Tragedy struck earlier this month when two lives were lost in a violent two-car collision on Colonial Drive in Orlando. According to reports from the Florida Highway Patrol, the collision occurred near Hiawassee Road and involved a vehicle attempting a left turn into a parking lot. That car entered the path of an oncoming vehicle traveling in the opposite direction. The resulting crash left both occupants of the turning vehicle fatally injured, and the other driver was hospitalized.
Accidents like this are sudden and devastating. For the surviving families, the grief often mixes with confusion, financial pressure, and unanswered questions. In Florida, families who lose loved ones under such circumstances may be eligible to file a wrongful death claim.
What Qualifies as a Wrongful Death in Florida?
Under Florida Statutes Section 768.19, a wrongful death occurs when a person’s death is caused by the “wrongful act, negligence, default, or breach of contract or warranty” of another. This can include fatal car accidents resulting from careless driving, improper turns, failure to yield, distracted driving, or any violation of traffic safety laws.
The right to file a wrongful death lawsuit belongs to the personal representative of the deceased’s estate. This representative acts on behalf of surviving family members, such as a spouse, children, or parents, who suffer emotional and financial loss as a result of the death.
Why Left Turns Often Lead to Fatal Collisions
Left-hand turns are among the most dangerous maneuvers on Florida roads. Drivers turning left must yield to all oncoming traffic unless a traffic signal explicitly allows the turn. Even a momentary misjudgment in speed or distance can result in a high-speed impact, especially when the oncoming vehicle has the right of way. In many deadly crashes, including the recent incident on Colonial Drive, this single decision becomes the focal point of a wrongful death investigation.
When a driver enters the path of an oncoming car while turning left, courts often find that driver primarily responsible. In wrongful death claims, attorneys may use traffic camera footage, crash reconstruction experts, and witness statements to determine whether the driver failed to yield or acted too aggressively given the traffic conditions. Proving that a left turn was unsafe under the circumstances can establish legal liability and open the door to compensation for the surviving family.
Who Has the Right of Way in Florida Left-Turn and Parking Lot Crashes?
Liability in left-turn and parking lot accidents can quickly become a point of dispute, especially when injuries or fatalities occur. Florida law generally places the burden on the driver making the left turn to yield to oncoming traffic. That driver must ensure the path is clear before crossing. However, when the crash happens in or near a parking lot, the dynamics shift. Drivers entering or exiting lots must follow standard yielding rules, but there is often confusion about who had the right of way in shared spaces.
Unlike main road intersections controlled by signals, parking lots rely on implied yielding. A driver pulling out of a parking space must wait for oncoming traffic in through lanes, and any driver cutting across lanes or ignoring stop signs in the lot may share fault. Courts often weigh dashcam footage, security video, debris spread, and crash angles to determine liability. Even minor differences in speed or reaction time can influence the outcome. This makes early investigation critical for anyone seriously injured, or for families who lost a loved one in such a crash.
Speak with a Florida Wrongful Death Attorney at Friedman, Rodman, Frank & Estrada
If your family is reeling from a fatal crash like the one on Colonial Drive, you do not have to go through this alone. Friedman, Rodman, Frank & Estrada is a Florida personal injury firm with decades of experience handling wrongful death cases. The firm is dedicated to helping families secure the compensation and closure they need after life-changing events. Call (877) 448-8585 today to speak with an attorney about your situation and your rights.