One Child Killed, Three Critically Injured in ATV Crash in Jackson County

A devastating crash in Jackson County has left one child dead and three others critically injured after an ATV and SUV collided Sunday night, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Troopers say the crash occurred near Sandridge Church Road in Grand Ridge when an all-terrain vehicle driven by a 9-year-old child was traveling with three other children as passengers.

According to FHP:

• The ATV entered the roadway and crossed into the path of an oncoming SUV
• The SUV driver attempted to avoid the collision but was unable to stop in time
• The SUV struck the left side of the ATV
• All four children on the ATV were thrown from the vehicle

One child was pronounced dead as a result of the crash. Three other children suffered critical injuries and were transported to area hospitals. The driver and passenger of the SUV were not injured.

Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident.

ATVs provide little protection in the event of a crash, making collisions particularly dangerous — especially for children. When an ATV is struck by a larger passenger vehicle, the risk of catastrophic injury or death increases significantly.

Common injuries in ATV crashes include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Broken bones
• Fatal blunt-force trauma

Ejections from ATVs are common and often lead to life-threatening outcomes.

Crashes involving ATVs and passenger vehicles can raise complex questions about liability and supervision. Investigations often examine:

• Where the ATV was being operated
• Visibility and roadway conditions
• Actions of the passenger vehicle driver
• Supervision and safety measures
• Whether the ATV was being operated on a public roadway

Depending on the circumstances, liability may extend beyond the immediate drivers to other potentially responsible parties.

Legal Options After a Fatal or Catastrophic Crash Involving a Child

When a crash results in the death or serious injury of a child, families may have the right to pursue a claim under Florida law if negligence contributed to the incident.

Potential compensation in these cases may include:

• Medical expenses
• Funeral and burial costs
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of companionship and support
• Long-term care for surviving injured children

Florida’s wrongful death and personal injury laws allow families to pursue accountability while focusing on recovery and healing.

Importance of a Thorough Independent Investigation

Law enforcement investigates the cause of a crash for public safety and enforcement purposes. A civil investigation focuses on identifying all responsible parties and available insurance coverage.

This may include:

• Crash reconstruction
• Vehicle damage and scene analysis
• Witness statements
• Roadway and visibility review
• Insurance policy investigation

Early evidence preservation is critical in catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases.

Representation for Families After Tragic Crashes

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families throughout Florida who have lost loved ones or suffered serious injuries in preventable crashes.

We intentionally limit our caseload so each family receives direct attorney attention and compassionate, thorough representation.

Our firm can help by:

• Conducting independent investigations
• Identifying liable parties
• Preserving critical evidence
• Pursuing full compensation under Florida law

There are no upfront fees, and we only get paid if we recover compensation.

📞 If your family has been affected by a serious or fatal crash anywhere in Florida, contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer for a free, confidential consultation.