Woman Fatally Struck While Walking on I-4 in Polk County, FHP Investigating Overnight Crash

Florida Highway Patrol troopers are investigating a tragic overnight crash on Interstate 4 that left a 24-year-old Tampa woman dead early Tuesday morning.

According to FHP, the crash occurred around 2:35 a.m. in the westbound lanes of I-4 near mile marker 27 in Polk County. Investigators said the woman was walking along the interstate when she entered the path of a Kia Forte driven by a 64-year-old Lakeland woman.

The impact resulted in fatal injuries. The driver remained at the scene and cooperated with law enforcement.

Troopers have not yet determined why the pedestrian was on the highway, and the investigation remains ongoing.

Interstate pedestrian fatalities have been rising across Florida in recent years due to several factors:

• Disabled vehicles and people exiting cars on the shoulder
• Pedestrians attempting to cross high-speed roadways
• Mental health emergencies or disorientation
• Lack of lighting in certain stretches of highway
• Distracted or fatigued drivers unable to react in time

Interstates like I-4, I-75, and Florida’s Turnpike are especially dangerous due to high speeds, limited visibility, and limited reaction time.

Even a split-second decision to step into a travel lane can lead to catastrophic consequences.

Determining Liability in Pedestrian Highway Crashes

Although pedestrians are generally prohibited from walking on interstates, liability is not automatically straightforward. Under Florida law, investigators must determine all contributing factors, including:

• Whether the driver was speeding or distracted
• Whether the pedestrian was already in the roadway due to an emergency
• Lighting, road visibility, and environmental conditions
• Whether the vehicle had time to safely brake or swerve
• Whether impairment played a role for either party

Florida follows comparative negligence (§768.81), meaning fault is divided between parties. Even if a pedestrian is partially responsible, surviving family members may still have the right to recover damages if the driver was also negligent.

Wrongful Death Rights for Families After Fatal Pedestrian Crashes

Families who lose loved ones on Florida highways may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim under the Florida Wrongful Death Act (§768.16–§768.26).

Compensation may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Lost financial support
• Mental pain and suffering for surviving family members
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Medical expenses incurred before death

Because interstate crashes involve fast-moving vehicles, commercial cars, and potentially multiple witnesses, it is crucial to investigate quickly to preserve evidence.

An attorney can help collect and analyze evidence such as:

• Dash-cam footage
• 911 recordings
• Event data recorder (“black box”) data from the vehicle
• Surveillance footage from nearby businesses or toll gantries
• Skid marks and roadway debris
• Toxicology reports
• Cellphone records
• Eyewitness statements

Identifying what happened in the moments before the crash is critical to determining liability.

Compassionate Legal Support for Families in Polk County and Across Florida

Losing a loved one in a sudden roadway tragedy is devastating, and families often struggle with unanswered questions about fault, responsibility, and what happens next. Our firm helps families navigate these complex cases with compassion, attention, and aggressive advocacy.

We offer:

• Free consultations
• No fees unless we recover compensation
• Direct access to your attorney—not case managers
• Immediate assistance with investigation and evidence preservation

If your family member was killed in a pedestrian crash on I-4 or anywhere in Florida, contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer today to understand your legal options and begin the path toward justice