Old Town Man Killed in Two-Vehicle Crash in Chiefland After Stop Sign Violation

A tragic crash in Chiefland, Florida claimed the life of a 73-year-old man after a pickup truck failed to stop at an intersection, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The crash also left two others with minor injuries.

What We Know About the Crash

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash occurred around 9:30 a.m. on April 24, 2026, at the intersection of Northwest 110th Street and Northwest 14th Street in Chiefland.

Investigators say a 24-year-old woman from Cedar Key was driving a pickup truck eastbound on NW 110th Street when she approached a stop sign but failed to stop.

At the same time, a 73-year-old man from Old Town was driving a sedan northbound on NW 14th Street.

Troopers report that the pickup truck entered the intersection and struck the left side of the sedan.

Emergency responders pronounced the 73-year-old man dead at the scene.

The pickup truck driver and a 34-year-old male passenger sustained minor injuries. Authorities noted that neither occupant of the pickup truck was wearing a seatbelt.

The crash remains under investigation.

The Dangers of Stop Sign Violations

Failing to stop at a stop sign is a leading cause of serious and fatal intersection crashes.

Common risks include:

• Entering intersections without yielding
• Side-impact (“T-bone”) collisions
• Limited reaction time for other drivers
• Increased likelihood of severe injury due to impact angles

These types of crashes are especially dangerous for occupants of the struck vehicle.

The Importance of Seat Belt Use

Seat belts are one of the most effective safety measures in preventing serious injury.

Failure to wear a seat belt can:

• Increase the risk of ejection
• Lead to more severe injuries in a collision
• Significantly raise the risk of fatal outcomes

While the pickup truck occupants sustained only minor injuries, seat belt use remains critical in all crashes.

Legal Considerations in Intersection Crashes

Crashes involving failure to obey traffic control devices typically involve right-of-way violations.

Investigators may examine:

• Whether the stop sign was clearly visible and properly observed
• Speed and attentiveness of the drivers
• Roadway conditions and visibility
• Witness statements and crash reconstruction

Liability is often determined based on which driver failed to follow traffic laws.

Wrongful Death Claims Under Florida Law

Under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act, Florida Statutes §§ 768.16–768.26, surviving family members may be entitled to pursue compensation when negligence contributes to a fatal crash.

Damages may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship
• Mental pain and suffering

Fatal crashes can leave families facing both emotional and financial hardship.

Investigation Ongoing

The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash and determine all contributing factors.

Our Thoughts Are With the Victim’s Family

Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the man who lost his life in this crash.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families throughout Florida in wrongful death cases resulting from preventable accidents. If your loved one was killed in a crash, our firm can help you understand your legal rights and pursue justice.

We offer free consultations and handle wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning no fees unless we recover compensation for your family.