Car Flips After Portion of U.S. 1 Collapses During Flash Flooding in Brevard County

Severe overnight flooding in Central Florida caused part of U.S. Highway 1 in Cocoa to collapse, leading to a terrifying crash in which a car flipped upside down after being swept into a washed-out section of the roadway.

According to reports from WFTV Channel 9, rapidly rising floodwaters from heavy overnight rain eroded a section of U.S. 1, creating a deep washout that caused at least one vehicle to lose control and overturn. Photos from the scene show a car flipped completely upside down, surrounded by floodwater and debris.

Authorities have not yet confirmed whether any injuries occurred, but emergency crews responded quickly to the area to secure the scene and assess structural damage to the highway. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) has closed the affected stretch of roadway until it can be inspected and repaired.

Florida’s low-lying coastal areas are particularly vulnerable to flash flooding, especially after periods of heavy rainfall. When drainage systems become overwhelmed, road foundations can erode beneath the surface — creating hidden sinkholes or structural voids that can cause vehicles to plunge or overturn without warning.

Drivers are urged to use extreme caution during and after severe weather. Even a few inches of moving water can sweep vehicles off the road. Under Florida Statute §316.183, motorists must reduce speed and adjust driving behavior to match weather and road conditions. However, when flooding is caused by negligent maintenance, inadequate drainage, or delayed road repairs, government agencies or contractors may share legal responsibility for resulting crashes.

Determining Liability in Road Collapse or Infrastructure Failure Cases

When roadway failure leads to an accident, several parties may be investigated for potential negligence:

• Government agencies (FDOT, county, or city authorities) – for failing to properly inspect or maintain roadways or drainage systems.
• Construction or maintenance contractors – for improper grading, paving, or drainage installation that contributed to erosion.
• Engineering firms or design consultants – if design flaws or inadequate risk assessments caused unsafe conditions.

These cases require expert analysis, including engineering reports, hydrological studies, and historical maintenance records, to determine whether the collapse was preventable.

Legal Rights for Victims of Flood-Related Accidents

Victims injured in roadway collapse or flood-related crashes may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses and hospitalization
• Vehicle damage and property loss
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma

If the accident results in a fatality, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim under Florida Statutes §§768.16–768.26. These claims hold negligent parties accountable for unsafe public infrastructure and can help prevent similar tragedies in the future.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we have handled complex cases involving roadway defects, unsafe construction zones, and flooding-related crashes across Florida. Our firm works with civil engineers, hydrology experts, and accident reconstruction specialists to uncover the truth behind infrastructure-related accidents.

We understand the devastating impact these incidents have on victims and their families — and we’re committed to fighting for justice on their behalf.

If you or a loved one were injured in a roadway collapse, flooding-related crash, or infrastructure failure in Brevard County or anywhere in Florida, contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm today.

📞 Call 305-638-4143 or reach out online for a free consultation in English or Spanish.