Woman Killed, Man Critically Injured in Florida Keys Crash on U.S. 1

A tragic head-on collision on U.S. 1 in the Lower Keys claimed the life of a woman and left a man critically injured Tuesday morning, according to the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

The crash occurred around 11 a.m. near mile marker 19 on Summerland Key.

According to FHP, a 44-year-old woman driving a Kia sedan southbound drifted into the northbound lane and struck the front of a Ford pickup truck traveling lawfully in the opposite direction.

• The woman was transported to a Keys hospital, where she later died.
• A dog riding in her vehicle also died in the crash.
• The driver of the pickup, a 63-year-old Sugarloaf Key man, was airlifted to a Miami-Dade County hospital in critical condition.

Authorities noted that both drivers were wearing seatbelts. It remains under investigation whether alcohol played a role in the crash.

The Florida Highway Patrol also reported that while the victim’s residence was listed as Jacksonville, friends said she had recently moved back to the Keys, where she had strong community ties.

U.S. 1, the only roadway that connects the Florida Keys, is a notoriously dangerous stretch due to its:

• Two-lane design in many sections, making head-on crashes more likely.
• Heavy tourist traffic, especially during peak seasons.
• Limited shoulder space and areas with poor visibility.

Crashes on U.S. 1 often result in long closures since there are few alternate routes in the island chain.

Potential Legal Options for Victims

When a fatal or life-threatening crash occurs, multiple legal considerations may arise:

• Wrongful Death Claims – Surviving family members of the deceased woman may not have a claim if she was found at fault, but the family of the injured driver could potentially pursue compensation if negligence is confirmed.
• Personal Injury Claims – The injured man may be entitled to damages for medical bills, long-term care, lost income, and pain and suffering.
• Insurance Issues – Complexities often arise when determining liability, especially if impairment, distraction, or mechanical failure are suspected.

Filing a claim after a serious car accident generally involves:

1. Investigation – Law enforcement reports, witness statements, and medical records are collected.
2. Determining Liability – Establishing whether one or both drivers were negligent (e.g., drifting lanes, speeding, impairment).
3. Filing Claims with Insurance – Injured victims or their families typically file with the at-fault party’s insurer and may also pursue their own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage.
4. Litigation, if necessary – If a fair settlement cannot be reached, a lawsuit may be filed to seek justice and compensation in court.

In cases like this, the injured pickup truck driver and his family may have a strong claim against the deceased woman’s estate and insurance carrier if the evidence confirms she caused the collision.

Fatal and catastrophic crashes on U.S. 1 are devastating for victims, families, and communities across the Keys. While no amount of money can undo the loss or trauma, legal action can provide financial support for medical expenses, funeral costs, and the long-term impacts of such tragedies.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we are committed to guiding families through these complex cases with compassion and skill.

If you or a loved one has been affected by a serious crash in the Florida Keys, call us for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights and options for recovery.