Deadly Multi-Vehicle Crash in Brevard County Caused by Fleeing Hit-and-Run Suspect

A devastating chain-reaction crash in Brevard County has left one woman dead and multiple others affected after a hit-and-run suspect, fleeing from a prior collision, ran a red light at a busy intersection. The tragic event underscores how reckless and negligent driving can instantly alter countless lives — and raises questions about victims’ rights and potential civil claims in criminal traffic cases.

According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the crash occurred Friday evening at the intersection of Hollywood Boulevard and Eber Boulevard in Brevard County.

Investigators say a 26-year-old Melbourne man driving a box truck southbound on Hollywood Boulevard ran a red light while attempting to flee from an earlier hit-and-run being investigated by the West Melbourne Police Department.

The truck slammed into a 2021 Porsche Taycan traveling eastbound on Eber Boulevard, driven by a 67-year-old woman from Melbourne Beach. The impact caused the Porsche to spin across the intersection, striking several other vehicles stopped at the light.

The box truck overturned, crashed into a curb, and rolled into a grassy ditch. As it overturned, debris from the wreckage struck the windshield of a nearby Toyota Camry. In total, six vehicles were involved in the crash.

Emergency responders transported the woman in the Porsche to Holmes Regional Medical Center, where she tragically succumbed to her injuries. The fleeing driver was hospitalized with serious injuries and is expected to face multiple criminal charges once released.

Criminal and Civil Liability After a Fatal Hit-and-Run

The suspect in this case is expected to face criminal charges, including vehicular homicide, reckless driving, and fleeing the scene of an accident. However, while criminal prosecution seeks punishment, it does not provide compensation to victims’ families for their devastating losses.

In situations like this, surviving family members may also have grounds to pursue a wrongful death claim under Florida Statutes §768.16–768.26, known as the Florida Wrongful Death Act.

A civil lawsuit can seek damages for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of companionship and protection
• Mental pain and suffering of surviving family members
• Lost income and future financial support
• Medical bills related to the fatal injury

If the at-fault driver was operating a commercial vehicle, such as the box truck in this case, additional claims may be possible against the employer or vehicle owner, particularly if the driver was on duty or if negligent hiring, supervision, or vehicle maintenance played a role.

Legal Options for Victims and Families

When a crash involves both criminal charges and negligence, it’s important that victims’ families secure legal representation immediately. A personal injury or wrongful death attorney can:

• Conduct an independent investigation parallel to law enforcement
• Obtain crash reports, surveillance footage, and witness statements
• Identify all sources of insurance coverage, including the driver’s, the vehicle owner’s, or commercial liability policies
• File claims for compensation before critical deadlines under Florida’s statute of limitations

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, our attorneys represent families who have lost loved ones due to reckless, intoxicated, or hit-and-run drivers across Florida.

We understand the profound emotional and financial toll these crashes cause — and we fight to ensure negligent drivers and their employers are held accountable.

If your family has been affected by a fatal crash, contact us for a free consultation. We’ll explain your legal options and help you pursue the justice your loved one deserves.