Tractor-Trailer Driver Killed in Fiery Crash on I-75 in Marion County

A devastating truck accident in Marion County claimed the life of a tractor-trailer driver on Sunday evening after his rig veered off Interstate 75 and burst into flames, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

Troopers reported that the crash occurred just after 8 p.m. near mile marker 370, when the southbound tractor-trailer ran off the highway and into a wooded area. The impact caused the vehicle to jackknife, separating the tractor from the trailer before it caught fire.

Emergency crews arrived to find the truck fully engulfed in flames. Despite their efforts, the driver was pronounced dead at the scene. FHP said the crash remains under investigation, and the driver’s identity has not yet been released.

Accidents involving large commercial trucks are among the most catastrophic on Florida’s roadways. Because of their massive size and weight, tractor-trailers can cause devastating damage when they lose control or collide with stationary objects. The tragic crash on I-75 underscores how a single moment of error or equipment failure can have fatal consequences.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we have handled numerous cases involving fatal trucking accidents throughout Florida. Below, we break down how these incidents occur, what victims’ families can expect during investigations, and how to pursue justice under Florida law.

Tractor-trailer crashes can result from a wide range of causes, including:

• Driver fatigue or falling asleep at the wheel
• Mechanical failure, such as brake or tire issues
• Improperly loaded cargo that shifts and destabilizes the truck
• Speeding or aggressive driving, especially on curved or congested highways
• Medical emergencies behind the wheel
• Environmental factors, including wet roads, fog, or poor visibility

When a truck veers off the roadway, as it did in this case, investigators typically look at both human error and mechanical malfunction to determine why the driver lost control.

The Florida Highway Patrol’s Traffic Homicide Unit conducts detailed analyses after fatal trucking crashes. The investigation may involve:

• Inspecting the truck’s mechanical components, such as brakes, steering, and tires
• Reviewing black box (ECM) data, which records the vehicle’s speed, braking, and throttle use prior to the crash
• Examining maintenance records to see whether the carrier properly serviced the vehicle
• Analyzing the driver’s logbooks and hours of service, to determine if fatigue or overworking may have contributed
• Reconstructing the crash scene, including skid marks, impact points, and vehicle trajectory

Because commercial vehicles are heavily regulated, investigators often coordinate with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to determine whether any violations of federal trucking regulations occurred.

Liability After a Fatal Truck Crash

In truck accident cases, multiple parties may share legal responsibility, including:

• The trucking company (if they failed to maintain the vehicle, enforced unsafe schedules, or negligently hired the driver)
• The truck manufacturer or maintenance provider (if defective equipment or repairs caused the crash)
• Cargo loaders or contractors (if improper loading led to loss of control)
• Government entities (if road defects or lack of guardrails contributed to the severity of the accident)

Under Florida Statutes §768.81, which outlines the state’s comparative negligence rule, liability may be distributed among several parties based on each one’s percentage of fault.

Filing a Wrongful Death Claim After a Truck Accident

When a truck driver or another motorist loses their life in a trucking collision, surviving family members may be entitled to pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim under Florida Statutes §768.16–768.26 (Florida Wrongful Death Act).

Eligible survivors may include:

• A spouse or domestic partner
• Children or dependent stepchildren
• Parents of the deceased
• Any family members financially dependent on the decedent

Recoverable damages may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Lost income and future financial support
• Loss of companionship and emotional suffering
• Medical costs incurred prior to death

The personal representative of the deceased’s estate must file the wrongful death claim on behalf of surviving family members.

Common Legal Challenges in Truck Accident Cases

Truck accident litigation is complex because of the number of entities involved and the layers of insurance coverage. Some of the most common challenges include:

• Commercial insurance disputes: Trucking companies often carry multimillion-dollar policies, and insurers aggressively defend claims to minimize payouts.
• Evidence preservation: Trucking companies may attempt to destroy or alter critical records, such as maintenance logs or black box data.
• Jurisdictional issues: Some commercial carriers are based out of state, requiring multi-jurisdictional coordination.
• Federal regulation compliance: Attorneys must understand FMCSA rules governing hours of service, vehicle inspections, and cargo standards.

To ensure evidence is preserved, families should contact an attorney immediately. A spoliation letter can be issued to prevent destruction of key records, which could otherwise weaken a claim.

What Families Can Expect During the Claims Process

If your loved one was killed in a commercial trucking accident, here is what typically happens:

1. Initial Consultation & Investigation – Your attorney reviews crash reports, photographs, and witness statements, then sends preservation letters to all potentially liable parties.
2. Insurance Review – Attorneys identify all active commercial policies, including the trucking company’s liability insurance and potential umbrella coverage.
3. Expert Analysis – Accident reconstructionists, mechanical engineers, and industry experts help determine how and why the crash occurred.
4. Filing the Claim – A wrongful death or negligence claim is filed against the at-fault parties.
5. Settlement Negotiation or Litigation – Most trucking cases resolve through settlement, but some proceed to court when insurers refuse to offer fair compensation.

Throughout the process, communication with insurance adjusters should only occur through your attorney to avoid misstatements or lowball settlement tactics.

Legal Help for Families After a Fatal Trucking Accident

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families across Florida who have lost loved ones in commercial trucking crashes. Our attorneys have extensive experience handling cases involving catastrophic injuries and wrongful deaths caused by negligent drivers, trucking companies, and third-party contractors.

We handle every case with compassion and determination, ensuring victims’ families receive the justice and financial recovery they deserve.

If your family has suffered the loss of a loved one in a fatal truck crash, call us today at (305) 638-4143 for a free consultation. We proudly serve clients throughout Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Orlando, and across Florida.