes

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families across Florida who have suffered unimaginable losses due to serious and fatal crashes. We understand that cases involving children are especially devastating and require compassion, urgency, and thorough investigation.

Our firm intentionally limits its caseload so families receive direct access to experienced attorneys. We can help by:

• Conducting an independent crash investigation
• Analyzing vehicle data, fire causation, and roadway conditions
• Working with accident reconstruction and engineering experts
• Identifying all available insurance coverage
• Handling all communications with insurers and investigators

There are no upfront costs. We only recover fees if we recover compensation for your family.

If your child or loved one was killed in a serious crash, you do not have to face the legal process alone while grieving.

📞 Contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm for a free, confidential consultation. We represent families throughout Palm Beach County and across Florida during their most difficult moments.