Pedestrian Killed in Collision with Tractor-Trailer on I-75 in Sarasota County

A 64-year-old Sarasota man was killed Tuesday morning after being struck by a tractor-trailer on Interstate 75 in Sarasota County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

The crash occurred at approximately 8:55 a.m. in the southbound lanes of I-75 near Mile Marker 202, about three miles south of Clark Road (Exit 205).

According to FHP:

• A 56-year-old Minnesota man was driving a 1999 Peterbilt tractor cab and trailer southbound in the right travel lane.
• The pedestrian had parked his vehicle on the paved shoulder near Mile Marker 202.
• Troopers say the pedestrian was standing near his vehicle before stepping into the travel lane.
• The front right corner of the tractor-trailer struck the pedestrian.

Sarasota County EMS pronounced the 64-year-old man deceased at the scene.

The Florida Highway Patrol’s Traffic Homicide Unit is actively investigating the crash.

Pedestrian incidents on interstate highways are especially dangerous due to:

• High vehicle speeds
• Limited driver reaction time
• Reduced visibility
• Heavy commercial vehicle traffic

When a vehicle is disabled or stopped on the shoulder of an interstate, even brief exposure to active lanes of traffic can result in catastrophic or fatal outcomes.

When a crash involves a tractor-trailer, investigators may examine:

• Driver speed and braking patterns
• Commercial vehicle maintenance records
• Driver logs and compliance with federal safety regulations
• Roadway conditions and visibility

Commercial drivers are subject to both Florida traffic laws and federal motor carrier safety regulations. While initial reports may suggest how a collision occurred, a full investigation is necessary before determining liability.

Under Florida’s modified comparative negligence law (§768.81), fault may be shared among parties depending on the circumstances. In some cases, liability questions may involve:

• Driver attentiveness
• Whether emergency flashers or warning devices were properly deployed
• Road design or shoulder safety conditions
• Commercial vehicle safety compliance

Each fatal crash must be evaluated based on the specific facts and available evidence.

Wrongful Death Claims in Florida

When a pedestrian is killed in a traffic crash, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim if negligence contributed to the incident.

Potential recoverable damages under Florida law may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship and protection
• Mental pain and suffering of surviving family members
• Medical expenses incurred prior to death

An independent investigation can help determine whether all contributing factors have been properly examined.

The Importance of Early Evidence Preservation

In fatal crashes involving commercial vehicles, evidence can include:

• Event data recorder (black box) information
• Dash camera footage
• Maintenance and inspection logs
• Electronic logging device (ELD) records
• Surveillance or traffic camera video

Preserving this evidence quickly can be critical to fully understanding what occurred.

Representation for Families After Fatal Interstate Crashes

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families throughout Florida in wrongful death cases involving serious and fatal vehicle crashes, including those involving commercial trucks.

Our firm:

• Conducts independent investigations
• Works with accident reconstruction experts
• Identifies all responsible parties
• Pursues full compensation under Florida law

We intentionally maintain a limited caseload so families work directly with experienced attorneys.

There are no upfront costs, and we only get paid if compensation is recovered.

If your family has lost a loved one in a pedestrian or commercial vehicle crash in Sarasota County or anywhere in Florida, contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer for a free, confidential consultation.