Miami Lakes Man Killed in Dump Truck Rollover Crash on Florida’s Turnpike in Davie

A tragic crash on Florida’s Turnpike claimed the life of a 64-year-old Miami Lakes man on Thursday afternoon, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

The crash occurred on the southbound exit ramp from State Road 91 to I-595 in Davie. Investigators said the man was driving a dump truck in the inside lane of the ramp when he lost control of the vehicle.

The truck traveled onto the inside paved shoulder, then veered across two lanes before striking a concrete barrier wall. The impact caused the dump truck to flip onto its side, crushing part of the vehicle.

Troopers reported that the driver was partially ejected from the truck and died at the scene. FHP noted he was not wearing a seat belt, which likely contributed to the severity of the outcome.

As of 2:40 p.m., the exit ramps from SR-91 to I-595 were closed as crews investigated and cleared the scene.

Rollover accidents involving large commercial trucks are particularly dangerous due to the weight and size of these vehicles. Dump trucks, which often carry loose material such as gravel, sand, or construction debris, can become unstable if:

• Loads are improperly secured or unbalanced.
• Drivers take curves or ramps at unsafe speeds.
• Mechanical issues (such as tire blowouts or brake failures) occur.
• The truck is overloaded in violation of weight restrictions.

According to FHP crash statistics, rollovers are one of the leading causes of fatal truck accidents in Florida.

Potential Liability and Wrongful Death Claims

Even though FHP has indicated that seat belt usage was a factor in this man’s death, questions remain about whether other parties could share responsibility. In commercial truck crashes, liability is often complex and may extend beyond the driver himself.

Possible Factors That Could Create Liability:

1. Truck Maintenance Issues – If brakes, tires, or steering components failed due to poor maintenance, the trucking company may be held liable under Florida negligence laws.
2. Employer Responsibility – If the driver was employed by a construction or hauling company, the employer could be liable for unsafe training practices or pressure to drive unsafely.
3. Roadway Conditions – If the design of the exit ramp contributed to instability (such as a sharp curve or inadequate warning signage), there could be potential claims involving government liability, though Florida’s sovereign immunity laws (Fla. Stat. §768.28) limit claims against state entities.
4. Load Securement – If the dump truck was improperly loaded, the loading company or contractor could also be held accountable.

Wrongful Death Claims in Florida

Under the Florida Wrongful Death Act (Fla. Stat. §§768.16-768.26), the surviving family members of the Miami Lakes man may have a claim if negligence played a role in the crash. Potential damages may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical costs incurred before death
• Loss of companionship and support for surviving family members
• Lost income and benefits the deceased would have provided

The Process of Filing a Truck Accident Claim

Families considering legal action after a fatal truck accident should understand how the process generally works in Florida:

1. Initial Consultation – An attorney reviews the crash report, available evidence, and potential defendants.
2. Investigation – This includes reviewing black box data, dash cameras, trucking company logs, maintenance records, and witness statements.
3. Preservation of Evidence – It’s critical to send legal notices to ensure the trucking company does not destroy maintenance or safety records.
4. Filing the Claim – A claim is first filed with the responsible parties’ insurers. If a fair settlement is not reached, a wrongful death lawsuit may be filed in court.
5. Resolution – Many cases settle before trial, but some proceed to jury verdicts where damages are awarded.

Florida’s seat belt law (Fla. Stat. §316.614) allows defendants in civil cases to raise what’s known as the “seat belt defense.” This means a defendant can argue that a victim’s failure to wear a seat belt contributed to their injuries or death. However, this does not eliminate liability — it may only reduce the damages awarded if other negligence (such as poor maintenance or unsafe conditions) is proven.

The death of the Miami Lakes man is a heartbreaking reminder of how quickly lives can change on Florida highways. While investigators continue to determine the exact cause, the surviving family may wish to explore their legal rights under Florida law.

Truck accidents often involve multiple layers of responsibility, from drivers to trucking companies to maintenance contractors. Families should consult with an experienced Florida truck accident attorney to evaluate whether negligence played a role in the crash and to pursue the compensation they may be entitled to under state law.