16-Year-Old Girl Killed, Passenger Injured in Rollover Crash on SR-520 in Cocoa

Tragedy struck early Thursday morning in Cocoa when a 16-year-old girl was killed and her 15-year-old passenger injured in a violent rollover crash along State Road 520 near Cressa Circle, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

The fatal wreck occurred around 3:40 a.m. as the 16-year-old driver traveled eastbound in a 2017 Dodge Grand Caravan. According to the FHP crash report, she was driving above the speed limit when she lost control of the minivan.

The vehicle veered into the westbound lanes, overturned several times, and ultimately struck a guardrail. The driver, who was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The 15-year-old passenger, who was wearing a seat belt, sustained only minor injuries and did not require hospital treatment. She remained at the scene to speak with investigators.

Authorities closed all westbound lanes of SR-520 near Cressa Circle for several hours but reopened the roadway shortly after 7:20 a.m. The investigation remains ongoing.

While troopers continue to investigate, two key factors already stand out in this tragic case: speeding and lack of seat belt use. Speeding remains one of the leading causes of fatal crashes among teen drivers, reducing reaction time and increasing the severity of collisions. Additionally, seat belts remain the single most effective safety device in passenger vehicles. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), seat belts reduce the risk of fatal injury for front-seat passengers by nearly 45%.

The stark contrast in outcomes between the two girls, one fatally injured while unrestrained, the other surviving with minor injuries while buckled in, underscores just how critical seat belt use is, especially for young drivers and passengers.

Although this was a single-vehicle crash, legal issues may still arise. Families of injured passengers often have the right to pursue a personal injury claim under Florida law, even if the at-fault driver was a friend or family member. These claims may provide compensation for:

• Medical expenses and rehabilitation
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Lost wages or earning capacity if the victim is unable to return to school or work immediately

The loss of a young life is devastating, and for the surviving passenger and her family, the emotional and physical recovery process may be overwhelming. At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we provide compassionate legal guidance for families facing the aftermath of serious crashes. Our team helps victims navigate insurance claims, explore liability issues, and seek the full compensation they deserve.