4-Year-Old, Woman Killed in Zephyrhills Car Accident
Two passengers died and multiple others were injured when a Nissan crossed the center line on Eiland Boulevard
A 4-year-old Dade City boy and a 40-year-old Zephyrhills woman were killed in a head-on collision on Eiland Boulevard early Saturday, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.
The crash occurred at 4:37 a.m. when a northbound Nissan Altima, driven by a 30-year-old Dade City man, crossed into the southbound lane south of Handcart Road. FHP reported that the Nissan collided nearly head-on with a southbound Hyundai Santa Fe driven by a 43-year-old Zephyrhills man.
Both vehicles rotated before coming to a final rest in the travel lanes. The boy was a passenger in the Nissan, and the woman was a passenger in the Hyundai.
Surviving occupants of both vehicles suffered non-life-threatening injuries and were taken to hospitals. Investigators have not determined why the Nissan drifted into oncoming traffic.
How common are fatal head-on collisions in Florida?
Head-on crashes represent a disproportionate number of traffic deaths statewide. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, speed differential and lane departures are primary factors in these severe impacts. In accidents such as this, crash reconstructionists examine roadway evidence to determine why a vehicle crossed the center line. Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal, noted that "Nobody thinks about the physics of a crash until it's much too late to slow down. Research indicates that the speed differential between two vehicles is actually the strongest predictor of whether someone survives the impact."
What is the status of the crash investigation?
The Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances that led the Nissan into the southbound lane. The surviving drivers and passengers are recovering from their injuries.
Florida wrongful death statute
Under Fla. Stat. § 768.16-768.26, surviving family members may file a wrongful death action. Florida applies modified comparative fault (51% bar). The statute of limitations is 2 years from the date of death.
Recoverable damages may include loss of support and services, loss of companionship, mental pain and suffering of survivors, and medical/funeral expenses.