Five Hospitalized After Two-Vehicle Crash on Coastal Highway in Crawfordville

Five people were hospitalized Saturday afternoon following a two-vehicle crash on Coastal Highway (U.S. 98/SR-30) in Crawfordville, near Medart Elementary School, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

The collision occurred around 3:17 p.m. on the 2500 block of Coastal Highway in Wakulla County. Both northbound and southbound lanes were temporarily closed as emergency crews worked to rescue victims, secure the scene, and clear the roadway.

Authorities confirmed that four people were transported by ground to Tallahassee Memorial Hospital, while one victim was airlifted to the same facility with critical injuries.

FHP has not released the identities of those involved or details about what caused the collision. Troopers said all lanes were later reopened once debris was cleared and vehicles were removed.

The crash remains under active investigation.

The crash occurred near Medart Elementary School, a stretch of highway that locals say often experiences speeding and congestion, especially during school pickup and afternoon travel hours.

Coastal Highway serves as one of the primary routes connecting Crawfordville and the Gulf Coast, used by both commuters and commercial vehicles. Accidents in this corridor can be particularly dangerous due to:

• High travel speeds on straight, open stretches of road.
• Limited visibility during dusk hours.
• Sudden lane changes or turns without proper signaling.
• Proximity to school zones and pedestrian crossings.

Even a momentary lapse in attention — such as distracted driving or failure to yield — can result in devastating injuries or fatalities.

Common Causes of Highway Crashes in Florida

Based on statewide crash data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), frequent causes of serious accidents on Florida’s coastal and rural highways include:

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving (texting, GPS, or phone use)
• Improper lane changes or passing
• Failure to yield at intersections or driveways
• Driver fatigue on long stretches of rural roads
• Driving under the influence (DUI)

These behaviors are even more hazardous in areas with limited lighting, uneven road surfaces, or nearby schools and pedestrian activity — all of which are present in the Crawfordville area.

Injuries Common in Two-Vehicle Highway Collisions

While details about the victims’ specific injuries were not released, collisions like this often result in severe and lasting trauma. Common crash-related injuries include:

• Head and brain injuries (TBI)
• Fractures or crushed bones
• Internal bleeding and organ damage
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Whiplash and neck strain
• Psychological trauma (PTSD, anxiety, depression)

Victims may require long-term rehabilitation, surgeries, or therapy, leading to mounting medical expenses and loss of income — all of which can be compensated through an injury claim if negligence played a role.

Legal Rights After a Car Accident in Florida

Florida law allows car crash victims to seek compensation for damages when another driver’s negligence causes injury. Depending on the circumstances, injured parties may recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses and future care costs
• Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Emotional distress
• Permanent disability or disfigurement

Because Florida operates under a comparative negligence system (F.S. §768.81), even if multiple drivers share fault, each party can still recover damages in proportion to their degree of liability.

For example, if one driver was speeding but the other made an improper turn, both may bear partial responsibility — and victims may still pursue recovery.

How Flanagan & Bodenheimer Supports Crash Victims

Our firm represents car accident victims and their families throughout North and South Florida, including Wakulla, Leon, and Franklin Counties. We are a boutique personal injury and wrongful death firm that intentionally limits our caseload to give every client personalized, hands-on attention.

When you hire us, you can expect:

• Direct contact with your attorney — not case managers.
• No upfront costs — you pay only if we win your case.
• A thorough, evidence-driven approach to proving liability.
• Bilingual legal support (English and Spanish).
• Aggressive negotiation with insurers — and litigation if needed.

Our attorneys have recovered millions in compensation for accident victims, helping them rebuild their lives after devastating losses.

Contact a Florida Car Accident Lawyer After a Serious Highway Crash

If you or a loved one were injured in a highway collision in Wakulla County or anywhere in Florida, the attorneys at Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm are here to help.

You pay no legal fees unless we win your case, and we handle all communication with insurers so you can focus on recovery.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer, we stand with victims — fighting for justice, accountability, and the financial support you need to move forward.

📞 Call 305-638-4143 or contact us online for a free consultation in English or Spanish.