Two Florida Teens Killed in I-95 Off-Ramp Crash in Hobe Sound

A tragic two-vehicle crash at the intersection of Interstate 95 and Bridge Road in Hobe Sound claimed the lives of two teenagers and left a third child seriously injured late Friday night, according to the Martin County Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Highway Patrol.

The crash occurred around 10:00 p.m. on January 2 as a small sedan exited the southbound I-95 off-ramp at Bridge Road. Investigators said the vehicle carrying three minors was struck in a T-bone collision by another vehicle at the intersection.

A 17-year-old boy, a student at Martin County High School, and a 16-year-old girl from Jupiter were transported by ambulance to Jupiter Medical Center, where both were pronounced dead. A 13-year-old passenger from the same vehicle was taken to St. Mary’s Medical Center with serious injuries.

The driver of the second vehicle, a Hobe Sound resident, sustained minor injuries. Authorities have not released identifying information for any of the individuals involved.

An off-duty paramedic arrived at the scene shortly after the crash and attempted life-saving measures until first responders took over.

Officials have not yet determined who was at fault in the collision. According to Martin County Sheriff John Budensiek, Florida Highway Patrol investigators will conduct a comprehensive traffic homicide investigation, including:

• Roadway measurements and crash reconstruction
• Review of vehicle data systems to assess speed
• Determination of seatbelt use
• Analysis of traffic patterns and sightlines at the intersection

Investigators will also evaluate whether roadway design, visibility, or traffic control devices played a role in the collision.

“This is a tragic way to start the new year,” Sheriff Budensiek said. “As a parent, this is horrifying beyond belief.”

Crashes at highway off-ramps and major intersections are particularly dangerous due to high speeds, limited reaction time, and complex traffic movements. Side-impact, or T-bone, collisions frequently result in severe or fatal injuries, especially for occupants seated on the impacted side of a vehicle.

Teen drivers and young passengers are especially vulnerable, and determining liability in these cases often requires extensive investigation.

Legal Options for Families After a Fatal Crash

When a crash results in the death of a child or teenager, Florida law allows surviving family members to pursue wrongful death claims if negligence contributed to the collision. Depending on the facts, liability may involve:

• Another driver’s failure to yield
• Speeding or reckless driving
• Poor intersection design or signage
• Visibility or lighting issues

Compensation in a wrongful death claim may include funeral and burial expenses, loss of companionship and support, mental pain and suffering, and medical costs incurred prior to death.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families facing unimaginable loss after serious and fatal car crashes throughout Martin County and South Florida. We intentionally maintain a small caseload so every family has direct access to an attorney during this difficult time.

Our firm can help by:

• Conducting an independent investigation
• Preserving crash evidence and vehicle data
• Reviewing law enforcement findings
• Working with accident reconstruction experts
• Identifying all potential sources of insurance coverage

There are no upfront costs. We only recover fees if compensation is obtained.

If your family was affected by the fatal crash at I-95 and Bridge Road in Hobe Sound, understanding your legal rights can help protect your future while investigators determine what went wrong.

Contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm for a free, confidential consultation. We represent families throughout Martin County and across South Florida.