
Fort Myers, FL (March 12, 2025) – A 17-year-old girl from Fort Myers lost her life after a collision on Gladiolus Drive on Wednesday morning, March 11. Information provided by the Florida Highway Patrol shows an 18-year-old man, also from Fort Myers, was operating a sedan headed east on the roadway, approaching a red light at Maida Lane. The 17-year-old girl was riding in the vehicle when the vehicle was involved in a crash. The wreck occurred when a 30-year-old Fort Myers man was stopped in his SUV on Gladiolus Drive in the left turn lane just before the light turned green. The 18-year-old driver failed to stop at the red light and entered the intersection, striking the passenger side of the other vehicle. The SUV was then redirected to the east, where it collided with a wastewater lift station. A third vehicle was reportedly damaged by debris from the crash. Police say both drivers were transported to the hospital with injuries. The 17-year-old girl lost her life at the scene. The identities of those involved have not been reported at this time as police continue to investigate.
We want to offer our sincere condolences to the family of the deceased victim.
Florida Traffic Collisions
Florida saw a significant number of traffic accidents in 2022, with over 397,000 reported, that led to approximately 3,500 deaths and approximately 250,000 injuries. This places the Sunshine State in the top ten states in the US with the most traffic-accident deaths.
Numerous factors contribute to the cause of auto accidents in Florida. Driver distraction is the main cause, taking the lives of over 270 people in 2022. That same year, approximately 55,000 distracted driving crashes were reported in Florida. Across the nation, driver distraction is a serious problem, taking the lives of more than 3,000 people per year.
Other common forms of driver negligence seen in the United States today include fatigue, speeding, and intoxication. Overall, driver negligence causes approximately 70% of the national accident fatality rate in the US.
Losing someone you love in a fatal traffic accident can be one of the most difficult experiences you ever go through. Depending on the circumstances of your family member’s crash, you may be able to file a wrongful death claim so you can get financial compensation for the losses and damages you have endured.
At Neufeld & Kleinberg, our wrongful death lawyers in Fort Myers can assist you in recovering damages for funeral expenses, vehicle repairs, lost wages, and more after a negligent driver’s actions have claimed the life of your loved one. Don’t hesitate to get the help you need at this challenging time—contact our legal team at (305) 931-6666 to discuss your case and start the process of collecting fair compensation for your loved one’s sudden and tragic death.
Note: This article is intended for informational purposes only. Our dedicated team compiles accident news reports using a variety of trusted external sources, such as local news outlets, official police reports, social media updates, and eyewitness statements regarding incidents in Florida. While we strive for accuracy, the facts in this post have not been independently verified by our writers. If you identify any inaccuracies, please contact Neufeld & Kleinfeld, PA, immediately, and we will promptly address any corrections. Posts can also be removed upon request.
Disclaimer: This post is not intended as a business solicitation. The information provided should not be interpreted as medical or legal advice. Additionally, the photo accompanying this post does not depict the accident scene described in this post.