
Orange Co., FL (March 2, 2025) – The Florida Highway Patrol responded to a fatal multi-vehicle collision on Saturday evening, March 1. Shortly before 11:00 p.m., the wreck occurred on the Central Florida Parkway near Whitley Place. Officials said a 2024 Toyota Camry and a 2024 BMW M2 were headed east on the Parkway in the outside lane just east of Whitley Place. Reports show the Camry was ahead of the BMW when the BMW was attempting to pass the Camry by changing lanes from the outside lane to the inside lane. The two vehicles collided when the BMW attempted to re-enter the outside lane.
The impact pushed both vehicles off of the roadway onto the south shoulder. The front of the Toyota Camry struck a light pole before continuing south, where it stopped after crashing into several trees. The rear passenger was ejected. An 18-year-old identified as Samuel Lahik lost his life in the crash. The 20-year-old driver of the Toyota was the lone survivor and was taken to Orlando Health Dr. Phillips Hospital with serious injuries. The front passenger of the Camry was pronounced deceased, while the rear passenger was taken to the hospital and later pronounced deceased. The 26-year-old male driver of the BMW and the 23-year-old female passenger, both residents of Orlando, also lost their lives in the collision.
We want to offer our sincere condolences to the families of the deceased. We also hope for the full recovery of the injured victim.
Florida Traffic Accidents
Traffic accidents are a frequent issue in Florida and across the United States. In 2023, the Sunshine State experienced approximately 397,000 traffic accidents, resulting in more than 3,000 fatalities. While fatal accidents decreased by about 6% compared to the previous year, traffic-related deaths continue to pose a significant concern. Florida also reported over 100,000 hit-and-run incidents, over 10,000 pedestrian-related fatalities, and more than 8,000 bicycle accidents. These figures place Florida among the top three states with the highest number of traffic collisions annually in the US.
Regrettably, the majority of traffic accidents in Florida and nationwide are attributed to driver negligence, a pressing issue over the past decade that accounts for over 90% of reported crashes. Some of the most prevalent forms of negligent driving include:
- Distraction
- Fatigue
- Speeding
- Intoxication
In one recent year, distracted driving caused over 400,000 traffic accidents across the United States. Additionally, speeding claimed more than 11,000 lives in 2022. If you have recently lost a loved one in a fatal traffic accident, working with a wrongful death lawyer could help you financially recover. A wrongful death lawyer in Orange County can help you secure the financial compensation you need to rebuild your life after such a devastating event.
At Neufeld and Kleinberg, we are committed to helping crash victims and their families recover in numerous ways. Our team can assist you in obtaining compensation for medical expenses, vehicle repairs, lost wages, and more. We understand the overwhelming challenges you may be facing, which is why our primary goal is to support people like you during this difficult time.
Contact Neufeld and Kleinberg at (305) 931-6666 to learn how we can help you navigate this grieving and challenging period of your life to move forward and achieve a full recovery.
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.