New Port Richey Man Dies After Five-Vehicle Crash on Little Road; Investigation Ongoing

A New Port Richey man has died days after suffering serious injuries in a five-vehicle crash on Little Road, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

Troopers say the crash occurred shortly before 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, south of Decubellis Road in New Port Richey. Investigators reported that a 59-year-old man was driving a truck southbound on Little Road when he experienced a medical emergency and lost control of his vehicle. The truck crossed into the northbound lanes and struck three vehicles.

According to FHP, the impact caused one of those vehicles to spin and collide with a fourth vehicle, bringing the total number of vehicles involved to five. The drivers of the other four vehicles were not injured. The truck driver was transported to a local hospital with serious injuries and later died on Saturday.

The crash remains under investigation.

Multi-Vehicle Crashes Caused by Medical Emergencies

Crashes involving sudden medical emergencies raise complex questions about fault and liability under Florida law. When a driver loses control due to an unexpected medical event—such as a heart attack, stroke, or loss of consciousness—investigators must determine whether the incident was truly unforeseeable or whether there were warning signs the driver knew or should have known about.

Florida recognizes the “sudden medical emergency” or “sudden incapacity” doctrine, which may relieve a driver of negligence only if the medical event was sudden, unforeseen, and left the driver incapable of controlling the vehicle. This determination is highly fact-specific and often requires a thorough review of medical records, witness statements, and driving history.

In multi-vehicle collisions, even when a medical emergency is involved, additional factors may still be relevant, including:

• Whether the driver had a known medical condition
• Whether the driver was advised not to drive
• Vehicle speed and lane position prior to the crash
• Roadway design, traffic conditions, and visibility
• The sequence of impacts and secondary collisions

Legal Options After a Fatal Crash in Florida

When a crash results in death, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act (Florida Statutes §§768.16–768.26).

In Florida, a wrongful death claim is brought by the personal representative of the deceased person’s estate on behalf of surviving family members, which may include a spouse, children, or parents.

Depending on the circumstances, recoverable damages may include:

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

If evidence shows the medical emergency was foreseeable or that another party contributed to the crash—such as through negligent vehicle maintenance or roadway conditions—additional claims may be available.

Florida’s modified comparative negligence system (§768.81) may also apply, requiring a careful analysis of fault allocation in complex, multi-vehicle crashes.

Why an Independent Investigation Matters

While FHP investigates crashes to determine cause and traffic violations, law enforcement does not pursue financial recovery for injured victims or grieving families.

An independent legal investigation may help preserve and analyze critical evidence, including:

• Medical records related to the alleged emergency
• Vehicle data and crash reconstruction
• Witness statements and traffic flow analysis
• Event data recorder (black box) information
• Insurance coverage and policy limits

This information is often essential in determining whether legal responsibility exists and what compensation may be available.

Representation for Families After Fatal Crashes

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families who have lost loved ones in serious motor vehicle crashes throughout Florida, including complex multi-vehicle and wrongful death cases.

We understand that no legal action can undo a tragic loss, but pursuing accountability can help provide financial stability and answers during an incredibly difficult time. Our firm intentionally limits its caseload so clients work directly with experienced attorneys—not case managers.

We can help by:

• Conducting an independent investigation
• Evaluating liability in medically-related crashes
• Identifying all available insurance coverage
• Handling communications with insurers
• Pursuing full and fair compensation under Florida law

There are no upfront costs. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you.

📞 If you lost a loved one or were affected by this crash on Little Road in New Port Richey—or any fatal crash in Florida—contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer for a free, confidential consultation.