Two Lives Lost in Fatal Head-On Crash on SR-31 in Punta Gorda
Brian O Sutter
Accident Lawyers
Wrongful Death
Two people were tragically killed Wednesday morning in a Punta Gorda head-on crash on State Road 31, about three miles south of Bermont Road. The collision, which involved a sedan and an SUV, happened at approximately 7:07 a.m. Charlotte County Public Safety crews responded to the scene, and the Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the cause of the crash.Our hearts go out to the families and loved ones affected by this devastating accident.
Why Rural Roads Like SR-31 in Charlotte County See More Fatal Head-On Crashes
While investigators continue to review Wednesday’s crash, the incident highlights a risk we see often on Florida’s rural highways. Roads like SR-31 may feel safer because they have less traffic and fewer stoplights, but that sense of comfort can cause drivers to let their guard down.
Without a median or divider, even a momentary distraction—checking a phone, adjusting the radio, or swerving to avoid wildlife such as deer or wild hogs—can send a vehicle across the center line. At highway speeds, the results are often catastrophic.
Attorney Corbin Sutter, who grew up in Port Charlotte, put it this way: “On two-lane roads like SR-31, there’s little margin for error. A single glance away from the road can cross that yellow line, and the consequences can be life-changing in an instant.”
National data from the Federal Highway Administration shows that while less than 20% of Americans live in rural areas, nearly half of all fatal crashes happen on rural roads. That makes awareness and safe driving habits especially critical here in Southwest Florida.
Legal Rights After a Head-On Collision in Punta Gorda or Southwest Florida
When negligence causes a head-on crash—whether from distracted driving, unsafe passing, or impairment—victims and their families may have the right to seek compensation. Wrongful death claims can also help surviving family members manage funeral costs, lost income, and the emotional burden of losing a loved one.
At All Injuries Law Firm, we’ve been standing with families in Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, Fort Myers, and across Southwest Florida for more than 35 years. Our attorneys combine deep local roots with credentials recognized across the state:
• Brian O. Sutter – Board Certified in Workers’ Compensation by the Florida Bar since 1990
• Bryan Greenberg – Board Certified in Workers’ Compensation by the Florida Bar since 2021
• Corbin Sutter – Member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum
• Jenna Kakley – Active member of the Florida Justice Association’s Young Lawyers Section
Our track record reflects this experience. We have won over $1.5 million for clients injured in auto accidents and $3.1 million in a wrongful death recovery for a grieving family.
One recent client described attorney Bryan Greenberg this way: “He went out of his way to make sure I received great care and the best outcome. I felt like he always had my back.”
These voices from our community matter, because they remind us that behind every case there’s a family, a story, and a future that deserves protection.
How Drivers Can Stay Safe on Florida’s Rural Roads
Attorney Jenna Kakley notes: “We’ve seen time and again how seatbelts save lives. Something that feels small—just clicking it every time—can be the difference between walking away from a crash or not.”
Drivers across Charlotte County and throughout Florida can reduce their risk of a serious crash by following a few key steps:
• Stay alert, even on quiet roads. A single distraction can have devastating consequences.
• Watch for wildlife. Deer, hogs, and other animals are especially active around dawn and dusk.
• Avoid unsafe passing. Only cross the center line when you are certain it is legal and clear.
• Always wear your seatbelt. Most fatal crashes involve unrestrained occupants.
A Local Law Firm Fighting for Victory for the Injured
With offices in Port Charlotte and Fort Myers, we are part of this community and committed to helping local families through some of the hardest moments of their lives. For more than three decades, we’ve focused exclusively on personal injury cases—our name says it all.
At All Injuries Law Firm, we fight for victory for the injured—whether that means recovering the resources a family needs after a wrongful death or helping an injured driver get their life back on track.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a head-on collision in Charlotte County or anywhere in Southwest Florida, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. Call All Injuries Law Firm at (941) 625-4878 or visit AllInjuriesLawFirm.com for a free consultation.
FAQs About Head-On Collisions and Rural Road Safety in Southwest Florida
Why do so many serious crashes in Charlotte County happen during the morning commute?
Morning hours often combine heavy traffic with lower visibility from sunrise glare or fog. Drivers heading to work or school may also be tired, rushed, or distracted, increasing the likelihood of crossing into oncoming lanes.
Pro Tip: On east–west roads near Punta Gorda, sun glare can be especially dangerous. Keep sunglasses in your vehicle and use your visor to reduce risk.
Can wildlife really cause head-on crashes on Florida’s rural highways?
Yes. Wildlife such as deer, wild hogs, and even alligators can dart across the road without warning. When a driver swerves suddenly to avoid an animal, they may cross the center line and collide with another vehicle.
Pro Tip: If an animal runs into your path, it’s often safer to brake firmly while staying in your lane rather than swerving into oncoming traffic.
Why don’t more rural roads in Southwest Florida have barriers to prevent head-on crashes?
Many rural roads, including SR-31, were designed decades ago with two-lane layouts. Installing medians or barriers is costly and not always feasible due to space, environmental factors, or traffic volume.
Pro Tip: Because infrastructure updates take time, drivers must treat these roads with extra caution, knowing there’s little separating them from oncoming traffic.
What happens if both drivers are found partially at fault in a head-on crash in Florida?
Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are found partly at fault for the crash, your recovery may be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you are more than 50% at fault, you may not recover damages.
Pro Tip: Determining fault in a head-on crash can be complicated. Preserving evidence—such as police reports, witness statements, and crash scene photos—can make a critical difference in your case.
How soon should families contact an attorney after a fatal crash?
It’s best to contact an attorney as soon as possible. Evidence such as skid marks, vehicle damage, and electronic data can fade or be lost quickly. Early legal guidance also helps families understand their rights before speaking with insurance companies.
Pro Tip: Our attorneys in Port Charlotte and Fort Myers have seen how quick action can protect a family’s claim. Even a short delay can make it harder to prove negligence.
References
Federal Highway Administration – Rural Road Safety
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration – Head-On Collisions
Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles – Traffic Crash Reports
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – Transportation Safety