Semi-Truck Driver Killed in Hit-and-Run Crash on I-75 in Manatee County

A tragic crash on Interstate 75 in Manatee County, Florida claimed the life of a semi-truck driver Monday morning after a chain-reaction collision involving multiple vehicles, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

Authorities say one of the drivers involved fled the scene and is currently being sought.

What We Know About the Crash

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash occurred on April 20, 2026, in the southbound lanes of I-75 just south of State Road 64 near Bradenton.

Investigators say a dark-colored Ford Mustang was traveling southbound in the left lane when it entered the middle lane and collided with a Chevy Trailblazer driven by a 63-year-old man. The impact forced the Trailblazer into the right lane and directly into the path of a semi tractor-trailer driven by a 34-year-old man from New Smyrna.

Troopers report that the semi-truck was struck and redirected across all southbound lanes before overturning onto its side. The vehicle came to rest partially in the grass median, blocking multiple lanes of traffic.

The semi-truck driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The driver of the Trailblazer sustained minor injuries.

Authorities say the driver of the Mustang briefly stopped after the crash but then fled southbound on I-75. The suspect vehicle has been described as a black Ford Mustang with rear louvers and possibly a camera mounted on the rear. The driver is described as a man wearing a gray hoodie with a stocky build.

The Dangers of Chain-Reaction Highway Crashes

Multi-vehicle crashes on high-speed highways can quickly escalate into deadly situations, particularly when large commercial vehicles are involved.

Common contributing factors include:

• Unsafe lane changes
• Sudden impacts causing vehicles to be pushed into other lanes
• High speeds and limited reaction time
• The size and weight of semi-trucks, which increase crash severity

When a semi-truck overturns, the risk of fatal injuries rises significantly.

Legal Implications of Hit-and-Run Crashes

Leaving the scene of a crash—especially one involving death—is a serious criminal offense under Florida law.

Beyond criminal charges, civil liability may also arise.

Potential legal considerations include:

• Liability of the fleeing driver for causing the crash
• Claims against other involved drivers depending on fault
• Insurance coverage, including uninsured motorist claims
• Responsibility for damages caused to other victims

Identifying the fleeing driver is often critical to pursuing full compensation.

Wrongful Death Claims Under Florida Law

Under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act, Florida Statutes §§ 768.16–768.26, surviving family members of the deceased truck driver may be entitled to pursue compensation if negligence caused the crash.

Damages may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support and future income
• Loss of companionship and protection
• Mental pain and suffering

Wrongful death cases involving commercial vehicles often require detailed investigation and expert analysis.

Investigation Ongoing

The Florida Highway Patrol is actively searching for the driver of the Mustang and continues to investigate the circumstances of the crash.

Anyone with information is urged to contact *347 (*FHP) or Crime Stoppers.

Our Thoughts Are With the Victim’s Family

Our thoughts are with the family of the semi-truck driver during this difficult time.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families in complex wrongful death cases, including those involving hit-and-run and commercial vehicle accidents. If your loved one was killed due to another driver’s negligence, our firm can help investigate and pursue justice on your behalf.

We offer free consultations and handle wrongful death cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning no fees unless we recover compensation for your family.