For a state mostly at sea level, Florida does have tunnels, which include the New River and Port Miami tunnels. If you suffered injuries or property damage in a recent vehicle collision, you need to understand who is liable for a car accident in a tunnel in Florida. The driver or other party whose negligence led to the tunnel collision is liable for its financial aftermath.
AFort Myers car accident lawyer can investigate your accident and identify the negligent party. They can also clarify your financial recovery options and deal with the at-fault driver and their insurance company for you. Local law firms typically offer a free consultation with a team member—a chance to learn about your rights and the liable party’s responsibilities.
Potentially Liable Parties for a Car Accident in a Tunnel in Florida
A car crash in a tunnel can have many different causes. The key to financial recovery is identifying the negligent part and proving their negligence. Potentially liable parties can include:
- Another driver whose actions caused the crash. Examples include distracted driving, speeding, tailgating, or other forms of negligence.
- The party responsible for bridge maintenance. AnApril 2025 accident in the New River Tunnel in Fort Lauderdale, for example, was caused by falling concrete.
A Fort Myers car accident lawyer can investigate your crash and collect evidence that supports your compensation claim.
Additional potentially liable parties include vehicle manufacturers in cases involving defective parts, such as malfunctioning brakes or steering systems. A municipality or state agency might also be liable if poor lighting, inadequate signage, or drainage issues contributed to the accident.
Contractors or third-party maintenance companies hired to perform work in the tunnel may also bear fault if their negligence in setting up safe work zones, clearing debris, or securing materials created a
How to Prove Negligence and Financial Liability for a Car Crash
After a car crash in a tunnel, your attorney will build a case file that proves the required elements of negligence—duty, breach, causation, and damages. Evidence in your case file can include your police report, accident reconstruction, vehicle and tunnel debris, and witness statements.
Photos and videos from dashboard cameras or traffic surveillance can also be powerful tools in clarifying how the crash occurred. These visuals help recreate the accident scene, especially in tunnels where visibility is limited and conditions can change rapidly.
In some cases, engineers or accident reconstruction specialists may be called upon to analyze the tunnel’s structure and identify physical or design defects that contributed to the incident. Their expert testimony can help establish liability in cases involving infrastructure failure.
Damages the Liable Party Could Incur For a Car Accident in a Florida Tunnel
After a car accident, you can recover two types of damages—economic and non-economic. Your non-economic damages can include:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental and emotional distress
- Disabilities and disfigurement
Your recoverable economic damages can include:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Property repair or replacement
If your family lost a loved one in a tunnel accident, you can also recoverwrongful death damages.
You may also be entitled to compensation for future losses such as ongoing therapy, long-term medical care, reduced earning potential, and home modifications required due to a permanent disability.
In wrongful death claims, surviving family members may be compensated for loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and the decedent’s pain and suffering prior to death.
You Have a Limited Time to Sue the At-Fault Party
Your right to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit is limited to two years, according toFlorida Statutes § 95.11. You generally have six months to notify a government agency or municipality of your claim, according toFlorida Statutes § 768.28.
If you miss the filing deadline, the court could refuse to accept your lawsuit. AFort Myers personal injury lawyer can help you understand and comply with the mandatory filing deadline.
Given the complexity of identifying liable public entities and filing proper notices, having legal counsel ensures your claim is protected from technical errors that could jeopardize your case.
Complexities of Tunnel Accidents and Legal Investigations
Tunnels create an enclosed environment that amplifies risks during collisions, including limited escape routes, poor air circulation, and blocked traffic flow. If a multi-car pileup occurs, the situation can escalate quickly, leading to more severe injuries and complicating liability determinations.
Tunnels may also involve shared jurisdiction between local, state, and federal agencies, which can complicate access to maintenance records and surveillance footage. A lawyer familiar with Florida’s transportation infrastructure and public records process can help overcome these challenges.
Insurance negotiations also become more challenging when multiple parties or government bodies are involved. An experienced attorney can ensure that your rights are protected during discussions and that insurers do not undervalue your claim.
Choose a Legal Team That Delivers Proven Results
At the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato, our attorneys bring decades of experience handling complex and high-stakes accident cases across Florida. We understand the unique challenges that come with tunnel crashes, including securing evidence before it’s lost or compromised.
Our proven track record includes:
- $3.85 million in a Fort Lauderdale truck rollover settlement
- $5.25 million in a wrongful death truck accident
- $925,000 negligent security settlement
We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Call (954) 633-8270 for Your Free Car Accident Review
When you seek compensation after a collision, you need to know who is liable for a car accident in a tunnel in Florida. At the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato, our car accident attorneys can investigate your crash and clarify negligence and liability. Contact our consultation team to learn more and get started today.