FHP Seeking Witnesses in I-75 Illegal U-Turn Crash That Killed Manatee County Driver

The Florida Highway Patrol is asking the public to come forward with information about a deadly crash on Interstate 75 in Hillsborough County that claimed the life of a Manatee County man earlier this week.

Troopers say the collision occurred around 4:30 p.m. Monday in the northbound lanes of I-75 near the Sun City Center area, where traffic was already slowing because of an unrelated vehicle fire.

According to investigators, a tractor-trailer driven by a 45-year-old Citrus Springs man attempted an illegal U-turn across the interstate. The truck entered the path of a Toyota Corolla driven by a 28-year-old Parrish man, causing a catastrophic impact. Images released by authorities show the passenger vehicle severely crushed beneath the trailer.

The driver of the Corolla was transported to a local hospital with critical injuries. Troopers confirmed Wednesday night that he later died from those injuries.

The tractor-trailer driver was arrested and charged with reckless driving involving serious injury and booked into the Hillsborough County Jail. The crash investigation remains active, and FHP is seeking additional witnesses who may have seen the events leading up to the collision.

Anyone with information is urged to contact FHP by dialing *FHP (*347).

Interstates are engineered for high-speed, one-directional travel. When a large commercial vehicle attempts an illegal maneuver — especially in congested traffic — the result can be devastating.

Crashes involving tractor-trailers often produce:

• Severe crush injuries
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal trauma
• Fatal blunt force injuries

Commercial vehicles carry enormous mass, leaving passenger vehicles with little protection during impact.

Commercial truck drivers and carriers are subject to heightened safety standards under both Florida and federal regulations. Investigations in crashes like this may examine:

• Driver decision-making and training
• Compliance with traffic laws
• Carrier safety policies
• Vehicle operation in hazardous conditions

Unsafe maneuvers — including illegal U-turns — can form the basis for civil liability when they lead to injury or death.

Legal Options After a Fatal Commercial Vehicle Crash in Florida

When a crash results from negligent or reckless conduct, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under Florida law. Potential compensation may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship and protection
• Mental pain and suffering
• Medical expenses related to the incident

Florida’s comparative fault framework (§768.81, Florida Statutes) may apply when determining responsibility, particularly in multi-vehicle scenarios.

Law enforcement focuses on criminal violations and roadway safety. Civil accountability requires additional investigation, which may include:

• Commercial vehicle inspection and data review
• Crash reconstruction
• Witness statements
• Surveillance or dashcam footage
• Carrier safety records

Early evidence preservation is critical in truck crash litigation.

Representation for Families After Fatal Truck Crashes

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families affected by catastrophic truck crashes throughout Florida.

We intentionally limit our caseload so clients receive direct attorney access and thorough investigation — not assembly-line case handling.

Our firm assists by:

• Conducting independent crash investigations
• Identifying all responsible parties
• Preserving critical commercial vehicle evidence
• Pursuing full compensation under Florida law

There are no upfront fees, and we only get paid if we recover compensation.

📞 If your family has been affected by a serious or fatal truck crash anywhere in Florida, contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer for a free, confidential consultation.