1 Dead, 2 Injured in Multi-Vehicle Crash Involving Semi-Trucks on I-75 in Hamilton County

A deadly crash involving two semi-trucks and a passenger vehicle left one person dead and two others injured Sunday afternoon on Interstate 75 in Hamilton County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

The collision occurred just before 2:30 p.m. near mile marker 464 on the northbound lanes of I-75, temporarily shutting down the interstate for several hours as first responders worked to secure the area and assist victims.

Investigators reported that two semi-trucks were traveling southbound on I-75 near mile marker 464 when the first truck suffered a tire blowout. The driver lost control, veering into the lane occupied by the second semi-truck.

The impact caused both vehicles to hit the center guardrail, which sent debris and parts of the barrier into the northbound lanes. The trucks then crossed the median, directly into the path of an oncoming passenger vehicle.

The first semi-truck struck the smaller vehicle head-on before coming to rest on top of it.

• The driver of the passenger vehicle was pronounced dead at the scene.
• The driver of the first semi-truck sustained serious injuries.
• The driver of the second semi-truck suffered minor injuries.

Traffic on I-75 northbound was closed for several hours before reopening around 7:45 p.m.

The Florida Highway Patrol is continuing to investigate the crash, focusing on the tire blowout, the mechanical condition of both trucks, and the actions of each driver prior to impact.

Tire blowouts are one of the most dangerous causes of commercial truck crashes. A single tire failure can cause an 80,000-pound semi to lose stability in seconds, creating a chain reaction of collisions.

Investigators are expected to review:

• Vehicle inspection and maintenance records
• Compliance with federal hours-of-service rules
• Mechanical and brake performance
• Electronic data recorder (black box) information

The FHP will also examine whether speed, driver fatigue, or maintenance negligence contributed to the fatal event.

Legal Implications of a Semi-Truck Fatality

Crashes involving multiple semi-trucks often involve complex liability issues. Potentially responsible parties may include:

• The truck driver or trucking company, for negligence or improper maintenance
• The tire manufacturer, for defective design or construction
• Third-party maintenance providers, for improper service or inspection
• Cargo loaders, if unbalanced freight contributed to the loss of control

Under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act (§768.16 – §768.26), families of the deceased may pursue damages for funeral expenses, medical bills, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.

If investigators find that federal safety regulations were violated, those findings can strengthen a civil claim against the responsible parties.

The Dangers of Tire Blowouts in Commercial Trucking

Tire blowouts are a leading cause of fatal trucking accidents nationwide. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that hundreds of commercial vehicle fatalities occur each year due to tire failures.

When a blowout occurs at highway speeds, a semi-truck can:

• Lose steering control and veer across lanes
• Jackknife or overturn
• Scatter debris across multiple lanes
• Cross into oncoming traffic, causing catastrophic collisions

Federal law requires commercial carriers to inspect tires before every trip and replace damaged or worn-out equipment. Unfortunately, lapses in maintenance and overworked drivers frequently lead to tragedies like this one.

How Flanagan & Bodenheimer Helps Victims of Trucking Accidents

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent victims and families affected by commercial trucking crashes throughout Florida. Our attorneys have extensive experience with complex cases involving semi-trucks, tire blowouts, and fleet negligence.

We conduct thorough investigations and collaborate with experts in accident reconstruction, trucking safety, and engineering to build strong cases for our clients. Our legal team:

• Retrieves black-box data and maintenance records
• Identifies all potentially liable parties
• Works with medical and financial experts to document losses
• Negotiates with insurance companies
• Litigates wrongful death and catastrophic injury claims when necessary

Our firm has recovered millions of dollars for clients injured or bereaved by corporate negligence.

Contact a Florida Truck Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one were involved in a truck crash on I-75 or anywhere in Florida, contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm immediately. These cases require fast action to preserve evidence and hold trucking companies accountable.

Call (305) 638-4143 or contact us online for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win. Our experienced attorneys are committed to uncovering the truth and helping families seek justice after serious trucking accidents.