Two Seriously Injured in Suspected DUI Crash in Glades County, Troopers Say

Florida Highway Patrol troopers are investigating a serious collision in rural Glades County after a 19-year-old driver allegedly lost control of his SUV, injuring a teenage passenger and a young child. The crash occurred Tuesday afternoon on Loblolly Bay Road and has resulted in multiple criminal charges.

Around 2:30 p.m., investigators say an SUV driven by 19-year-old Wyatt Milks of Fort Denaud was traveling westbound when he veered off the roadway and onto the grassy shoulder. The vehicle overturned, injuring two passengers—a 17-year-old girl and a 1-year-old boy.

Troopers report:

• The woman and the child both suffered serious injuries
• Milks sustained minor injuries
• The child was not in a car seat at the time of the crash

After being released from the hospital, Milks was arrested and charged with:

• DUI with serious bodily injury and property damage
• Child neglect for failing to secure the toddler in a child safety seat

The crash remains under active investigation.

Crashes involving impaired drivers are among the most preventable tragedies on Florida’s roads. When minors are involved—especially young children who rely entirely on adults for protection—the consequences become even more devastating.

Florida law requires children under 5 to be secured in an appropriate child restraint device. Failure to do so not only increases the risk of catastrophic injury, but can also lead to criminal child neglect charges, as seen in this case.

Civil liability after DUI crashes

Beyond the criminal case, DUI crashes almost always give rise to civil claims. Injured victims—or the families of injured minors—may pursue compensation for:

• Emergency medical care
• Ongoing treatment, rehabilitation, and therapy
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Future medical needs for injured children
• Lost income for parents who must care for an injured child

Unlike ordinary negligence cases, DUI crashes often allow for punitive damages under Florida law when the at-fault driver acted with reckless disregard for human life.

Special considerations when children are injured in crashes

When a child suffers injuries in a car crash, the legal process can become more complex. Issues may include:

• Court approval for settlements involving minors
• Long-term medical evaluations to determine future care needs
• Expert analysis on developmental impact
• Establishment of structured settlements or trusts to protect the child’s financial recovery

Because children are especially vulnerable, Florida courts take extra steps to ensure their interests are fully protected.

What families can do after a serious crash

After a traumatic event like this, families often feel overwhelmed, especially when facing criminal investigations, medical emergencies, and insurance companies that may attempt to minimize payouts. Acting quickly can be crucial.

An experienced injury attorney can help by:

• Preserving crucial evidence
• Working with investigators
• Communicating with insurers
• Ensuring victims receive appropriate medical resources
• Pursuing full compensation for all damages, including future needs

Flanagan & Bodenheimer is here to help injured families across Florida

Our firm has extensive experience handling DUI crash cases and catastrophic injuries involving children and teens. We know how overwhelming these situations can be, and we fight to ensure families receive justice, accountability, and the financial resources needed to move forward.

We offer:

• Free consultations
• No fees unless we recover compensation
• Direct access to our attorneys
• Immediate help with investigation and claim preservation

If your loved one was injured in a DUI crash anywhere in Florida, contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm today to discuss your legal rights and options.