3 Killed in Multi-Vehicle Crash Caused by Wrong-Way Driver on I-95 Near Viera

A tragic wrong-way crash on Interstate 95 early Sunday morning left three people dead and several others hospitalized after a chain-reaction collision involving at least eight vehicles, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

Troopers say the crash occurred around 3:50 a.m. on Sunday, September 14, in the northbound lanes of I-95 between the Pineda Causeway and Exit 191.

According to investigators, a 34-year-old Cocoa woman driving a 2020 Toyota Corolla had been traveling north on I-95 before making a U-turn on the highway. She began driving south in the northbound lanes, where she collided head-on with a 2014 Chevrolet Impala carrying a 34-year-old man and a 46-year-old woman from Holly Hill.

All three occupants of the Corolla and Impala died as a result of the crash. Their names have not yet been released.

The initial impact set off a devastating chain reaction. A Hyundai Tiburon struck both the Corolla and the Impala before veering into a guardrail. Moments later, a 2015 Honda slammed into the Corolla. Two additional vehicles then collided with the wreckage, creating a massive pileup.

FHP confirmed that at least five people were transported to local hospitals with serious injuries, though no additional fatalities have been reported.

The crash forced the closure of all northbound lanes of I-95 for several hours as troopers investigated the scene and first responders worked to assist the injured and clear debris. Traffic has since reopened, but the investigation remains ongoing.

Wrong-way collisions are among the most deadly types of crashes, often occurring at high speeds with little to no time for drivers to react. In Florida, these accidents frequently result from impaired driving, fatigue, or confusion on roadways with complex interchanges.

According to state data, wrong-way crashes account for a small percentage of all collisions but are far more likely to result in fatalities.

Legal Options for Victims and Families

Families of those killed in wrong-way crashes may be entitled to pursue wrongful death claims under Florida law. These claims can provide compensation for funeral expenses, lost wages and financial support, and the loss of companionship and care.

Survivors with serious injuries may also have the right to seek damages for medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost income, and pain and suffering. In cases where alcohol, drugs, or reckless driving are involved, punitive damages may also be available.

Because this crash involved multiple vehicles, determining liability will require a thorough investigation by FHP and potentially accident reconstruction experts. Families and victims may benefit from consulting an experienced attorney to ensure their rights are protected.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families devastated by catastrophic accidents across Florida. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling complex multi-vehicle and wrongful death cases, and we are committed to holding negligent drivers accountable while helping families secure the justice and compensation they deserve.

If you or a loved one has been impacted by a serious crash in Florida, contact us today at 305-638-4143 for a free consultation.