One Dead, Two Seriously Injured in Three-Vehicle Crash on I-75 in Collier County

A multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 75 in Collier County left one person dead and two others seriously injured Sunday evening, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Troopers responded to the crash around 7:17 p.m. near mile marker 70. Investigators say the collision involved three vehicles traveling in opposite directions on the interstate.

According to FHP:

• A Buick sedan, driven by a 66-year-old Naples woman, was traveling westbound in the outside lane.
• A Kia, driven by a 60-year-old Lehigh Acres man with a 60-year-old female passenger, was traveling ahead of the Buick.
• A Toyota SUV, driven by a 52-year-old Miami man with a 14-year-old passenger, was traveling eastbound in the inside lane.

Troopers say the Buick collided with the rear of the Kia and struck the guardrail. After the initial impact, the Buick crossed the median into the eastbound lanes and crashed into the Toyota SUV.

The force of the collision caused the Toyota to overturn. Both occupants of the Toyota were transported to a local hospital with serious injuries.

The driver of the Buick was pronounced dead at the scene. Authorities have not released additional details, and the crash remains under investigation.

Crashes where a vehicle crosses the median into oncoming traffic often result in devastating head-on or near head-on collisions. High speeds and opposing traffic significantly increase the likelihood of:

• Fatal injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage
• Internal bleeding
• Long-term disability

Rollover crashes — like the one involving the Toyota — can further increase injury severity for occupants.

Common Factors Investigated in Multi-Vehicle Interstate Crashes

Investigators will typically examine whether any of the following contributed to the crash:

• Following too closely
• Distracted or fatigued driving
• Speeding
• Loss of vehicle control
• Road or weather conditions
• Mechanical issues

When a crash begins with a rear-end collision and escalates into a median crossover, determining the sequence of events is critical for assessing liability.

Legal Options After a Fatal or Serious Crash in Florida

When negligence contributes to a fatal or serious crash, injured victims and surviving family members may have the right to pursue compensation under Florida law.

Potential claims may include:

• Personal injury claims for seriously injured victims
• Wrongful death claims for surviving family members
• Claims involving multiple negligent drivers
• Insurance coverage disputes

Recoverable damages may include:

• Medical expenses and rehabilitation
• Lost wages and future earnings
• Pain and suffering
• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of companionship and support

Florida’s modified comparative negligence rule (§768.81) may apply when multiple vehicles are involved, meaning liability can be shared among drivers depending on the facts.

Importance of an Independent Investigation

While law enforcement determines the cause of the crash for safety and enforcement purposes, a civil investigation focuses on liability and compensation.

This may involve:

• Crash reconstruction
• Vehicle damage analysis
• Witness statements
• Surveillance or dashcam footage
• Insurance coverage review

Preserving evidence early can be essential to protecting the rights of injured victims and families.

Representation for Serious and Fatal Crash Victims

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent individuals and families affected by serious and fatal motor vehicle crashes throughout Florida.

Our firm intentionally limits its caseload so clients receive direct attorney access and the focused attention complex cases require.

We can help by:

• Conducting independent crash investigations
• Identifying all liable parties
• Handling insurance communications
• Pursuing full compensation under Florida law

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

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