An 85-year-old man died and another person is on life support following a crash on Seminole Boulevard in Seminole, Fla., on July 13, 2026. The collision involved a Genesis GV80 and a Chrysler PT Cruiser.
What Happened: Fatal Collision on Seminole Blvd
According to the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, the crash occurred around 6:02 p.m. as an 18-year-old woman from St. Petersburg drove a Genesis GV80 southbound on Seminole Boulevard. The accident happened at the intersection with 50th Avenue North.
The 85-year-old driver of a Chrysler PT Cruiser attempted to turn west onto 50th Avenue and failed to yield, resulting in the collision. The passenger in the PT Cruiser, a 20-year-old man, was critically injured and remains on life support. Emergency responders arrived swiftly, but unfortunately, the PT Cruiser driver succumbed to his injuries at the hospital.
The investigation continues, with authorities ruling out speed and impairment as factors. For more details, see ABC Action News.
Who Is Liable for This Crash?
Driver Negligence
The primary liability appears to rest with the Chrysler PT Cruiser driver who failed to yield while turning. According to Florida law, drivers must yield to oncoming traffic when making turns.
Your Legal Rights Under Florida Law
In cases involving fatalities, the Florida Wrongful Death Act (Fla. Stat. § 768.19) allows surviving family members to seek damages. Florida's Personal Injury Protection (PIP) laws (Fla. Stat. § 627.736) require drivers to carry insurance that covers immediate medical expenses and lost wages.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Victims or their families may seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and wrongful death damages. The range varies based on the specifics of the case:
| Damage Type | Typical Range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Medical bills and future care | $150000 to $500000 | Emergency, surgery, rehab, ongoing treatment |
| Lost wages and earning capacity | $50000 to $200000 | Past and future income loss |
| Pain and suffering | $200000 to $1000000 | Physical pain, emotional distress, trauma |
| Wrongful death damages | $500000 to $3000000 or more | Funeral costs, loss of companionship, financial support |
Critical Deadlines - Do Not Wait
Act quickly. Commercial vehicle black boxes overwrite data within 30 days, surveillance footage from businesses and traffic cameras is typically deleted within 60 to 90 days, witnesses move and memories fade, and insurance companies begin building their defense the same day as the crash.
Legal Theories That Apply to This Crash
Negligence is the primary legal theory here, as the PT Cruiser driver's failure to yield led to the fatal crash. Wrongful death claims are applicable due to the fatality.
7 Immediate Steps to Protect Your Rights
- Seek medical care immediately - Even if feeling fine, delayed injuries are common and gaps in treatment hurt claims.
- Obtain the FHP crash report number - Request the full report for detailed documentation.
- Photograph everything at the scene - Include road markings, skid marks, vehicle positions, and injuries.
- Do not speak to the at-fault driver's insurance company - Without an attorney, anything you say can be used to reduce your claim.
- Preserve your vehicle - Do not authorize any repairs until an accident reconstructionist or attorney inspects it.
- Save every receipt, medical record, bill, and correspondence - Related to the crash for evidence.
- Contact a personal injury attorney immediately - Your deadline is July 13 2028 and early action protects critical evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue after a car crash in Seminole, Florida?
Yes, if you or a loved one were affected by the Seminole crash, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit. It's essential to understand the specifics and consult with a legal professional.
How much is a Seminole car accident settlement worth in 2026?
The value of a settlement can vary significantly based on the severity of injuries, fault, and other factors. Consulting with legal experts can provide a clearer estimate.
What if the at-fault driver had no insurance in Florida?
Florida law requires drivers to carry minimum insurance, but if they lack coverage, you may need to seek compensation through your own uninsured motorist policy.
How long does a Florida wrongful death lawsuit take?
On average, wrongful death lawsuits can take anywhere from several months to a few years, depending on the complexity of the case and willingness of parties to settle.
What is the statute of limitations for car accidents in Florida?
The statute of limitations for personal injury from car accidents in Florida is two years from the date of the accident, as per Fla. Stat. § 95.11(4)(a).
Should I accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer?
Generally, it's wise to consult an attorney before accepting any settlement offers, as initial offers may not fully cover your expenses.
Does Florida have a cap on damages in car accident cases?
Florida does not have a cap on compensatory damages for car accident cases, but there may be limits on punitive damages.
What is comparative negligence and how does it affect my Florida car accident case?
Florida follows the modified comparative negligence rule, where your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. Being over 50% at fault bars recovery.
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