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Freeport Man Killed in Tragic Three-Vehicle Crash on Highway 20
A 56-year-old Freeport man tragically lost his life Tuesday evening following a three-vehicle crash on Highway 20 in Walton County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).
The crash occurred shortly after 5 p.m. on Tuesday, when an SUV with three occupants was traveling westbound on Highway 20, and the motorcyclist was heading eastbound on the same road.
Troopers say the driver of the SUV attempted to turn left onto County Highway 83A, pulling directly into the path of the approaching motorcycle. The motorcyclist was thrown from his bike upon impact and was pronounced dead at the scene.
Following the initial collision, the SUV continued forward and collided with a van that had been stopped at a stop sign on County Highway 83A. Thankfully, no one else involved in the crash sustained injuries.
Authorities have not yet released the identities of those involved. The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate what led to the driver’s failure to yield.
Left-turn collisions are one of the most common causes of fatal motorcycle accidents in Florida. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), nearly 42% of motorcycle fatalities involving another vehicle occur when a driver turns left in front of an oncoming motorcycle.
In most cases, the turning driver is found at fault for failing to yield the right-of-way under Florida Statute §316.122, which requires drivers making left turns to yield to all oncoming traffic that constitutes an immediate hazard.
Motorcycles are particularly vulnerable in these scenarios because:
- Their smaller size makes them harder for drivers to see.
- Drivers often misjudge a motorcycle’s speed or distance.
- A lack of protective barriers increases the likelihood of fatal injuries upon impact.
When negligence—such as inattention, speeding, or misjudgment—leads to a deadly accident, the at-fault driver can be held civilly liable for damages.
Legal Options for Families After a Fatal Motorcycle Accident
When a loved one dies due to another driver’s negligence, surviving family members may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim under the Florida Wrongful Death Act (§768.16–§768.26).
Eligible survivors, typically including a spouse, children, and parents, can seek compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical costs incurred before death
- Loss of companionship and emotional suffering
- Loss of future financial support and household contributions
In this case, if investigators determine the SUV driver failed to yield or acted carelessly, the victim’s family may have strong grounds to pursue a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver and their insurance carrier.
Steps to Take After a Fatal Crash
If you’ve lost a loved one in a motorcycle accident, it’s crucial to act quickly to protect your legal rights. Here’s what to do:
- Request the official crash report from the Florida Highway Patrol.
- Consult a wrongful death attorney before speaking to insurance companies.
- Preserve all evidence — including photos, witness contact information, and medical or funeral records.
- Avoid public statements or social media posts about the accident until legal counsel is secured.
An experienced attorney can help investigate liability, obtain expert accident reconstruction testimony, and ensure your family receives the compensation you deserve.
At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we’ve represented countless families devastated by motorcycle collisions throughout Florida. Our firm takes pride in holding negligent drivers accountable and helping victims’ families rebuild after tragedy.
We cover all upfront costs and only get paid if we win your case.
Our firm proudly serves families across Walton County, Freeport, and throughout the state of Florida, providing compassionate and aggressive legal representation when it matters most.
