Passenger Dies After Being Ejected From Truck Near Sunshine Skyway Bridge

A tragic crash near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge early Sunday morning has left one passenger dead after being ejected from a vehicle, according to a report from the Florida Highway Patrol.

The incident occurred around 4 a.m. on November 23 as a truck traveled southbound on Interstate 275 in Sarasota County. Investigators say the driver, a man with three passengers in the vehicle, fell asleep at the wheel. The truck then veered out of control, striking both a tree and a guardrail.

A 27-year-old female passenger was ejected during the crash and suffered fatal injuries. She was transported to a nearby hospital, where she later died. The driver and the two remaining passengers were not hurt.

Crashes caused by fatigued or sleeping drivers are more common than many people realize. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), thousands of people are killed or seriously injured each year due to drowsy driving, with the number likely underreported.

Falling asleep at the wheel can lead to:

• Loss of control
• Delayed reaction times
• Lane departure crashes
• High-speed collisions
• Failure to brake or avoid obstacles

Interstate roadways such as I-275, I-75, and I-4 are especially dangerous because drivers often travel long distances at night, making fatigue a major factor.

Being ejected from a vehicle dramatically increases the risk of fatal injury. In many fatal crashes, seatbelt use is the key difference between surviving or suffering catastrophic harm. However, in crashes involving rollovers or collisions with fixed objects like guardrails or trees, even restrained passengers may suffer severe trauma, making a full investigation essential.

Determining Liability in Fatigue-Related Crashes

Even when a driver falls asleep unintentionally, they may still be found negligent for failing to pull over, failing to rest, or driving while knowingly fatigued. In fatal passenger ejection cases, liability often depends on several factors:

• Whether the driver had warning signs of fatigue
• Whether the passenger was properly restrained
• Speed and roadway conditions
• Whether impairment or distracted driving played any role
• The vehicle’s maintenance and seatbelt condition

Families who lose loved ones in these crashes may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim.

Wrongful Death Rights After Fatal Crashes in Florida

Under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of companionship
• Mental pain and suffering
• Loss of financial support
• Medical expenses incurred before the death

In crashes involving suspected negligence, quick action is essential to preserve physical evidence, vehicle data, and witness statements.

Evidence That Can Help in Driver-Fatigue Cases

Key evidence includes:

• Vehicle Event Data Recorder (“black box”) details
• Crash reconstruction analysis
• Driver cellphone records
• Passenger seatbelt use
• Tire marks, roadway debris, and final rest position
• Hospital and EMS reports
• Blood toxicology screens, if applicable

An attorney can help ensure this evidence is preserved before it is lost or destroyed.

Supporting Families After Sudden Roadway Tragedies

Losing a loved one in a preventable crash is devastating. Families are left searching for answers—what happened, who is responsible, and what comes next. Our firm is dedicated to helping families navigate these cases with compassion, attention, and aggressive legal advocacy.

We offer:

• Free consultations
• No fees unless we secure compensation
• Direct access to your attorney
• Immediate evidence preservation and investigation support

If your loved one was killed or seriously injured in a crash near the Sunshine Skyway Bridge or anywhere in Florida, contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm. Our team is ready to help you understand your rights and pursue justice in the aftermath of tragedy.