Two Dead in SR-31 Crash in Charlotte County

Two people were killed Sunday in a head-on crash along State Road 31 (SR-31) near Bermont Road in Charlotte County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

Authorities said the collision involved two vehicles traveling in opposite directions, prompting officials to close SR-31 in both directions between Bermont Road and the DeSoto County Line for several hours as troopers investigated.

Investigators say a 22-year-old man driving a sedan northbound on SR-31 crossed over the centerline into the southbound lane, colliding head-on with a vehicle driven by a 63-year-old woman.

Both drivers were pronounced dead at the scene. No passengers were reported in either vehicle.

The crash caused significant traffic delays as emergency responders, troopers, and cleanup crews worked through the afternoon.

Residents who frequently travel on State Road 31 told Gulf Coast News that speeding and reckless passing are persistent dangers on this rural stretch of highway.

“I see people fly all the time and get very impatient, often trying to pass on opportunities that shouldn’t be happening,” said Catitlin Gaudinier, a local driver. “That probably contributes to a lot of the accidents that happen and then shuts everything down because there’s no way to get around.”

Another driver, Verna Wagner, echoed those concerns, saying,

“You have to be very careful. You’re always afraid someone’s going to hit you because they’re going too fast and there’s a lot of stop-and-goes.”

These first-hand accounts reflect what many rural Florida drivers experience: narrow lanes, limited visibility, and high-speed impatience — a combination that can easily turn deadly.

State Road 31, which runs from Lee County to DeSoto County, has long been considered a high-risk roadway due to its two-lane layout and limited passing zones.

In response to mounting crash statistics, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) is investing $85 million into a widening project to expand SR-31 into a four-lane divided highway.

The goal of the project — expected to be completed by mid-2027 — is to:

• Reduce head-on collisions by adding median dividers.
• Improve traffic flow for daily commuters.
• Provide safer passing opportunities for motorists.
• Reduce congestion near rural intersections and driveways.

While the expansion project promises long-term safety improvements, local residents say driver behavior remains the most immediate threat.

Head-On Collisions: Why They’re So Deadly

Head-on crashes are among the most violent types of traffic accidents, often resulting in fatalities even at moderate speeds. When two vehicles collide front-to-front, the combined force of impact can exceed 100 mph of energy — leaving occupants little chance of survival.

Common causes of head-on collisions include:

• Crossing the centerline due to distraction, fatigue, or impairment.
• Improper passing on undivided highways.
• Excessive speeding or tailgating on rural roads.
• Poor lighting or roadway visibility at night.
• Medical emergencies or driver confusion.

In this case, investigators believe the 22-year-old driver’s northbound lane departure was the initial cause, though toxicology reports and witness statements may provide additional insights.

Legal Rights for Families After a Fatal Crash

When a loved one is killed in a car accident caused by another driver’s negligence or recklessness, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim under Florida Statutes §§768.16–768.26 (Florida Wrongful Death Act).

A wrongful death lawsuit can help recover compensation for:

• Funeral and burial costs
• Medical expenses related to the fatal crash
• Lost financial support and benefits the deceased would have provided
• Pain, suffering, and mental anguish
• Loss of companionship and guidance

Even when both drivers perish, their insurance policies may still provide coverage for surviving dependents or estates through bodily injury liability or uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.

An experienced Florida car accident lawyer can review the circumstances of the crash and identify all potential sources of recovery, including vehicle owners, insurers, and government agencies responsible for roadway design or signage.

Under Florida’s comparative negligence law (F.S. §768.81), fault may be shared between drivers in a fatal collision. This means that if both drivers contributed to the crash — even unintentionally — damages may be divided based on each party’s percentage of responsibility.

This system ensures that families can still pursue justice even when the facts are complex or when both drivers are deceased.

How Flanagan & Bodenheimer Helps Families After Fatal Crashes

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families throughout Florida who have lost loved ones in car, truck, and motorcycle crashes caused by negligence.

Our firm’s attorneys conduct independent investigations, collaborate with accident reconstruction experts, and handle every aspect of the case — from dealing with insurance adjusters to litigating in court.

When you choose our firm, you can expect:

• Direct communication with an experienced attorney, not case managers.
• No upfront costs — we only get paid if we win.
• Access to experts in accident reconstruction, forensics, and roadway design.
• A firm that takes on complex and challenging cases other firms often decline.
• Personalized representation — we intentionally handle a small caseload to ensure quality attention for every client.

Our mission is to help families find accountability, closure, and financial relief after preventable tragedies.

Contact a Florida Wrongful Death and Car Accident Attorney

If you lost a loved one in a fatal head-on collision on SR-31 or any other Florida roadway, the attorneys at Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm are here to help.

You pay no fees unless we win, and we handle every part of your claim with the care and dedication your family deserves.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer, we fight to uncover the truth — and ensure those responsible for fatal crashes are held accountable.

📞 Call 305-638-4143 or contact us online for a free consultation in English or Spanish.