24-Year-Old Man Killed in Bradford County Crash With Semi-Truck

A 24-year-old Hampton man was killed early Wednesday morning after his car collided with a semi-truck in Bradford County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Troopers said the crash happened around 5:20 a.m. on Southwest County Road 227, just west of Southwest 70th Avenue. A semi-truck had been pulling out of a private logging driveway when the victim’s car, traveling eastbound, struck the back of its trailer. The impact was severe, and the driver of the car was pronounced dead at the scene.

The truck driver was not injured, authorities said. The crash remains under investigation, and the identity of the young victim has not yet been released.

Accidents involving passenger vehicles and semi-trucks are among the most devastating on Florida’s roadways. The massive size and weight of commercial trucks mean that even relatively low-speed crashes can cause catastrophic injuries or fatalities for those in smaller vehicles. In this case, investigators will examine whether visibility, road conditions, or driver decisions contributed to the deadly outcome.

Early morning hours often bring reduced visibility, and private logging driveways may not always provide adequate sight lines for trucks entering the roadway. These factors will likely be considered as part of the ongoing investigation.

Could There Be a Wrongful Death Claim?

When tragedies like this occur, the surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim if negligence played a role. Potential liability could rest with:

• The truck driver, if he failed to yield or entered the highway without ensuring it was safe.
• The trucking or logging company, if unsafe practices, poor training, or violations of safety regulations were involved.
• Other contributing factors, such as improper roadway design or inadequate signage.

A wrongful death claim could help the family recover compensation for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and the emotional toll of their loss.

The sudden loss of a loved one in a trucking accident leaves families devastated and searching for answers. Unfortunately, trucking companies and their insurers often move quickly to protect themselves after a crash, which makes it important for families to act promptly. An experienced Florida wrongful death attorney can investigate the case, preserve evidence such as black box data and driver logs, and pursue accountability on behalf of the victim’s loved ones.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we are committed to helping families navigate these painful times while holding negligent parties responsible.

If you have lost a loved one in a Florida semi-truck accident, reach out to us for a free consultation to learn about your legal options.