Man Killed in Marion County Crash After Driver Fails to Stop at Intersection: Legal Options for Families

A tragic crash in Marion County has left one man dead after a two-vehicle collision on Southwest 140th Street and State Road 200. According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the crash occurred around 8:43 a.m. Saturday morning when a 22-year-old woman from Dunnellon failed to stop at the intersection and collided with another vehicle.

The driver of the second vehicle, a 54-year-old man from Citrus Springs, was rushed to HCA Florida Ocala Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

This heartbreaking crash highlights not only the dangers of intersection-related accidents in Florida but also raises important questions about potential liability and the rights of surviving family members to pursue justice.

Intersections are among the most dangerous places on Florida roadways. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), intersection crashes account for a significant percentage of the state’s serious and fatal accidents each year.

Common causes of intersection collisions include:

• Failure to stop at a red light or stop sign
• Distracted driving
• Speeding through intersections
• Failure to yield the right of way
• Limited visibility or blocked sightlines

In this case, reports indicate the Dunnellon driver failed to stop at the intersection, creating a dangerous scenario that directly led to the fatal crash.

Legal Rights for the Family of the Victim

The surviving family members of the 54-year-old victim may have several legal options under Florida law.

Under the Florida Wrongful Death Act, certain family members — such as a spouse, children, or parents — may seek damages when a loved one is killed due to another driver’s negligence. Potential compensation may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical bills related to the fatal injury
• Loss of financial support and services the victim provided
• Loss of companionship, guidance, and protection
• Emotional pain and suffering of surviving family members

Failing to stop at an intersection may be considered negligence per se, meaning the driver’s violation of traffic law can serve as direct evidence of negligence. If proven, this makes it easier for families to establish liability and pursue damages.

Florida is a no-fault insurance state, meaning Personal Injury Protection (PIP) applies for medical expenses regardless of fault. However, PIP does not cover wrongful death damages in their entirety. In fatal cases, families often pursue claims against the at-fault driver’s bodily injury liability coverage or file a civil lawsuit if insurance is insufficient.

Crashes like this are often preventable. Drivers can help reduce intersection fatalities by:

• Always coming to a full stop at stop signs and red lights
• Avoiding distractions when approaching intersections
• Yielding properly when crossing or turning onto busy highways
• Maintaining safe speeds, especially in areas with limited visibility

Unfortunately, when even one driver disregards these rules, the consequences can be deadly.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we know that families experiencing a sudden loss are left with more questions than answers. Our legal team investigates intersection crashes to uncover negligence, gather critical evidence, and pursue full compensation for grieving families.

We handle every case with compassion and determination, making sure negligent drivers are held accountable and families have the resources they need to move forward.

If your loved one was killed in a car accident in Marion County or anywhere in Florida, call us at 305-638-4143 for a free, confidential consultation. We never charge fees unless we win compensation on your behalf.