One Dead After Okeechobee Crash on State Road 78: What We Know and What Families Should Do After a Fatal Accident

A tragic accident in Glades County claimed the life of an 85-year-old man on Sunday afternoon, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). The fatal crash occurred along State Road 78 near Tomato Grade Road, an area known for its narrow shoulders and rural traffic conditions.

FHP reports that the man was driving a pickup truck westbound on SR-78 when he attempted to turn left into a driveway. During the turn, the truck crossed the eastbound lane, veered off the roadway, and entered the south grass shoulder, where it collided with a barbed wire fence and a tree. Tragically, the driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

Authorities continue to investigate the cause of the crash, and no other vehicles were reported to be involved.

Rural roads like State Road 78 often see some of Florida’s most severe crashes due to limited lighting, high-speed limits, and fewer traffic controls. According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), over 3,000 traffic fatalities occur annually in the state, with a significant portion happening in rural counties like Glades, Okeechobee, and Hendry.

Older drivers are also particularly vulnerable in serious collisions due to slower reaction times, medical conditions, and decreased visibility. Even when no other vehicle is involved, mechanical issues, road conditions, or unsafe shoulders can contribute to deadly single-vehicle crashes.

Understanding Florida Wrongful Death Claims

When a fatal crash occurs — even if the victim was the only one in the vehicle — it’s essential for families to understand their legal rights under Florida law. If the accident resulted from another party’s negligence (such as a defective vehicle part, dangerous road condition, or improperly marked driveway), surviving family members may have grounds for a wrongful death claim under Florida Statutes §§768.16–768.26, known as the Florida Wrongful Death Act.

Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim

Under §768.20, a wrongful death claim must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate on behalf of surviving family members, which may include:

• A surviving spouse
• Children or stepchildren
• Parents
• Other dependents who relied on the deceased for support

Compensation Available in a Wrongful Death Case

A successful wrongful death claim may help surviving family members recover compensation for:

• Medical expenses related to the fatal crash
• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of income and benefits the deceased would have provided
• Loss of companionship, protection, and guidance
• Mental and emotional pain and suffering for close family members

Steps Families Should Take After a Fatal Car Accident in Florida

1. Request a Copy of the Florida Highway Patrol Crash Report

The FHP crash report will contain critical information, including roadway conditions, witness statements, and contributing factors. This report serves as a starting point for any potential insurance claim or wrongful death lawsuit.

2. Preserve Evidence and Photographs

If possible, document the crash scene, including:

• Skid marks or debris on the roadway
• Vehicle damage
• Environmental factors (e.g., lighting, signage, or lack of guardrails)
• Nearby surveillance or dashcam footage

This evidence helps establish liability — especially in single-vehicle accidents, where defective design, roadway hazards, or other parties may share blame.

3. Notify the Insurance Company

Florida law requires drivers to maintain certain minimum insurance coverage under Florida Statute §324.021, including liability protection. In fatal crashes, the deceased’s policy may provide death benefits or property coverage, and families may also be able to recover through uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if another party contributed to the crash.

4. Consult a Florida Wrongful Death Attorney

Wrongful death cases can be complex and emotionally challenging. An experienced Florida wrongful death lawyer can help investigate potential causes, such as:

• Negligent road maintenance or design
• Vehicle defects (e.g., steering or braking failures)
• Negligent entrustment or repair work

Under Florida Statute §95.11(4)(d), families generally have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit, so acting quickly is crucial.

How Liability Works in Single-Vehicle Accidents

While it may seem like the driver is automatically responsible in a single-vehicle crash, that’s not always the case. Several external factors can contribute to or even cause these types of accidents, including:

• Defective auto parts (brakes, tires, steering systems)
• Poor roadway design or lack of guardrails
• Unclear signage or faded lane markings
• Hazards such as loose gravel, standing water, or animals

If evidence shows that a third party — such as a local municipality, contractor, or manufacturer — was negligent, they may be held liable under Florida’s comparative negligence statute (§768.81).

When tragedy strikes unexpectedly, grieving families need both guidance and advocacy. Our firm is dedicated to helping Florida families recover after devastating accidents by handling every aspect of the legal process — from insurance negotiations to litigation — so they can focus on healing.

If your loved one was killed in an Okeechobee or Glades County crash, our attorneys can help you understand your rights under the Florida Wrongful Death Act and pursue justice on their behalf.

Call (305) 638-4143 or contact us online for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your legal options, and help you pursue the justice your loved one deserves.