Spring Hill Man Killed in Tragic Crash on I-75 Alafia River Bridge: Legal Options for Families

A devastating crash early Sunday morning left a 35-year-old Spring Hill man dead after being struck and knocked off the bridge over the Alafia River on I-75 in Gibsonton, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). The incident shut down the southbound lanes of I-75 for several hours before reopening later in the morning.

The chain of events began with an initial collision that left multiple vehicles disabled on the bridge. According to investigators, two drivers exited their vehicles and were walking near the crash site when tragedy struck.

A Chevy Traverse, driven by a 41-year-old Brandon woman, was heading southbound on I-75 when it collided with one of the parked vehicles. In the process, the SUV struck the 35-year-old Spring Hill man, knocking him over the bridge barrier and into the Alafia River. He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The Chevy then continued forward and struck another disabled vehicle, a Mazda 3 sedan, which was unoccupied at the time. The driver of the Chevy suffered minor injuries, and no other injuries were reported.

The crash remains under investigation by FHP.

Florida interstates are among the busiest and most dangerous roadways in the country. When a crash occurs on a bridge or limited-access highway, drivers and passengers face extreme risks if they exit their vehicles:

• High-speed traffic makes it difficult for approaching vehicles to avoid pedestrians.
• Low visibility at night increases the likelihood of secondary collisions.
• Narrow shoulders and bridge barriers limit safe areas to wait for help.

While it is sometimes necessary to exit a disabled vehicle, Florida law (Florida Statute § 316.071) requires drivers involved in a crash to move their vehicle off the roadway if possible, or otherwise take precautions to avoid further danger.

The family of the deceased Spring Hill man may be able to pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim. Under the Florida Wrongful Death Act (Florida Statutes 768.16–768.26), surviving family members may seek damages for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Mental pain and suffering of parents, spouse, or children
• Loss of companionship and support
• Loss of the deceased’s future income and household contributions

If investigators determine the 41-year-old driver of the Traverse was negligent—such as speeding, distracted, or failing to maintain control—she may be held liable. Even though the road was obstructed by a prior crash, drivers are expected to exercise caution when approaching accident scenes.

Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means damages may be reduced if the victim is found partially at fault (for example, by being on the roadway). However, this does not prevent recovery if another driver’s negligence contributed to the fatality.

Cases like this are particularly complex because they involve:

• Multiple collisions in a short timeframe.
• Questions of who had the last clear chance to prevent the fatality.
• Disputed liability among several drivers.
• Insurance coverage disputes, especially with wrongful death damages exceeding policy limits.

Accident reconstruction experts, roadway engineers, and witness testimony are often critical in piecing together liability in these scenarios.

For the grieving family of the Spring Hill man, this tragedy represents an unimaginable loss. While the criminal investigation continues, civil legal action may provide accountability and financial security for those left behind.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families of victims killed in complex crashes throughout Florida. We fight to uncover the truth, hold negligent drivers accountable, and pursue the maximum compensation allowed under the law.

If your loved one was killed in a Florida highway or bridge accident, call us at 305-638-4143 for a free, confidential consultation. We handle wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis — no fees unless we win.