Palmetto Expressway Crash Leaves Woman Dead and Driver Injured in Hialeah

A tragic crash on the Palmetto Expressway (State Road 826) left one woman dead and a man hospitalized Wednesday afternoon, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

Troopers said the crash occurred shortly before 2:30 p.m. in the southbound lanes near NW 103rd Street.

• A white Audi sedan first struck a concrete traffic barrier.
• The Audi then collided with a Ford pickup truck, causing the sedan to overturn.
• Both occupants of the Audi were ejected from the vehicle on impact.

Emergency crews responded quickly, but the female passenger was pronounced dead at the scene. The male driver was transported to Kendall Regional Medical Center with non-life-threatening injuries.

The driver of the pickup truck was not reported to be seriously hurt.

The violent collision forced troopers to shut down all southbound lanes of the Palmetto at NW 122nd Street. Traffic backed up for miles, frustrating afternoon commuters and forcing many drivers to find alternate routes.

Authorities reopened the roadway by 9 p.m., after investigators cleared debris and documented the scene.

FHP has not yet released the names of the victims, and the cause of the crash remains under investigation. Officials have not confirmed whether speed, distraction, or impairment were factors.

Crashes that involve occupants being ejected often raise questions about seat belt use, but no confirmation has been made in this case.

Legal Options After a Fatal Car Crash

When a serious crash results in death or catastrophic injury, victims and their families may have the right to pursue civil claims for compensation in addition to any criminal or traffic charges.

In Florida, a wrongful death claim may be filed when someone dies due to another party’s negligence or misconduct. The surviving family members — often a spouse, children, or parents — can seek damages for:

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of companionship, care, and support
• Mental and emotional pain and suffering
• Lost income and benefits the deceased would have provided

These claims must be filed by a personal representative of the estate, usually appointed by the court, on behalf of surviving family members.

Personal Injury Claims for Survivors

For those who survive a crash, such as the driver of the Audi in this incident, a personal injury claim may be possible. Compensation can cover:

• Medical expenses (emergency care, hospitalization, rehabilitation)
• Lost wages during recovery
• Future loss of earning capacity if injuries are long-term
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress

Passengers, in particular, almost always have the right to bring a claim, regardless of whether the at-fault driver was operating the vehicle they were in or another vehicle.

The Process of Filing a Claim in Florida

If you or a loved one is affected by a fatal or serious crash like this, here’s how the legal process typically unfolds:

1. Consult an Attorney – Families meet with a personal injury or wrongful death lawyer to review the circumstances. The attorney will determine whether negligence can be established.
2. Investigation – Attorneys gather crash reports, witness statements, black box data (if available), roadway design records, and any surveillance footage. Accident reconstruction experts may also be consulted.
3. Identify Defendants and Insurance Coverage – Liability can extend to multiple parties, including drivers, employers of commercial drivers, or even government entities responsible for unsafe road conditions. Insurance policies are reviewed to identify available coverage.
4. File the Claim – A formal notice of claim is filed with the at-fault party’s insurance provider. If negotiations fail, a lawsuit is filed in civil court.
5. Discovery Process – Both sides exchange evidence, depose witnesses, and build their cases.
6. Settlement Negotiations or Trial – Many cases resolve through settlement, but if a fair resolution cannot be reached, the case proceeds to trial where a jury decides damages.

Why Legal Representation Matters

Insurance companies often act quickly after a crash to minimize payouts. They may dispute liability, argue that victims were partly responsible, or offer low settlements. Having an experienced attorney ensures that the full scope of damages — medical bills, future care, lost income, and emotional suffering — is accounted for.

Additionally, Florida’s wrongful death statute imposes specific rules about who can file, what damages are recoverable, and strict deadlines (generally two years from the date of death). Missing these deadlines can bar a family from seeking justice.

This tragedy on the Palmetto Expressway highlights both the dangers of South Florida’s high-traffic roadways and the life-altering consequences of a single crash. While the investigation continues, the surviving victim and the family of the woman who lost her life may have legal options to hold responsible parties accountable.

Our deepest condolences go out to the family mourning this heartbreaking loss, and our thoughts remain with the injured driver as he begins his recovery.