Orlando Man Killed in Bithlo Hit-and-Run on SR-50: FHP Investigating

Florida Highway Patrol is investigating a deadly hit-and-run crash that claimed the life of a 48-year-old Orlando man Thursday night in Bithlo. The multi-vehicle chain-reaction crash occurred around 9 p.m. in the eastbound lanes of State Road 50 near Lansing Street.

According to FHP, the crash began when the right rear of a 2008 Chevrolet Silverado traveling north on Lansing Street collided with the left side of a 2012 Toyota Highlander traveling east on SR-50. The force of the impact caused the Highlander to rotate violently, ejecting the Orlando man who was driving it.

As the crash unfolded, a large crate fell from the Chevrolet and was struck by a 2014 Nissan Rogue, which was also traveling eastbound. In the same moment, an unknown fourth vehicle traveling in the inside eastbound lane struck the ejected victim and fled the scene. The victim was pronounced dead at the crash site.

FHP reported that the driver of the Chevrolet, a 54-year-old Orlando man, suffered minor injuries and was transported to a hospital. The 24-year-old driver of the Nissan remained at the scene and was not injured. Troopers are working to identify the hit-and-run driver who fatally struck the victim.

Understanding Liability in a Multi-Vehicle Fatal Hit-and-Run

Crashes involving multiple vehicles and an ejected victim require a comprehensive investigation to determine all contributing factors. In this case, several actions may form the basis for liability:

• Failure to yield or improper turn from the Chevrolet driver
• Unsecured cargo, if the crate was improperly loaded (potential cargo negligence or load violation)
• Vehicle that struck the victim and fled, committing a felony hit-and-run under Florida Statutes
• Possible roadway design or lighting issues if visibility contributed to the collision
• Seatbelt usage and whether the victim was ejected due to a vehicle defect

Even though the unknown fourth vehicle caused the fatal impact, liability is not limited to that driver alone. Under Florida’s comparative negligence system, fault can be shared among multiple parties whose negligence contributed to the death.

The family may have legal claims against:

• The driver of the Chevrolet Silverado, depending on how the initial collision occurred
• The unknown hit-and-run driver once identified
• Potential owners of the hit-and-run vehicle
• A cargo-loading company if the crate was improperly secured
• A vehicle or component manufacturer if ejection occurred due to a defective restraint system
• A government entity if poor lighting or lack of traffic controls played a role

Wrongful Death Claims Available to Family Members

The family of the Orlando man may pursue compensation under the Florida Wrongful Death Act. Recoverable damages may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of support and services
• Mental pain and suffering for surviving family members
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Medical expenses incurred before death
• Lost wages or earnings the victim would have provided

Because one of the vehicles fled the scene, rapid evidence collection is essential to locating the responsible driver.

Key Evidence in Hit-and-Run Investigations

To help identify the fleeing vehicle and strengthen a wrongful death claim, attorneys may gather:

• Nearby business or traffic camera footage
• Doorbell cameras from residences along SR-50
• Debris from the suspect vehicle
• Vehicle part numbers or paint transfer analysis
• 911 calls and witness statements
• Crash reconstruction reports
• Black box data from vehicles involved

In severe nighttime crashes, skid marks, impact patterns, and roadway debris help investigators reconstruct how each collision occurred.

Hit-and-run cases often turn on evidence that disappears quickly, such as surveillance video that overwrites every 24–72 hours, debris removed by cleanup crews, and eyewitness memories that fade. Early legal involvement can help preserve critical evidence and ensure law enforcement receives all available investigative support.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer, we understand the devastation that follows a sudden and preventable loss. Our wrongful death attorneys assist families through every step of the process, from obtaining crash reports to coordinating independent investigations and pursuing full compensation from all responsible parties.

We offer:

• Free consultations
• No fees unless we recover compensation
• Direct access to your attorney
• Immediate investigative assistance

If your loved one was killed in a hit-and-run on SR-50 or anywhere in Florida, contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm to understand your legal options and begin the path forward.