Major Crash on Sumter Boulevard Leaves One Critically Injured, FHP Says

Sarasota County first responders were called to a serious crash on Wednesday afternoon that left at least one person critically injured and caused major traffic disruptions near Interstate 75. The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Department and Florida Highway Patrol are actively investigating the incident.

According to FHP, the crash occurred just after 4 p.m. on Sumter Boulevard near the I-75 interchange. Emergency crews arrived quickly and transported one individual to Sarasota Memorial Hospital with critical injuries. Officials have not released further details about the vehicles involved or the cause of the collision.

Because of the crash, the southbound exit ramp from I-75 onto Sumter Boulevard was completely blocked, causing significant delays as law enforcement worked to clear the roadway and document the scene.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Areas surrounding interstate exits like Sumter Boulevard are especially prone to severe traffic crashes due to several contributing factors:

• Sudden speed changes when vehicles transition from highway to surface streets
• High traffic volume and congestion during peak travel times
• Drivers merging or exiting too quickly
• Distracted or impaired driving
• Limited visibility around curves or ramps
• Confusing lane markings or signage

When traffic is heavy, even a momentary lapse in attention can result in a high-impact crash.

Determining liability in serious roadway crashes

Florida Highway Patrol investigators will evaluate a range of factors to determine what caused the crash, including:

• Whether speeding or aggressive driving played a role
• Whether any drivers failed to yield when exiting the interstate
• Roadway design or visibility issues
• Driver distraction, impairment, or fatigue
• Mechanical failure of any vehicle involved
• Weather or environmental conditions

Because Florida uses a comparative negligence system, multiple parties may share fault depending on the actions that contributed to the crash.

What injured victims should know about their legal rights

Individuals critically injured in crashes like this may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses and hospitalization
• Long-term rehabilitation
• Lost income or reduced earning ability
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage

Immediate legal representation is essential because evidence at the scene—tire marks, debris fields, witness statements, and vehicle data—can disappear quickly. Insurance companies also move fast to limit their exposure.

Flanagan & Bodenheimer helps victims of serious crashes throughout Florida

Our firm regularly handles catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases arising from crashes near interstate exits and high-speed corridors. We work quickly to preserve evidence, identify liable parties, and advocate aggressively for our clients’ recovery.

We offer:

• Free consultations
• No fees unless we win
• Direct access to your attorney
• Rapid investigation and evidence preservation
• Personalized, compassionate representation

If you or a loved one was affected by the crash on Sumter Boulevard or any major roadway crash in Florida, contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm to discuss your legal options. We are here to help you move forward.