Tallahassee, FL — May 9, 2025, One person was killed following a car accident that occurred at around 10:15 P.M. on Interstate 10.

An investigation is underway following a car accident that left one person dead during the evening hours of May 9th. According to official reports, a sedan was traveling on Interstate 10 in the eastbound lanes near HIghway 209, when the vehicle made evasive actions in an attempt to avoid hitting an SUV in front of it, however the two vehicle ultimately collided. The impact caused the sedan to leave the roadway and travel down an embankment where it struck two trees, meanwhile the SUV veered into a grass median.

When first responders arrived on the scene, they found that the 31-year-old driver of the had sustained fatal injuries and they were pronounced deceased. At this time there has been no further information released from the accident, including the identity of the deceased driver, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released by authorities in the future.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a driver takes evasive action to avoid a collision but ultimately crashes with serious consequences, the investigation must closely examine the sequence of decisions and vehicle responses. The May 9th crash on eastbound Interstate 10, where a sedan collided with an SUV and then traveled down an embankment before hitting two trees, resulting in the driver’s death, underscores the complexity of such incidents. To determine what led to this fatal outcome, three essential questions must guide the investigation.

First, was the scene thoroughly analyzed to understand vehicle positions, timing, and impact dynamics? Investigators should assess the traffic flow at the time of the crash, visibility conditions, and whether the SUV in front had braked or changed lanes unexpectedly. Skid marks, debris patterns, and the point at which the sedan left the roadway are critical for reconstructing the sequence of events. This includes confirming whether the sedan had sufficient distance and time to react and if the SUV's movements created a hazard.

Second, has the possibility of a mechanical failure or electronic safety system malfunction been considered in either vehicle? If the sedan experienced compromised braking, steering, or electronic stability control during the evasive maneuver, this may have contributed to the loss of control. It’s also important to determine whether vehicle safety systems—such as lane departure warnings or automatic emergency braking—were installed and functioning, particularly given the high-speed and high-risk nature of interstate travel.

Third, has electronic data from both vehicles been retrieved and reviewed? Both the sedan and SUV are likely equipped with electronic control modules (ECMs) that record key data like speed, throttle position, brake application, and steering input. This information can help establish how quickly the sedan was approaching the SUV, whether evasive action was initiated in time, and how the vehicle responded to the driver's commands. If dash cam or traffic surveillance footage is available, it can further support the digital findings and clarify any conflicting accounts.

Crashes involving sudden evasive maneuvers and secondary impacts—like striking fixed objects after an initial collision—are often more complex than they first appear. These three questions—focused on physical evidence, vehicle systems, and electronic data—form the foundation of a thorough and reliable investigation. Only by answering them can the circumstances of this fatal crash be fully understood and lessons drawn to improve road safety in similar situations.