Major Crash Causes Traffic Delays on Southbound Florida’s Turnpike in Palm Beach County

A major crash on Florida’s Turnpike Southbound caused significant traffic delays in Palm Beach County Friday afternoon, according to reports from Florida 511 and CBS12 News.

Officials said the crash occurred just before Exit 107: S.R. 710/Bee Line Highway near Riviera Beach, blocking the left southbound lane and backing up traffic for several miles.

The incident was first reported around 3:32 p.m., with ongoing updates at 3:38 p.m., indicating continued congestion and emergency response activity. Authorities classified the crash as major, warning drivers to expect extended delays and seek alternate routes when possible.

Emergency responders and traffic crews remained on scene throughout the afternoon to clear vehicles and debris from the roadway. No official details have yet been released regarding the number of vehicles involved or whether any injuries were sustained.

Stretching more than 300 miles across the state, Florida’s Turnpike is one of the busiest toll highways in the nation — and one of the most dangerous. Heavy traffic, high speeds, and unpredictable merging near exits like Bee Line Highway (S.R. 710) contribute to frequent and sometimes deadly collisions.

Common causes of turnpike accidents include:

• Speeding or aggressive driving in congested traffic;
• Distracted driving, including texting or GPS use;
• Unsafe lane changes in dense or high-speed conditions;
• Driver fatigue, especially on long stretches of highway;
• Sudden braking or tailgating in fast-moving lanes;
• Poor visibility or weather-related hazards.

When multiple lanes are blocked, even a single crash can trigger a chain reaction involving several vehicles and create hours-long backups for Palm Beach County commuters.

What to Do If You’re Involved in a Turnpike Crash

Highway accidents can be chaotic, and the moments immediately following a crash are critical for safety and for preserving your legal rights.

If you are involved in a collision on Florida’s Turnpike:

1. Move to safety – Pull to the shoulder or median if possible, but only if it’s safe to do so.
2. Call 911 immediately – Report the location, number of vehicles, and any visible injuries.
3. Do not exit your vehicle in active lanes.
4. Document the scene – Take photos of vehicle damage, skid marks, and surrounding traffic if it’s safe.
5. Exchange information with the other driver(s), including insurance and license details.
6. Seek medical evaluation, even if you feel fine — injuries like whiplash or internal trauma may not show symptoms right away.
7. Consult an experienced car accident lawyer before speaking with insurance adjusters.

Understanding Liability on Florida Highways

Determining who is at fault for a crash on Florida’s Turnpike often requires a thorough investigation. Because of the high speeds and multiple vehicles involved, these cases may include claims of comparative negligence, where multiple drivers share partial responsibility.

Under Florida Statute §768.81, each party is held financially responsible in proportion to their percentage of fault. Evidence such as:

• Dash cam footage,
• Traffic camera recordings,
• Witness statements, and
• Accident reconstruction reports
  can help establish liability.

Even if you were partially at fault, you may still be able to recover compensation for your injuries and property damage under Florida’s comparative fault system.

Possible Injuries in Highway Collisions

While officials have not yet released information on injuries from this crash, high-speed highway collisions frequently cause severe harm, including:

• Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
• Broken bones or fractures
• Head and brain injuries (TBI)
• Back and spinal cord injuries
• Internal bleeding or organ damage
• Psychological trauma

Victims often require extensive medical treatment, physical therapy, and long-term care, especially when collisions involve rollovers or secondary impacts.

Legal Options for Victims of Turnpike Accidents

If you were injured in a crash caused by another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses and future treatment
• Lost income and reduced earning capacity
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Permanent disability or disfigurement

In cases involving fatalities, surviving family members may file a wrongful death claim under the Florida Wrongful Death Act (§§768.16–768.26) to recover funeral costs, loss of companionship, and other damages.

Because large insurers aggressively defend highway claims, having an experienced personal injury lawyer is essential to ensure you receive full and fair compensation.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we have handled countless highway and turnpike accident cases throughout Florida, helping victims recover millions for their injuries and losses.

Our firm stands out because:

• We intentionally limit our caseload to provide one-on-one attention.
• We handle all communication with insurance companies and investigators.
• We advance all litigation costs — you pay nothing unless we win.
• We offer free consultations in English and Spanish.

Whether your accident occurred on Florida’s Turnpike, I-95, or another major highway, our team can quickly secure crash reports, analyze evidence, and pursue claims for the compensation you deserve.

Contact a Palm Beach County Car Accident Lawyer

If you were injured or delayed due to a crash on Florida’s Turnpike near Bee Line Highway or Riviera Beach, our attorneys at Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm are here to help.

We represent clients throughout Palm Beach County and South Florida, including Riviera Beach, Boca Raton, Boynton Beach, and West Palm Beach.

You pay no legal fees unless we win, and we are committed to helping victims hold negligent drivers accountable.

Call 305-638-4143 or contact us online for a free consultation.