Driver Killed During Head-On Crash with Dump Truck in Manatee County

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on May 16, 2023

The Florida Highway Patrol is currently investigating the deaths of three individuals after their vehicle was involved in a collision with a dump truck on C.R. 675 yesterday afternoon in Manatee County.

Although several details surrounding this fatal auto accident are still being discovered, preliminary reports from the Florida Highway Patrol indicate that it was shortly before 2:00 p.m. on Monday, May 15, 2023, when a 59-year-old man from Palmetto was driving a dump truck in the western direction of County Road 675, locally known as Rutland Road. At this same time, a 71-year-old driver and two passengers were heading in the eastbound direction of Rutland Road in a sport utility vehicle.

Authorities state that as both vehicles approached a curve along Rutland Road, something caused the driver of the dump truck to swerve over onto the northern shoulder. The 59-year-old man attempted to correct the vehicle’s position but instead swerved into the direct path of the oncoming sport utility vehicle. Neither driver was able to avoid a collision and the two vehicles were involved in a head-on crash.

Manatee County first responders and troopers with the Florida Highway Patrol were dispatched to the scene of the two-vehicle collision. Upon their arrival, they discovered that the 71-year-old driver of the SUV plus his 71-year-old and 80-year-old passengers, all from Plant City, had sustained severe, life-threatening injuries. These three victims did not survive and were pronounced dead by trained emergency professionals.

The 59-year-old driver of the dump truck was transported to Manatee Memorial Hospital in Bradenton where he received treatment for his injuries.

No further information is known at this time. Additional updates from the Florida Highway Patrol are expected at the conclusion of their investigation.

For over forty-six years and counting, Florida wrongful death lawyer James O. Cunningham has been compassionately representing the surviving family members who have tragically lost a loved one in an auto accident. If you would like to schedule a free 30-minute case evaluation, simply submit the short contact form on our website. To speak with an associate directly over the phone, please call our office at 877-FL-INJURY.

James O. Cunningham

Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.