Deltona Man Killed After Tesla Struck by Big Rig on I-4 in Seminole County

A tragic crash on Interstate 4 near Lake Mary Boulevard in Seminole County claimed the life of a 43-year-old Deltona man late Monday night after his Tesla Model 3 was struck from behind by a semi-truck, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

The crash occurred around 9:25 p.m. in the eastbound lanes of I-4 when the victim’s Tesla, a 2020 Model 3, was stopped in the center lane of the highway.

Troopers said that despite the semi driver’s attempt to swerve, the tractor-trailer collided with the rear of the Tesla, pushing it off the roadway and into the side of another big rig. The impact caused the first semi to hit a guardrail and overturn.

The Deltona man was pronounced dead at the scene, while both semi-truck drivers were uninjured and remained to assist investigators. FHP confirmed that all parties involved were wearing seat belts.

All eastbound lanes of I-4 were temporarily closed near Lake Mary Boulevard as authorities conducted their investigation and cleared debris from the scene. The cause of why the Tesla was stopped in the travel lane remains unknown.

The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate what led to the Tesla being stopped in an active travel lane — a factor that will play a major role in determining liability. Investigators may examine:

• Mechanical or electrical issues with the Tesla that could have caused a stall.
• Visibility and lighting conditions at the time of the crash.
• Whether the semi-truck driver was speeding, fatigued, or distracted.
• Possible third-party liability, such as a vehicle defect or roadway hazard.

FHP has not released any further information, and toxicology reports are pending as part of the standard crash investigation process.

Legal Options for Families After a Fatal Truck Accident

When a fatal truck collision occurs, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under Florida Statutes §§ 768.16–768.26, known as the Florida Wrongful Death Act.

Potential parties who may bear responsibility include:

• The semi-truck driver, if found to have been negligent (e.g., speeding, following too closely, or failing to take evasive action).
• The trucking company, if it failed to properly train, supervise, or rest its drivers, or if the truck had mechanical defects due to poor maintenance.
• The vehicle manufacturer, if a malfunction in the Tesla or truck contributed to the collision.

A wrongful death claim can seek compensation for:

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

Because trucking companies often have large insurance policies and corporate legal teams, having an experienced attorney can be essential in ensuring that evidence—such as dashcam footage, black box data, and maintenance logs—is preserved and used effectively in a claim.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families throughout Florida who have lost loved ones in truck and commercial vehicle accidents. Our legal team understands the complex nature of multi-vehicle collisions, particularly those involving commercial carriers, and we fight to uncover the truth and secure full compensation for our clients.

We handle every case with compassion and attention to detail, conducting independent investigations to determine:

• Who was at fault
• Whether safety violations or federal trucking regulations were ignored
• How to maximize recovery through all available insurance policies

If you lost a loved one in a fatal crash involving a semi-truck or commercial vehicle, our attorneys are here to help you seek justice.

We proudly represent families across Seminole County, Orlando, and throughout Florida, helping them find answers, accountability, and recovery after devastating losses.