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Tragic Two-Vehicle Crash on SW Williston Road Kills Two Children, Injures Two Adults
In a heartbreaking accident early Thursday morning, two young children lost their lives and two adults were hospitalized following a two-vehicle collision near the northbound I-75 on-ramp on SW Williston Road in Gainesville, Florida.
According to the Gainesville Police Department (GPD), the crash occurred around 6 a.m. on July 10, 2025. A 28-year-old woman from Gainesville was driving a 2019 Nissan Altima westbound on SW Williston Road. At the same time, a 49-year-old man from Williston was driving a 2013 Nissan van eastbound on the same road. The two vehicles collided in the intersection at the entrance to the I-75 northbound on-ramp.
Tragically, the crash resulted in the deaths of two children, an infant just six months old and a toddler, 22 months old, who were passengers in the Altima. Both children were rushed to the hospital but were pronounced dead shortly after arrival. The woman driving the Altima was also taken to the hospital with serious injuries. The driver of the van sustained minor injuries.
The GPD Traffic Unit is actively investigating the crash to determine the cause and contributing factors. Authorities have not released information regarding potential fault or whether speed, distraction, or a traffic violation may have played a role.
Legal Rights After a Fatal Car Accident in Florida
Fatal crashes involving children are particularly devastating and often raise important legal questions for grieving families. When a crash results in the death of a minor child, surviving family members may be entitled to file a wrongful death claim under Florida law.
The Florida Wrongful Death Act states that when a death is caused by another party’s negligence, recklessness, or wrongful act, the surviving family may pursue compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical expenses incurred before death
- Pain and suffering of the parents
- Loss of companionship and support
If the investigation finds that one driver failed to yield, was distracted, speeding, or otherwise negligent, that driver, and potentially their insurance company, could be held liable for the children’s deaths and the mother’s injuries.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
In Florida, wrongful death claims must be filed by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate on behalf of the surviving family members. In the case of minors, this typically involves the child’s legal guardian or parent.
A wrongful death claim must generally be filed within two years of the date of death. However, early legal consultation is strongly advised to ensure evidence is preserved and rights are protected.
Damages Available in a Gainesville Wrongful Death Claim
In cases like this, families may be entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical and funeral expenses
- Mental pain and suffering of surviving parents
- Loss of the child’s companionship and future potential
- Loss of services and support
Additionally, the injured adult may have an individual personal injury claim for their medical bills, pain and suffering, and any long-term disability or trauma resulting from the crash.
What to Do After a Tragic Car Accident
If you’ve lost a child or loved one in a car accident, it is vital to:
- Request the crash report from law enforcement.
- Preserve all evidence from the scene (photos, witness information, etc.).
- Seek legal counsel from a wrongful death attorney to begin investigating liability.
- Avoid speaking with insurance companies before speaking to an attorney.
Insurance companies often attempt to minimize payouts, even in tragic cases involving children. Having an experienced attorney ensures that you are not pressured into accepting a settlement that doesn’t reflect the true value of your loss.
At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we offer compassionate legal guidance to families facing unimaginable loss. Our team has extensive experience handling wrongful death claims, and we are committed to seeking justice for victims of negligent driving.
If your family has been affected by a fatal crash in Gainesville, call us today at (305) 638-4143 or fill out our online contact form for a free consultation.
