Lakeland Man Injured in Early Morning Tractor-Trailer Crash on I-75 in Hillsborough County

A commercial vehicle crash involving a tractor-trailer disrupted traffic along Interstate 75 in Hillsborough County early Thursday morning, leaving a Lakeland man injured, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

FHP reports that the crash occurred around 3:10 a.m. on January 15, 2026, near mile marker 261 on southbound Interstate 75.

According to troopers, a tractor-trailer driven by a 32-year-old man from Lakeland was traveling southbound when the driver lost control of the vehicle. The tractor-trailer entered the median and overturned, causing a partial roadway blockage.

Emergency responders transported the driver to a nearby hospital with non-life-threatening injuries. The crash impacted traffic for several hours, with lanes affected until approximately 6:00 a.m.

The cause of the crash remains under investigation.

Even when injuries are described as non-life-threatening, tractor-trailer crashes are inherently dangerous due to the size, weight, and force involved. An overturned commercial vehicle can result in:

• Severe blunt-force trauma
• Head, neck, or spinal injuries
• Crush injuries
• Long-term orthopedic damage
• Significant roadway hazards for other motorists

Early morning crashes also raise questions about visibility, fatigue, roadway conditions, and vehicle stability.

When a tractor-trailer loses control and overturns, investigators typically examine several potential contributing factors, including:

• Driver fatigue or hours-of-service violations
• Speed or improper maneuvering
• Mechanical or brake failure
• Improper cargo loading or weight distribution
• Roadway design or surface conditions
• Weather or visibility issues

Commercial vehicle accidents often require a more detailed investigation than standard passenger vehicle crashes, as federal and state trucking regulations may apply.

Legal Rights After a Tractor-Trailer Accident

Drivers injured in commercial vehicle crashes may be entitled to pursue compensation depending on the circumstances of the crash. Potential claims may include:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Future medical care or rehabilitation costs

If mechanical failure, improper maintenance, or third-party negligence played a role, liability may extend beyond the driver to include:

• Trucking companies or employers
• Maintenance providers
• Cargo loaders
• Vehicle or parts manufacturers

Prompt legal action is often critical to preserve evidence such as electronic logging device (ELD) data, maintenance records, and vehicle black box information.

How Flanagan & Bodenheimer Handles Truck Accident Cases

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent individuals injured in serious commercial vehicle accidents across Florida, including tractor-trailer crashes on major highways like I-75.

We intentionally maintain a small caseload, allowing clients to work directly with experienced attorneys. Our firm focuses on:

• Conducting independent crash investigations
• Securing trucking records and electronic data
• Working with accident reconstruction experts
• Identifying all available insurance coverage
• Handling communications with trucking companies and insurers

Clients pay nothing upfront. We only recover fees if we recover compensation.

If you or a loved one was injured in a tractor-trailer crash on Interstate 75 in Hillsborough County, understanding your legal rights early can make a meaningful difference.

📞 Contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm for a free, confidential consultation. We represent accident victims throughout Hillsborough County and across Florida.