Palm Coast Woman Killed After Collision With Disabled SUV on I-95 in Flagler County

A 55-year-old Palm Coast woman was killed early Monday morning in a crash involving a disabled vehicle on Interstate 95 in Flagler County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

Troopers say the incident occurred shortly after midnight near mile marker 279 on northbound I-95. Investigators reported that an SUV driven by a 23-year-old woman left the roadway and struck a guardrail, coming to rest in the left travel lane.

A separate vehicle traveling northbound in that lane then collided with the disabled SUV. The driver of that vehicle — the 55-year-old Palm Coast woman — died as a result of the impact. FHP stated she was not wearing a seatbelt at the time of the crash.

The SUV driver suffered serious injuries and was transported for medical treatment. Northbound lanes of I-95 were temporarily shut down while crews cleared the scene, with traffic diverted onto Old Dixie Highway. The crash remains under investigation.

Crashes involving disabled vehicles stopped in active travel lanes present extreme hazards, particularly on high-speed interstates. Drivers often have little time to react, increasing the risk of catastrophic secondary collisions.

Common factors in secondary highway crashes include:

• Disabled vehicles obstructing travel lanes
• Limited nighttime visibility
• Speed and reaction time
• Driver distraction
• Failure to move a vehicle to a safe location

Florida law requires drivers involved in crashes to take reasonable steps — when possible — to remove vehicles from travel lanes and activate hazard signals to reduce the risk of additional collisions.

Legal Considerations After a Fatal Highway Crash

When a fatal crash occurs, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act (Fla. Stat. §§768.16–768.26) if negligence contributed to the incident.

Depending on the circumstances, potential legal issues may involve:

• Whether a vehicle was safely positioned after the initial crash
• Visibility and warning measures
• Driver conduct and reaction
• Roadway lighting or hazards

Recoverable damages in a wrongful death claim may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical costs related to emergency treatment
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship and protection
• Mental pain and suffering of surviving family members

Florida applies a modified comparative negligence rule (§768.81), meaning fault may be allocated among multiple parties based on the facts of the crash.

Law enforcement investigates crashes to determine cause and whether traffic violations occurred. They do not pursue civil compensation for families.

An independent investigation may review:

• Crash reconstruction and vehicle positioning
• Roadway lighting and visibility conditions
• Event data recorders (vehicle “black boxes”)
• Witness statements
• Surveillance or traffic camera footage
• Insurance coverage

Preserving this evidence early is critical in complex interstate crashes.

Representation for Families After Fatal Highway Collisions

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families throughout Florida who have lost loved ones in serious highway crashes.

We understand the emotional and financial impact these tragedies bring. Our firm intentionally limits its caseload so clients work directly with experienced attorneys — not case managers — and we are prepared to investigate complex liability issues.

Our firm can help by:

• Conducting an independent investigation
• Identifying responsible parties
• Handling communications with insurers
• Pursuing full compensation under Florida law

There are no upfront costs. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you.

📞 If you lost a loved one in a crash on I-95 in Flagler County or anywhere in Florida, contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer for a free, confidential consultation.