Four Hospitalized, Including Infant and Teen, After Fiery Three-Car Crash in Orange County

A devastating three-vehicle crash in Orange County sent four people — including a 9-month-old infant and a 17-year-old driver — to the hospital Wednesday night, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

The crash occurred at the intersection of Wetherbee Road near Sir Winston Way and Bisted Drive in Orlando. Authorities reported that the vehicles involved were a 2014 Nissan Altima, a 2014 Infiniti QX60, and a 2017 Chevrolet Suburban.

Investigators say the Nissan Altima, driven eastbound by a 17-year-old from Kissimmee, collided with the Infiniti QX60, which was turning left onto southbound Bisted Drive. The force of the impact caused the Infiniti to spin and strike the Chevrolet Suburban, which had been stopped at the intersection.

Following the collision, all three vehicles erupted in flames. The Nissan became partially engulfed, while the Infiniti and Chevrolet were completely consumed by fire.

Orange County Fire Rescue responded promptly and extinguished the blaze.

According to FHP, those injured in the crash included:

• The 17-year-old driver of the Nissan Altima (Kissimmee)
• A 76-year-old man from Orlando, driving the Infiniti
• A 9-month-old infant traveling in the Infiniti
• A 41-year-old man from Orlando, driving the Chevrolet Suburban

All four individuals were transported to nearby hospitals for treatment. The extent of their injuries has not yet been disclosed, but officials confirmed that everyone survived the initial impact.

The Florida Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the cause of the crash, including whether speed, distraction, or failure to yield contributed to the collision.

Intersection collisions — especially those involving left turns — are among the most common and dangerous types of accidents on Florida roads. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), nearly 30% of all serious injury crashes occur at intersections.

Common causes include:

• Failure to yield while turning left
• Running red lights or stop signs
• Distracted driving (cell phone use, in-car technology, etc.)
• Speeding in residential or suburban areas
• Obstructed visibility due to lighting or signage

When multiple vehicles collide in a high-speed intersection crash, the energy transfer can easily cause fuel leaks and post-impact fires, as tragically seen in this case.

Legal Liability in Multi-Vehicle and Fire-Related Crashes

Determining fault in a three-car collision requires a careful reconstruction of how the crash occurred. Under Florida’s comparative negligence law (§768.81), multiple drivers can share responsibility based on their degree of fault.

Investigators typically analyze:

• Vehicle positions, skid marks, and impact angles
• Traffic light or stop sign sequencing
• Witness statements and surveillance footage
• Vehicle “black box” data showing speed and braking
• Road conditions and visibility

If one or more drivers failed to yield or drove negligently, they may be held civilly liable for injuries and property damage sustained by others involved.

In cases involving fire or explosion, liability may also extend to vehicle manufacturers or component suppliers if fuel system defects or electrical malfunctions contributed to the blaze.

Victims of fire-related collisions often face severe and long-term injuries, including:

• Thermal burns and smoke inhalation
• Fractures and internal bleeding from impact trauma
• Spinal and head injuries
• Scarring and disfigurement requiring reconstructive surgery
• Psychological trauma, including PTSD or anxiety after the event

For young and elderly victims — such as the infant and 76-year-old driver in this crash — the recovery process can be even more difficult and expensive due to medical complications and long-term care needs.

Compensation Available to Crash Victims

Under Florida personal injury law, victims of negligence-related car accidents may be entitled to recover compensation for:

• Emergency medical care and hospitalization
• Future surgeries or rehabilitation
• Lost wages and future earning potential
• Pain, suffering, and emotional distress
• Permanent scarring or disability
• Damage to personal property or vehicles

If an accident results in death, surviving family members may bring a wrongful death claim under the Florida Wrongful Death Act (§§768.16–768.26) to recover for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and financial support.

What To Do After a Serious or Fiery Car Accident

If you or a loved one is injured in a severe collision, it’s important to take immediate steps to protect your rights:

1. Call 911 and seek medical attention immediately.
2. Do not move vehicles unless instructed by authorities.
3. Document the scene with photos and videos if possible.
4. Obtain witness contact information.
5. Do not speak with insurance representatives before consulting a lawyer.
6. Contact an experienced Florida car accident attorney to investigate the crash and preserve critical evidence.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent victims of catastrophic car accidents and their families throughout Orlando, Orange County, and across Florida.

Our attorneys have extensive experience in:

• Multi-vehicle collision investigations
• Fire and explosion injury claims
• Wrongful death litigation
• Cases involving infants, minors, and elderly victims

We work directly with crash reconstructionists, medical specialists, and engineering experts to uncover every contributing factor and pursue maximum compensation for our clients.

We intentionally maintain a limited caseload so each family receives personalized attention and compassionate guidance throughout their case.

If you or your family were injured in a multi-vehicle crash, intersection collision, or vehicle fire in Orange County or anywhere in Florida, the attorneys at Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm are here to help.

Call 305-638-4143 or contact us online for a free consultation in English or Spanish. You pay no fees unless we win, and we cover all litigation costs upfront.