Two Southwest Florida Men Killed, One Critically Injured in Hardee County Crash Involving Semi Truck

A devastating crash in Hardee County has left two Southwest Florida men dead and another critically injured following a collision between a passenger vehicle and a semi tractor-trailer, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

FHP reports the crash occurred Tuesday at the intersection of County Road 663 and State Road 64.

According to investigators:

• A 2025 Kia was traveling northbound on County Road 663 and approaching a stop sign at State Road 64.
• At the same time, a semi tractor-trailer was traveling eastbound on State Road 64.
• Troopers say the Kia failed to yield the right of way and entered the intersection.
• The front of the Kia then collided with the trailer portion of the semi truck.

The crash had tragic consequences:

• The driver of the Kia, a 35-year-old man from Fort Myers, was pronounced dead at the scene.
• A 22-year-old passenger from Cape Coral was also pronounced dead at the scene.
• A 25-year-old passenger from Fort Myers suffered critical injuries and was transported to a local hospital.
• The 71-year-old driver of the semi truck, from Wauchula, was not injured, according to FHP.

The crash remains under investigation.

Crashes involving commercial trucks are often catastrophic due to the sheer size and weight of tractor-trailers. Even when a passenger vehicle strikes the trailer portion of a semi, the results can be deadly.

Failure-to-yield collisions at rural intersections are especially dangerous because:

• Speed limits are often higher
• Visibility may be limited
• There is little room for evasive maneuvers
• Tractor-trailers require long stopping distances

In fatal truck crashes, investigators often examine:

• Sightlines and signage at the intersection
• Whether stop signs or warnings were clearly visible
• Speed and reaction times of all vehicles
• Whether roadway design contributed to the collision

Legal Options After a Fatal Truck Crash in Florida

When a fatal crash occurs, surviving family members may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim under Florida law. These cases are complex, particularly when a commercial vehicle is involved.

Potential compensation may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support and services
• Loss of companionship, guidance, and protection
• Mental pain and suffering
• Medical expenses incurred prior to death

Even when a failure to yield is alleged, a full legal investigation is critical. Roadway design, visibility, signage placement, and commercial vehicle compliance may all play a role.

How Flanagan & Bodenheimer Helps Families After Fatal Crashes

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families who have lost loved ones in serious and fatal motor vehicle accidents, including truck and semi-trailer crashes across Florida.

Our firm intentionally limits its caseload so families receive direct, personal attention from experienced wrongful death attorneys. We promptly work to:

• Conduct an independent crash investigation
• Review FHP reports and scene evidence
• Analyze roadway conditions and intersection design
• Preserve vehicle and trucking company records
• Identify all available insurance coverage

Families pay nothing upfront. We only collect a fee if we recover compensation.

If your family has been affected by a fatal or catastrophic crash involving a semi truck, you do not have to navigate this difficult time alone.

📞 Contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm for a free, confidential consultation. We represent families throughout Hardee County, Southwest Florida, and statewide.