Fatal Head-On Crash in Flagler County Leaves One Dead, Another Injured

A tragic head-on crash on State Road 11 in Flagler County claimed the life of a South Daytona woman and left another driver injured Saturday morning, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

The crash occurred at approximately 10:20 a.m. on September 20 near County Road 304 in Bunnell.

Troopers reported that a 71-year-old woman from South Daytona was traveling northbound in an SUV when she failed to remain in her lane. Her vehicle crossed the center line and collided head-on with another SUV driven by a 61-year-old man from St. Johns who was heading southbound.

The impact was severe, blocking both lanes of traffic and forcing officials to temporarily shut down the roadway.

Sadly, the woman was pronounced dead at the scene. The male driver suffered minor injuries and was treated after the crash.

Head-on crashes are among the deadliest types of motor vehicle accidents, often resulting in catastrophic injuries or fatalities due to the combined speed and force of impact. Common causes include:

• Lane departure from distraction, drowsy driving, or impairment.
• Passing errors on two-lane highways.
• Medical emergencies or sudden loss of control.
• Poor roadway conditions that make it difficult to stay within lanes.

In this Flagler County crash, investigators believe failure to maintain lane was the critical factor.

Potential Legal Considerations

When someone is killed in a crash caused by another driver’s negligence or unsafe operation of a vehicle, families may have grounds for a wrongful death claim under Florida law. In this case:

• If the investigation confirms the woman’s failure to remain in her lane caused the collision, her estate may not be able to pursue claims against the other driver.
• However, if vehicle defects, road conditions, or medical issues played a role, additional liability could exist.
• The surviving driver may have the right to file a personal injury claim if negligence beyond the woman’s lane departure is uncovered.

Wrongful death and personal injury cases allow families and victims to seek damages for medical bills, funeral expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and emotional losses.

What Families Can Do After a Fatal Crash

The aftermath of a deadly collision can be overwhelming. Families dealing with sudden loss should:

1. Request the crash report from the Florida Highway Patrol for full details.
2. Document funeral and related expenses for potential claims.
3. Consult an experienced wrongful death attorney to explore whether negligence, defective road design, or other factors contributed.
4. Preserve evidence such as witness statements, photographs, or surveillance footage if available.

This fatal Flagler County crash is another reminder of how quickly tragedy can strike on Florida’s roadways. A routine drive on State Road 11 turned deadly in an instant due to a lane departure.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families across Florida who have lost loved ones in fatal accidents. Our team is dedicated to investigating every detail to determine liability and holding the responsible parties accountable.

If your family has been affected by a wrongful death in a crash, contact us for a free consultation to discuss your legal rights.