Teen Dead, Another Hospitalized After ATV Collides with Pickup Truck in Tampa: Legal Rights for Families

A tragic ATV crash in Tampa has left one teen dead and another critically injured, according to the Tampa Police Department (TPD). The collision occurred Sunday night and remains under active investigation as authorities work to determine exactly what led to the fatal incident.

Police say a 14-year-old boy and a 15-year-old boy were riding together on an ATV near the intersection of East 93rd Avenue and North 20th Street around 10:15 p.m. on Sunday.

According to TPD’s preliminary findings:

• The ATV failed to stop at a stop sign
• It entered the intersection
• The ATV collided with a pickup truck traveling through the area

The 14-year-old rider was pronounced dead at the scene. The 15-year-old passenger suffered severe injuries and remains hospitalized in critical condition.

The driver of the pickup truck stayed at the scene and cooperated fully with officers.

TPD has not yet determined the full cause of the crash. Several factors are being reviewed, including:

• Whether the ATV had proper lighting
• Road visibility and nighttime conditions
• Speed of both vehicles
• Whether the teens were wearing helmets
• Whether the ATV was legally permitted on public roads

Detectives are asking anyone with information or video footage to contact:

📞 TPD Non-Emergency Line: (813) 231-6130
📱 Anonymous Tip: Tip411

ATVs (all-terrain vehicles) are not designed for roadways. Their high center of gravity, lack of seat belts, and inability to brake or maneuver like a car make collisions with passenger vehicles extremely dangerous.

In Florida, many ATV-related fatalities involve:

• Teens operating ATVs without helmets
• ATVs being driven on public streets
• Failure to obey traffic signs
• Lack of visibility at night

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Florida consistently ranks among the states with the highest number of deadly ATV crashes each year.

Legal Options for Families After a Fatal ATV Crash

When a tragedy like this occurs, families often feel overwhelmed, confused, and unsure of their rights. Even when initial reports suggest that an ATV failed to stop at a sign, multiple parties may still share responsibility.

Below are potential areas of liability that should be investigated by an experienced Florida injury and wrongful death attorney:

1. Roadway or Intersection Hazards

Poor lighting, obstructed signs, faded road markings, and dangerous intersection design can all contribute to a fatal crash. If the intersection was unsafe, the city or county may bear partial liability.

2. Defective or Malfunctioning ATV

If the ATV had:

• Brake failure
• Steering problems
• Lighting defects
• Mechanical malfunctions

…the ATV manufacturer, parts manufacturer, or seller could be liable in a product liability claim.

3. Negligent Supervision or Entrustment

If the ATV belonged to someone who allowed minors to operate it unsafely, Florida law allows for claims against the vehicle’s owner for negligent entrustment.

Wrongful Death Claims in Florida

The family of the 14-year-old boy may be able to pursue compensation under the Florida Wrongful Death Act (§768.16–§768.26) for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of companionship
• Emotional suffering
• Loss of parental guidance (if the teen had younger siblings)

These cases require immediate legal action because evidence such as surveillance footage and witness accounts can disappear quickly.

The 15-year-old boy who survived with critical injuries may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses (including future care)
• Lost future earning capacity
• Permanent disability
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma

If the child is left with long-term impairments, life-care planning experts are often needed to calculate future needs.\

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer, we represent families throughout Florida who have lost loved ones or suffered catastrophic injuries due to preventable vehicle crashes—including ATV and off-road vehicle collisions.

Our firm offers:

• Free, confidential case evaluations
• No fees unless we win
• Direct access to your attorney
• Extensive experience with wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases

If your family has been impacted by this heartbreaking incident, you deserve answers, justice, and support.