December Review: 5 Recent Local Car Accidents in South Florida

As December begins to wind down and we welcome the new year, it is important to reflect on the road safety challenges faced in Palm Beach and Miami-Dade County this month.

Despite the festive holiday mood in the air, December has brought its share of car accidents as are common in South Florida.

Today we take a closer look at five notable car accidents that occurred locally in December. Our aim is not only to inform, but also to educate our readers about potential risks and how to safeguard against them. Read more about how to prevent car accidents here.

From hit-and-runs in Miami to Brightline collisions in Boca Raton, these incidents shed light on common causes of accidents during the holiday season and the importance of cautious driving.

As experienced injury lawyers serving Lake Worth, we understand the impact these events can have on individuals and families. In this recap, we hope to foster a deeper awareness and commitment to road safety in our community.

1. Car Strikes Brightline Train in Boca Raton

2. School Bus Crashes in Boynton Beach

3. Fuel Truck Explodes on Florida’s Turnpike

4. Miami Gardens Crash Leads to 3 Airlifted

5. Hit-and-Run Crash Leaves Miami Driver Seriously Injured

1. Car Strikes Brightline Train in Boca Raton

On Saturday, December 16^th, a car accident took place involving a vehicle colliding with a Brightline Train near West Hidden Valley Boulevard. The vehicle, carrying a sole occupant, collided with the train under circumstances that are still unclear. The driver was a man in his early thirties.

The man, fortunately, did not suffer serious injuries during the accident and was transported to a nearby hospital for evaluation. There were no additional passengers in the vehicle, and no injuries were reported among those on the Brightline Train.

The cause of the accident is still under investigation. Key factors under consideration include the wet weather conditions and the possibility of the driver trying to cross the railroad tracks without realizing the train’s approach at the intersection. Luckily, this crash was not fatal, but high-speed trains take many lives in South Florida. Remember to stay vigilant around railroad crossings, and don't try to beat the train.

2. School Bus Crash in Boynton Beach

On the morning of December 13^th, an accident involving a school bus occurred near Boynton Beach. According to the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office, the incident took place at the intersection of Gateway Boulevard and Lawrence Road.

Teri Barbera, representing the sheriff’s office, reported that the crash involved a total of three vehicles, one of which was a bus operated by Maranata School Bus Service.

Fortunately, neither the bus driver nor any of the children aboard the school bus sustained injuries. However, the drivers of the other two vehicles involved were transported to a nearby hospital for treatment of minor injuries, as per Barbera’s statement. This accident highlights the importance of safety in school zones, especially around buses carrying precious cargo.

3. Fuel Truck Explodes on Florida’s Turnpike

On Friday morning of December 8^th, a dramatic scene unfolded on Florida’s Turnpike near Boynton Beach when a fuel tanker truck crashed and burst into flames. The accident, which occurred on the Hypoluxo Road overpass, just north of Boynton Beach Boulevard, led to the closure of all highway lanes and caused extensive traffic delays for miles.

The incident happened shortly before 6 a.m., with the tanker truck being the sole vehicle involved. Remarkably, the driver managed to escape unharmed.

Palm Beach County Fire Rescue reported that the tanker, containing about 1,000 gallons of diesel and 7,500 gallons of gasoline, split open upon impact, leading to a significant blaze and a large plume of black smoke visible from the distance.

WPTV Chopper 5’s aerial footage showed the truck engulfed by fire in the northbound lanes, with fuel spilling and trailing down the Turnpike. The fire was so intense that Johann Hoffend, a reporter from WPTV Chopper 5, described the flames as “evil” and “just as mean as they get” during a live broadcast.

Firefighters from Palm Beach County Fire Rescue were quickly on the scene, tackling the flames with a mix of water and foam. Their efforts were successful, as the fire was completely extinguished by around 7:30 a.m., leaving the wreck smothered in white foam.

Palm Beach County Fire Rescue’s Special Operations Team, experts in handling hazmat emergencies and technical rescues, took command of the operation. They led a coordinated effort, involving eighteen vehicles and dozens of firefighters, to control the fire.

Their strategic response included building a dam to contain the fuel and prevent the fire from spreading further. By Friday afternoon, the lanes on the highway were reopened, marking the end of a challenging and potentially hazardous situation.

4. Miami Gardens Crash Leads to 3 Airlifted

The morning of December 5^th saw a severe car accident in Miami Gardens requiring emergency air transport for three individuals to the Ryder Trauma Center at Jackson Memorial Hospital, as confirmed by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.

The collision involved a Miami Gardens police vehicle near the intersection of Northwest 27th Avenue and 167th Street. Aerial footage captured by Sky 10 around 6 a.m. revealed a white police SUV at the scene, bearing significant front and side damage.

Police reports state that the incident occurred shortly after 2:40 a.m. during a routine patrol. The police SUV was struck on the side by a black Dodge Charger traveling west on 167th Street as the officer was moving south on 27th Avenue.

The impact was due to the Charger's driver running a red light, leading to the police vehicle crashing into the highway's exterior walls.

Officer Diana Delgado commented, “We’re currently unsure if the vehicle was speeding, but it certainly ran the red light and collided with our officer, who was on normal patrol without his lights or sirens on.”

The Miami-Dade Fire Rescue team airlifted the police officer and two passengers from the Charger to the hospital. While the officer is expected to recover, the two other individuals are in critical condition. The investigation into the specifics of the crash is still underway.

5. Hit-and-Run Crash Leaves Miami Driver Seriously Injured

Early morning on December 1^st in Miami, a serious hit-and-run accident left one driver with significant injuries, as confirmed by local authorities.

The accident led to a temporary shutdown of the Dolphin Expressway at Northwest 27th Avenue in both directions while law enforcement officers conducted a search for the fleeing driver. Additionally, Northwest 27th Avenue was closed between 11th Street and 14th Street.

The collision, reported at about 4:40 a.m. at the intersection of Northwest 27th Avenue and 11th Street, involved a red Toyota traveling south and a black Chevrolet Suburban heading north. After the collision, the driver of the SUV continued to Northwest 14th Street before abandoning the vehicle and fleeing on foot.

The male driver of the Toyota sustained severe injuries but is expected to pull through. “The injured driver is currently hospitalized and facing a lengthy recovery," stated Miami police Officer Michael Vega, a spokesperson for the department.

The ongoing search for the driver who fled the scene has been intensive. Surveillance footage captured him running through a nearby gas station, then vanishing into the early morning darkness.

Officer Vega noted, "We immediately set up a perimeter to search for the suspect. Our investigation is still in its early stages as we try to ascertain the reasons behind the driver's flight from the accident scene." Being the victim of a hit-and-run is unfortunate and often unavoidable. But from this accident we can see the consequences of hit-and-runs, and why it's important to take accountability.

Conclusion

As we conclude our review of recent local car accidents in Palm Beach and Miami Dade Counties, road safety remains the biggest concern for all of us. Each accident we have discussed not only highlights the risks of the road, but also underscores the importance of vigilance and responsible driving.

Car Accident Injury Lawyer in Lake Worth

At Fischetti Law Group, our commitment extends beyond providing expert legal representation to those affected by car accidents. We strive to be a resource for accident awareness and safety measures that help reduce these accidents.

However, should you or a loved one find yourselves needing an injury lawyer in Lake Worth, know that our experienced team is here to offer compassionate, professional support and guidance.

Navigating the aftermath of a car accident can be overwhelming, but you do not have to face it alone.

Our expertise in handling personal injury cases in Lake Worth ensures that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve. We encourage anyone impacted by a recent accident to reach out to us for a consultation. Call or text 833-MIKE-247.

Let us all commit to making our roads safer as we move forward. Stay informed, stay vigilant, and remember, Fischetti Law Group is here to help with any legal needs arising from car accidents in the Lake Worth area. Stay safe, and take care on the roads.