Pedestrian Killed in Crash with Tractor-Trailer on I-75 in Sarasota

A tragic pedestrian crash on Interstate 75 in Sarasota claimed the life of a 64-year-old man Wednesday morning after he was struck by a tractor-trailer, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The fatal collision caused major delays on I-75 south for several hours as authorities investigated the scene.

Troopers say the crash occurred shortly after 9 a.m. on February 18, 2026, just south of the Clark Road exit on I-75 in Sarasota County.

According to investigators:

• A 64-year-old Sarasota man had parked his vehicle on the paved shoulder of the interstate
• He was standing next to his vehicle along the shoulder
• A tractor-trailer driven by a 56-year-old man was traveling southbound in the right lane
• The pedestrian stepped into the roadway and into the path of the oncoming tractor-trailer
• The front right corner of the truck struck the man

Emergency responders pronounced the pedestrian dead at the scene.

Two southbound lanes of I-75 were closed for several hours following the crash before reopening later in the day. The incident remains under investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol.

Pedestrian crashes on highways and interstates are often fatal due to high speeds and limited reaction time. Unlike city streets, interstate highways are not designed for pedestrian activity, making any roadway entry extremely dangerous.

Common factors in interstate pedestrian fatalities include:

• Disabled vehicles requiring roadside stops
• Limited visibility for approaching drivers
• High travel speeds
• Reduced lighting during early morning or nighttime hours
• Driver reaction time constraints

Even when drivers take evasive action, collisions at highway speeds can be unavoidable.

Investigating Liability in Pedestrian-Truck Crashes

Although early reports indicate the pedestrian stepped into the path of the truck, investigators will still examine all potential contributing factors, including:

• Whether the tractor-trailer driver was speeding or distracted
• Visibility and lighting conditions at the time of the crash
• Whether hazard lights or warning devices were present
• Roadway design and shoulder conditions
• Any mechanical issues with the vehicle

In crashes involving commercial vehicles, companies and insurers often conduct their own investigations, making it critical for families to understand their rights and preserve evidence early.

Legal Options After a Fatal Pedestrian Accident

When a pedestrian is killed in a crash involving a commercial truck, surviving family members may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim under Florida law.

Compensation may include:

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

Every case is unique, and determining liability often requires a detailed investigation and accident reconstruction.

How Flanagan & Bodenheimer Can Help

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families across Florida in fatal truck accident and pedestrian wrongful death cases.

Our firm:

• Focuses exclusively on serious injury and wrongful death cases
• Handles complex trucking and commercial vehicle investigations
• Limits our caseload to provide direct attorney access
• Covers all litigation costs upfront with no fees unless we recover compensation

Losing a loved one in a sudden roadway tragedy is devastating. Our team is committed to helping families pursue accountability and justice during the most difficult time of their lives.

If your family lost a loved one in a Florida pedestrian or truck accident, contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer for a free and confidential consultation.