Driver Arrested After Illegal U-Turn Causes Serious I-75 Crash in Hillsborough County

A tractor-trailer driver was arrested Monday after investigators say he attempted an illegal U-turn on Interstate 75, triggering a serious crash that left another driver critically injured, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

Troopers report the incident occurred near the Hillsborough–Manatee County line in the northbound lanes of I-75 close to the Sun City Center exit. Traffic was already moving slowly due to an unrelated vehicle fire when the tractor-trailer driver allegedly tried to cross into the southbound lanes by making an illegal U-turn.

Investigators say the tractor-trailer entered the path of a Toyota Corolla driven by a 28-year-old Parrish man, resulting in a violent collision. The Corolla driver suffered serious injuries and was transported to a local hospital.

Authorities arrested Julio Dones Rosa, 45, of Citrus Springs, on a charge of reckless driving involving serious bodily injury. He was not injured in the crash. The investigation remains ongoing.

Interstates are designed for continuous forward traffic flow. Sudden crossovers, U-turn attempts, or wrong-way maneuvers can create unavoidable impact scenarios — especially when large commercial vehicles are involved.

Common risks associated with illegal highway maneuvers include:

• Limited reaction time for approaching drivers
• Blind spots around large trucks
• Speed differentials in congested traffic
• Chain-reaction collisions

When a commercial truck obstructs lanes unexpectedly, smaller passenger vehicles often absorb the brunt of the impact.

Legal Options After a Serious Commercial Vehicle Crash

Victims injured in crashes involving reckless or illegal driving may have the right to pursue civil compensation in addition to any criminal proceedings.

Potential civil claims may involve:

• Reckless or negligent vehicle operation
• Commercial vehicle safety violations
• Employer liability if the driver was working at the time
• Improper traffic maneuvering

Recoverable damages may include:

• Emergency and ongoing medical care
• Lost income and future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Long-term disability costs

Florida applies a modified comparative negligence standard (Fla. Stat. §768.81), meaning fault is evaluated based on each party’s actions.

An arrest for reckless driving addresses criminal accountability — not financial recovery for the injured party. A civil case focuses on compensation and long-term impact, regardless of whether criminal charges result in conviction.

Why an Independent Investigation Matters

Law enforcement determines whether criminal laws were violated. They do not pursue compensation for injured victims.

An independent legal investigation may examine:

• Crash reconstruction evidence
• Commercial vehicle operation and compliance records
• Driver training and history
• Witness statements
• Traffic camera or dash footage
• Insurance coverage

Preserving evidence early is critical in commercial vehicle crashes.

Representation for Victims of Commercial Truck Crashes

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent individuals seriously injured in crashes involving commercial vehicles and reckless driving throughout Florida.

We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these collisions cause. Our firm intentionally limits its caseload so clients work directly with experienced attorneys — not case managers — and we are prepared to investigate complex commercial liability.

Our firm can help by:

• Conducting an independent investigation
• Identifying all responsible parties
• Preserving critical evidence
• 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 or a loved one were seriously injured in an I-75 crash or any commercial vehicle collision in Florida, contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer for a free, confidential consultation.