3 Dead, 6 Hurt in Wrong-Way Crash on I-95 in Melbourne: Legal Rights and Safety Concerns

A devastating wrong-way crash on Interstate 95 in Brevard County left three people dead and six others injured early Sunday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

The crash occurred around 3:50 a.m. on Sunday, September 14, in the northbound lanes near Wickham Road in Melbourne.

Troopers reported that a 34-year-old woman from Cocoa was driving a 2020 Toyota Corolla southbound in the northbound lanes when she collided head-on with a 2014 Chevrolet Impala. Inside the Impala were a 34-year-old man and a 46-year-old woman from Holly Hill.

The impact killed all three instantly. Authorities noted that none of the victims were wearing seatbelts at the time of the crash.

The initial head-on impact triggered a multi-vehicle chain reaction involving six additional cars. Several of those vehicles sustained heavy damage, leaving debris scattered across the highway.

According to FHP, six people were injured, with one listed in serious condition. All were transported to local hospitals for treatment.

The crash forced the closure of I-95’s northbound lanes between Exit 188 and Exit 191 for nearly 10 hours as troopers investigated and cleared the scene. The highway reopened shortly after 1:15 p.m.

News crews on scene reported dozens of Florida Highway Patrol troopers present, along with mangled vehicles and extensive roadway damage.

Legal Implications of Wrong-Way Crashes

Wrong-way crashes are among the most deadly types of collisions, often occurring at high speeds and leaving victims with little to no time to react. Under Florida law, negligent drivers—or their estates, in cases where the driver is deceased—can still be held civilly liable for the damages they cause.

In this case, potential legal claims may include:

• Wrongful Death Claims: The families of the Holly Hill victims may pursue compensation for funeral costs, loss of companionship, emotional suffering, and financial support the victims would have provided. (Fla. Stat. § 768.21).
• Personal Injury Claims: The six surviving injured victims may be entitled to recover damages for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
• Insurance Coverage: Florida requires vehicle owners to carry minimum liability coverage, but in cases involving catastrophic crashes with multiple victims, insurance limits are often insufficient. Victims may need to explore uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage or pursue additional claims against other potentially responsible parties.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has increased measures to prevent wrong-way accidents by installing Wrong-Way Detection Systems on ramps, enhancing highway signage, and using reflective pavement markings. However, these crashes continue to occur, often tied to driver impairment, fatigue, or disorientation.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, our attorneys understand the devastation families face after catastrophic crashes like this. We work to uncover the full scope of liability, hold negligent drivers accountable, and pursue every available source of compensation for victims and their loved ones.

If you or a loved one has been affected by a wrong-way crash or multi-vehicle accident in Florida, contact us today for a free consultation. Our team is here to guide you through this difficult time and fight for justice on your behalf.