Pedestrian Struck and Killed by Tractor-Trailer on Florida’s Turnpike in Miami-Dade, FHP Says

A tragic crash on Florida’s Turnpike in Miami-Dade County left one man dead Saturday morning after he was struck by a tractor-trailer, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

The fatal collision happened in the southbound lanes of the Turnpike near Southwest 8th Street (Tamiami Trail). Troopers say the pedestrian was attempting to cross the roadway when he entered the path of an oncoming tractor-trailer.

The impact was severe, and the man was pronounced dead at the scene. His identity has not yet been released pending notification of next of kin.

The crash forced the closure of four southbound lanes as investigators documented the scene, inspected the tractor-trailer, and worked to determine the circumstances leading up to the collision. All lanes have since reopened.

Florida consistently ranks among the deadliest states in the nation for pedestrian crashes, particularly in high-speed, high-traffic corridors such as:

• Florida’s Turnpike
• Interstate 95
• I-75
• U.S. 1
• Major expressways in Miami-Dade and Broward

When pedestrian crashes occur on limited-access highways, the results are almost always catastrophic. Factors that frequently contribute to these tragedies include:

• Vehicles traveling at high speeds
• Limited lighting or visibility
• Pedestrians entering areas not designed for foot traffic
• Driver inattention or fatigue
• Tractor-trailers with long stopping distances

Even when a pedestrian is outside a crosswalk, serious questions can arise regarding:

• Whether drivers maintained a proper lookout
• Whether speed or distraction played a role
• Whether the roadway lacked sufficient barriers or pedestrian deterrents

A thorough investigation is essential.

Understanding Liability in Fatal Pedestrian Crashes Involving Commercial Trucks

Tractor-trailer collisions require a more complex investigation than standard car accidents. Multiple parties may be involved, including:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• Freight or logistics companies
• Maintenance or inspection contractors
• Roadway maintenance authorities

Evidence that may determine liability includes:

• Dashcam footage
• Electronic logging device (ELD) data
• Black box recordings
• Braking and steering patterns
• Driver fatigue or hours-of-service violations
• Speed and lane position
• Visibility conditions
• Roadway design factors

Even if a pedestrian was crossing outside a designated area, a wrongful death claim can still exist depending on the circumstances. Florida’s comparative negligence law allows families to pursue compensation even when the victim may be partially at fault.

Families Deserve Answers After a Fatal Pedestrian Accident

Losing a loved one in a sudden highway tragedy is devastating. While FHP investigates the crash, the victim’s family may still be left with unanswered questions:

• Why did this happen?
• Could it have been prevented?
• Was the truck driver speeding, fatigued, or distracted?
• Were proper safety procedures followed?
• Does the trucking company share responsibility?

A civil investigation conducted by an experienced wrongful death attorney can uncover critical evidence that is not part of the public crash report.

Flanagan & Bodenheimer: Advocating for Families After Fatal Pedestrian Crashes

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families throughout Florida who have lost loved ones in pedestrian accidents — including those involving commercial trucks and tractor-trailers.

Our approach is different:

• We maintain a small caseload to provide direct attorney access.
• We conduct independent investigations to uncover every responsible party.
• We pursue compensation for medical expenses, funeral costs, pain and suffering, lost support, and more.
• You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for your family.

Trucking companies move quickly after a fatal crash. Families deserve a legal team that moves just as fast — and fights even harder.

If your loved one was killed in a pedestrian accident on Florida’s Turnpike or any Miami-Dade roadway, we are here to help you get answers and justice.

📞 Contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer today for a free case evaluation. Serving Miami-Dade, Broward, Palm Beach, and all of Florida.