South Florida Personal Injury Lawyers Blog
A tragic head-on crash in Florida drew national attention this month after an 18-year-old driver traveling the wrong way struck another vehicle, killing herself and leaving a 21-year-old father with severe injuries. The collision, reported by People.com on October 23, 2025, occurred on a divided highway late at night, underscoring the continuing danger of wrong-way driving across the state. Every year, dozens of Florida families face similar loss or catastrophic injury when a driver crosses into oncoming lanes.
When wrong-way crashes occur, victims and surviving families often face complex liability questions. Determining responsibility involves more than showing which car entered the opposing lane. Investigators must evaluate roadway design, signage visibility, lighting, and whether alcohol, fatigue, or distraction played a role. For those left behind, understanding the civil remedies available under Florida law is an essential first step toward recovery.
Legal Responsibility in Wrong-Way Collisions
Florida law defines negligence as the failure to exercise reasonable care under the circumstances. In wrong-way accidents, that failure may come from driver impairment, excessive speed, distraction, or reckless decision-making. A driver who enters opposing traffic generally bears primary responsibility for resulting injuries and fatalities. However, liability can extend beyond the driver in some cases.
Bars, restaurants, and stores that serve alcohol to a visibly intoxicated or underage person can face potential exposure under Florida’s dram-shop statute. Municipalities or highway agencies may also share liability if missing signage, poor lighting, or inadequate median barriers contributed to the crash. These overlapping issues make early legal investigation critical, particularly when multiple insurers or public entities are involved.
Wrongful Death and Survivor Claims Under Florida Law
Families who lose a loved one in a wrong-way collision can bring a wrongful-death claim under Florida Statutes section 768.19. This action allows a personal representative to seek compensation for funeral costs, medical expenses, loss of companionship, and loss of financial support. Parents may claim damages for the loss of a minor child, while spouses and children can recover for mental pain and suffering.
In catastrophic injury cases, surviving victims may pursue claims for medical expenses, lost income, disability, and long-term care. Many wrong-way collisions involve permanent impairment requiring years of rehabilitation or adaptive equipment. Experienced injury attorneys work with medical and economic experts to calculate future losses accurately and present those findings to insurers or juries.
Common Causes of Wrong-Way Crashes in Florida
While every collision has unique facts, investigators frequently identify several recurring factors:
- Alcohol and drug impairment remain the leading causes;
- Late-night and early-morning travel increases the risk due to fatigue, poor lighting, and reduced visibility of signage;
- Ramp confusion occurs when a driver mistakenly enters a highway exit instead of an entrance ramp; and
- Inadequate barriers or missing directional signs make it easier for impaired or disoriented drivers to cross medians.
Each of these elements plays a role in assigning liability. For example, if a city failed to maintain clear “Do Not Enter” signs, that failure may contribute to the chain of negligence and open the door to municipal responsibility.
How Insurance and Fault Interact After a Fatal Crash
Even when the fault seems clear, recovering damages from insurance can be difficult. Florida’s no-fault insurance system limits direct recovery from a negligent driver unless injuries meet the serious-injury threshold defined in section 627.737 of the Florida Statutes. Wrong-way crashes often meet this standard because they involve high speeds and severe impact. Victims may also bring claims under uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage if the at-fault driver lacks adequate limits.
Families dealing with wrongful death must navigate both personal injury protection (PIP) benefits and liability policies. Insurers sometimes dispute coverage or delay payment while fault investigations continue. Having counsel familiar with Florida’s insurance framework ensures that notice deadlines are met and that all available sources of recovery are pursued.
Steps Families Should Take After a Wrong-Way Collision
Acting quickly after a fatal or severe injury crash can make the difference between securing fair compensation and losing crucial evidence. Families should:
- Request the full traffic-crash report and any available toxicology results;
- Preserve photographs, dash-cam footage, or social-media posts related to the event;
- Avoid direct communication with the at-fault driver’s insurance company before speaking with legal counsel; and
- Keep receipts and statements for medical, funeral, and counseling expenses.
These documents help build the factual record that supports claims for damages.
Public Safety Measures to Prevent Wrong-Way Crashes
Florida continues to install more prominent Wrong Way / Do Not Enter signs and add electronic detection systems on major highways. When sensors detect a driver entering against traffic, alerts notify nearby vehicles and law enforcement. While these efforts reduce incidents, they cannot eliminate the risk. Families affected by wrong-way collisions should know they have legal remedies to hold negligent parties accountable and promote safer road design statewide.
Speak With a Florida Car Accident Lawyer About Your Rights
Wrong-way crashes cause devastating loss, and the aftermath can feel overwhelming. Legal guidance helps families focus on recovery while professionals handle investigation, insurance negotiations, and litigation if necessary.
If you or someone you love has been injured or killed in a wrong-way collision, contact Friedman Rodman Frank & Estrada, P.A. Our attorneys represent victims and families across Florida in car accident, wrongful-death, and severe-injury cases. Call (305) 448-8585 for a free consultation to discuss your rights, available insurance coverage, and next steps toward recovery.