Man Dies After Rear-End Crash on South Washington Avenue in Titusville

The Titusville Police Department is investigating a deadly two-vehicle crash that occurred Tuesday night, leaving one man dead and another injured. The collision happened around 9:22 p.m. on South Washington Avenue (U.S. 1), near Columbia Boulevard (State Road 405).

According to police, 68-year-old Bryan Jones of Titusville was driving a 2011 Nissan northbound on South Washington Avenue when he struck the rear of a 2005 Honda driven by a 57-year-old man from Cocoa. Authorities reported that the Honda was traveling at a significantly slower speed at the time of the crash.

Jones sustained critical injuries and was transported to a medical facility where he later died. The driver of the Honda was not reported to have serious injuries.

Investigators say the full reconstruction and analysis of the crash may take several weeks.

Although rear-end crashes are often assumed to be the fault of the following driver, liability isn’t always straightforward. Under Florida law, investigators must consider all contributing factors, including:

• Whether the lead vehicle had functioning brake lights
• Whether the lead vehicle was traveling unusually slow or stopped in an active travel lane
• Road conditions and lighting
• Driver impairment, distraction, or fatigue
• Sudden mechanical failures
• Whether the lead vehicle created a hazard by failing to move or pull over

Florida’s comparative negligence statute (Florida Statute §768.81) allows fault to be divided between parties based on their contribution to the crash.

Legal Options for Families After a Fatal Crash

When someone loses their life in a crash, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under the Florida Wrongful Death Act (§768.16–§768.26). Compensation can help cover:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support and future income
• Mental pain and suffering for surviving family
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Medical expenses incurred before death

Even if law enforcement is still investigating fault, an attorney can begin gathering critical evidence, including traffic camera footage, vehicle black box data, witness accounts, and accident reconstruction reports.

What Evidence Matters in a Rear-End Fatality Case

To understand what truly happened in the moments before the collision, attorneys and investigators analyze:

• Skid marks and impact points
• Vehicle damage patterns
• Speed data from the vehicle’s event data recorder
• Phone records and potential distractions
• Lighting and visibility conditions
• Toxicology reports
• Mechanical evaluations of both vehicles

This evidence helps determine whether driver negligence, unsafe road conditions, or unexpected hazards contributed to the collision.

Support for Families in Titusville and Across Brevard County

Fatal crashes leave families devastated, overwhelmed, and often unsure where to turn for answers. At Flanagan & Bodenheimer, we help families navigate these difficult situations with clarity, compassion, and experienced legal representation.

We provide:

• Free consultations
• No fees unless we recover compensation
• Immediate investigation support
• Direct access to your attorney

If you lost a loved one in a Titusville crash or anywhere in Brevard County, contact us to understand your rights and explore the next steps toward justice and accountability.