Two Young Children Killed in I-10 Crash Involving Tractor Trailers in Walton County

A tragic multi-vehicle crash on Interstate 10 in Walton County claimed the lives of two young children Sunday evening, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

Troopers say the crash occurred around 5:50 p.m. in the eastbound lanes of I-10 near mile marker 86. Investigators reported that a 34-year-old Bonifay man was driving an SUV with two child passengers — a 7-year-old girl and a 4-year-old boy — when the SUV rear-ended a tractor trailer traveling ahead of it.

Following the impact, the SUV overturned multiple times in the median. Authorities say a second tractor trailer then collided with the rear of the first commercial vehicle.

The two children died as a result of the crash. The SUV driver sustained serious injuries and was transported for medical treatment. Both tractor trailer drivers were not injured.

Eastbound lanes of I-10 were shut down while emergency crews responded, and westbound traffic was reduced to a single lane. FHP’s Commercial Motor Vehicle and Traffic Homicide teams are conducting a comprehensive investigation with assistance from the Walton County Sheriff’s Office.

Crashes involving passenger vehicles and tractor trailers often result in severe outcomes due to the size and weight disparity between vehicles. Even a single rear-end collision can escalate into a multi-impact incident, especially on high-speed interstates.

Common contributing factors in rear-end commercial vehicle crashes include:

• Following too closely
• Sudden traffic slowdowns
• Driver distraction
• Speed relative to conditions
• Commercial vehicle stopping or lane positioning

When a vehicle overturns after impact, occupants face an elevated risk of fatal injury.

Legal Considerations After a Fatal Commercial Vehicle Crash

When a crash results in death, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act (Fla. Stat. §§768.16–768.26) if negligence contributed to the incident.

Potential areas of investigation may include:

• Driver conduct and reaction time
• Commercial vehicle braking or positioning
• Traffic flow and roadway conditions
• Compliance with commercial vehicle safety regulations

Recoverable damages may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical costs related to emergency treatment
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Mental pain and suffering of surviving family members

Florida applies a modified comparative negligence rule (§768.81), meaning liability may be divided among parties based on each party’s conduct.

Law enforcement investigations focus on determining how the crash occurred and whether traffic laws were violated. They do not pursue civil compensation for grieving families.

An independent investigation may examine:

• Crash reconstruction and vehicle sequencing
• Commercial vehicle inspection and compliance records
• Driver logs and braking data
• Event data recorders
• Witness statements and camera footage
• Insurance coverage

Preserving this evidence early is critical in complex commercial vehicle crashes.

Compassionate Representation for Families After Fatal Crashes

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families throughout Florida who have lost loved ones in serious and fatal crashes, including those involving commercial trucks.

We understand that no legal action can undo such a devastating loss. Our role is to help families seek accountability, answers, and financial stability during an incredibly difficult time. We intentionally limit our caseload so clients work directly with experienced attorneys — not case managers.

Our firm can help by:

• Conducting an independent investigation
• Identifying all potentially liable parties
• Preserving critical evidence
• Handling communications with insurers
• Pursuing full compensation under Florida law

There are no upfront costs. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you.

📞 If your family has been affected by a fatal crash in Walton County or anywhere in Florida, contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer for a free, confidential consultation.