Two Killed in Head-On Collision on State Road 31 in Charlotte County Early Sunday Morning
Corbin Sutter
Accident Lawyers
Wrongful Death
Two Arcadia residents were killed early Sunday morning in a head-on crash on State Road 31, about four miles north of County Road 74 in Charlotte County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol. Charlotte County, FL — The crash occurred around 1:30 a.m.on November 2, 2025, when a northbound sedan crossed the centerline and entered the southbound lane, colliding with an oncoming sport utility vehicle. Both drivers — a 22-year-old man from Arcadia and a 63-year-old woman, also from Arcadia — were pronounced
dead at the scene. Seat-belt use for both drivers remains unknown. Troopers with FHP Troop F responded, and the incident is being investigated by Corporal Hupchick, the assigned homicide investigator.
The cause of the crash is still under investigation, and no additional information has been released. State Road 31, a rural two-lane route connecting Charlotte and DeSoto Counties, has seen multiple serious collisions in recent years.
Its long, unlit stretches and higher posted speed limits make nighttime driving especially dangerous. The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the circumstances surrounding the collision.
What Makes Florida’s Rural Two-Lane Roads So Dangerous at Night
Crashes like this one are heartbreaking reminders of how quickly lives can change on Florida’s open highways. While the investigation into Sunday’s collision continues, drivers can learn from similar incidents to help prevent future tragedies.
Head-On Collisions in Florida Are Among the Most Severe
Head-on collisions are among the most devastating types of vehicle crashes in Florida. These accidents make up a small share of total crashes but cause a large percentage of fatalities.
“People often don’t realize how fast things can happen. On a dark, quiet stretch of road, all it takes is a brief distraction or one moment of fatigue to cross the line. We’ve seen how heartbreaking the consequences can be for local families.” — Attorney Corbin Sutter, All Injuries Law Firm
Common Causes of Head-On Collisions on Florida Highways
Most head-on collisions occur when a driver crosses into oncoming traffic because of distracted driving, fatigue, or impairment. Under Florida Statute §316.0895, drivers must remain in a single lane and may cross the centerline only when it is safe to do so. On roads like SR 31, a single moment of distraction can be deadly.
“When we review these cases, we see how small decisions can have life-changing results — a glance at a phone, a tired driver trying to make it home. These aren’t reckless people; they’re often just everyday Floridians caught in the wrong moment.” — Attorney Brian O. Sutter, Board-Certified by the Florida Bar and serving Southwest Florida for more than 35 years
Practical Safety Tips to Prevent Head-On Collisions in Florida
Stay centered in your lane and avoid drifting toward the centerline, especially on curves or narrow roads. Slow down at night or in poor visibility, as rural highways often lack streetlights. Avoid distractions and fatigue; keep full attention on the
road and pull over if you feel drowsy. Watch for oncoming vehicles that appear to drift toward your lane; slow down, move right, and use your horn or headlights to alert them. Whenever possible, avoid late-night driving on rural two-lane roads where visibility
and reaction time are limited.
How Families Can Rebuild After a Serious or Fatal Head-On Crash
For decades, All Injuries Law Firm has helped local families achieve Victory for the Injured — not only in the courtroom but in life after a crash. When negligence leads to a fatal or life-changing collision, the law provides a path forward under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act (§768.16–§768.26).
Compensation may cover medical expenses, lost income, and loss of companionship. Led by Board-Certified Attorneys Brian O. Sutter and Bryan Greenberg, along
with Corbin Sutter and Jenna Kakley, All Injuries Law Firm has helped recover significant results for clients injured in auto accidents and wrongful death cases across Southwest Florida.
“When families come to us after a serious crash, they’re often overwhelmed — and understandably so. Our first priority is to take some of that weight off their shoulders. We handle the legal fight so they can focus on healing and being with loved ones.”
— Attorney Bryan Greenberg, All Injuries Law Firm
Where to Find Trusted Legal Help in Southwest Florida
If you or a loved one has been hurt or lost their life in a head-on crash or rural road collision, our attorneys are here to help. With offices in Port Charlotte and Fort Myers, our firm has served this community for more than three decades, standing
up for neighbors from Arcadia to Sarasota. Call (941) 625-4878 or visit AllInjuriesLawFirm.com to schedule a free consultation and see what Victory for the Injuredcan mean for you.
Answers to Common Questions About Head-On Collisions in Florida
What causes most head-on collisions in Florida?
Most result from drivers crossing the centerline because of distraction, fatigue, or impairment.
Are rural two-lane roads like SR 31 more dangerous?
Yes. Limited lighting and higher speeds make them prone to deadly crossover crashes.
Can families file a claim after a fatal car accident?
Yes. Under Florida law, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful-death claim to recover for financial and emotional losses.