Edgewater Driver Killed in Rear-End Crash with Semi-Truck on I-95

A late-night crash on Interstate 95 in Volusia County claimed the life of a 29-year-old Edgewater driver after his vehicle collided with a semi-truck, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Troopers say the crash occurred at approximately 11:27 p.m. on February 16 on northbound Interstate 95, south of West Indian River Boulevard near Edgewater.

According to a preliminary investigation:

• A 2025 Hyundai Sonata was traveling northbound on I-95 behind a 2023 semi-truck with a trailer
• For reasons still under investigation, the Hyundai failed to stop and rear-ended the semi-truck
• The 29-year-old Edgewater driver of the Hyundai died at the scene
• The 50-year-old semi-truck driver, from Yulee, was not injured and remained at the scene

Authorities have not released the identity of the victim pending notification of family members. The crash remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.

Crashes involving passenger vehicles and large commercial trucks are often catastrophic due to the size and weight differences between vehicles. Even a rear-end collision can result in fatal injuries for occupants of smaller vehicles.

Common contributing factors in rear-end crashes with semi-trucks include:

• Distracted driving
• Driver fatigue
• Speeding or following too closely
• Sudden traffic slowdowns
• Poor visibility or roadway lighting
• Mechanical or braking issues

Because commercial trucks require significantly longer stopping distances, both passenger vehicle drivers and truck drivers must exercise heightened caution on highways like I-95.

Potential Liability in Semi-Truck Fatal Crashes

While initial reports may suggest a straightforward rear-end collision, fatal truck crashes often require detailed investigation to determine whether additional factors contributed to the crash.

Potentially liable parties may include:

• Commercial truck drivers
• Trucking companies
• Maintenance providers
• Cargo loaders
• Vehicle manufacturers
• Other motorists who may have contributed to traffic conditions

Evidence such as dashcam footage, black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records can be critical in determining what occurred and whether negligence played a role.

Wrongful Death Claims After Fatal Truck Accidents

When negligence contributes to a fatal crash, surviving family members may be able to pursue a wrongful death claim under Florida law.

Compensation in a wrongful death case may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses incurred before death
• Loss of financial support and services
• Loss of companionship and protection
• Mental pain and suffering for surviving family

Florida’s modified comparative negligence law (§768.81) allows liability to be shared among multiple parties depending on the circumstances of the crash.

The Importance of an Independent Investigation

Law enforcement investigations focus on documenting the crash and determining whether criminal charges are appropriate. They do not pursue compensation for victims’ families.

An independent legal investigation may examine:

• Commercial vehicle inspection and maintenance records
• Driver qualification and training records
• Hours-of-service and fatigue logs
• Crash reconstruction analysis
• Surveillance or traffic camera footage
• Insurance coverage and corporate liability

Early preservation of evidence is especially important in crashes involving commercial vehicles.

Representation for Families After Fatal Truck Accidents

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families across Florida who have lost loved ones in serious and fatal truck accidents.

Our firm intentionally limits its caseload so every client receives direct attorney access and personalized attention. We handle complex wrongful death and commercial vehicle cases throughout the state.

We can help by:

• Conducting a comprehensive independent investigation
• Identifying all responsible parties
• Handling insurance and trucking company communications
• Pursuing full compensation under Florida law

There are no upfront costs, and we only recover fees if we obtain compensation for your family.

If your loved one was killed in a truck crash anywhere in Florida, contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer for a free and confidential consultation.