New Details Released in Fatal Multi-Vehicle Crash on Florida’s Turnpike in Hollywood

New information has emerged following a deadly multi-vehicle crash on Florida’s Turnpike in Hollywood that left one person dead and several others injured over the weekend.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the chain-reaction crash involved five vehicles and resulted in the death of a 35-year-old man from North Miami.

The crash occurred Saturday in the northbound lanes of Florida’s Turnpike and unfolded rapidly, involving multiple vehicles across both directions of travel.

FHP investigators say the crash began when:

• A Nissan traveling northbound attempted a sudden lane change to avoid another crash
• The Nissan instead collided with a Freightliner truck
• The Freightliner then struck a Ram pickup truck
• The Ram truck was pushed over the median barrier into the southbound lanes
• Once in the southbound lanes, the Ram truck was struck by a water management truck

The driver of the Ram pickup — identified as a 35-year-old North Miami man — was killed in the collision.

Authorities have not yet released the victim’s name pending notification of family members.

Investigators say a white Ford van also crashed into the Freightliner, which had come to a stop on top of the roadway barrier following the initial impact.

Emergency responders transported four additional individuals to local hospitals with minor injuries. All are expected to recover.

The crash caused significant roadway disruption while investigators worked the scene and cleared debris.

Chain-Reaction Crashes on Florida Highways

Multi-vehicle crashes like this one often occur in high-speed highway environments where drivers have little time to react to sudden hazards. Quick lane changes, heavy traffic, and large commercial vehicles can create dangerous chain-reaction collisions.

Common contributing factors in multi-vehicle Turnpike crashes include:

• Sudden lane changes or evasive maneuvers
• Following too closely
• Speeding
• Limited reaction time
• Large commercial truck involvement
• Roadway congestion

When commercial vehicles such as Freightliners or utility trucks are involved, the force of impact can increase dramatically, leading to severe injuries or fatalities.

Ongoing Investigation

The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash to determine all contributing factors and whether any drivers may have acted negligently.

Investigators will likely review:

• Vehicle speeds and positions
• Dashcam or surveillance footage
• Witness statements
• Roadway conditions
• Possible mechanical issues

Findings from the investigation may determine whether any party could face liability for the fatal collision.

Legal Rights After a Fatal Multi-Vehicle Crash

Families who lose loved ones in serious highway crashes may have legal rights if negligence played a role. Fatal accidents involving multiple vehicles and commercial trucks often require detailed investigation to determine liability.

Potentially responsible parties can include:

• Negligent drivers
• Commercial vehicle operators
• Employers of commercial drivers
• Vehicle manufacturers (if defects contributed)
• Government entities responsible for roadway safety

A wrongful death claim can help families recover compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and the emotional toll of losing a loved one.

Contact a Florida Wrongful Death Attorney

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, our attorneys represent victims and families across Florida in serious injury and wrongful death cases arising from catastrophic crashes.

Our firm focuses exclusively on personal injury and wrongful death litigation and intentionally limits our caseload so each client receives direct attorney access and personalized attention.

If your family has been affected by a fatal or serious multi-vehicle crash anywhere in Florida, you can contact our office for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights and potential options.