Three Injured in Four-Vehicle Crash Involving Semi-Truck on I-4 Near Longwood

Three people were hospitalized Monday morning after a four-vehicle collision involving a semi-truck on Interstate 4 in Seminole County, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

The crash occurred around 6 a.m. in the eastbound lanes of I-4 near Longwood, an area known for heavy commuter traffic and merging congestion.

Troopers say the crash began when an SUV in the merge lane failed to merge safely, drifting into the path of a semi-truck traveling in the center or travel lane. The truck driver attempted to avoid the collision, but the impact triggered a chain reaction involving two additional vehicles.

• Semi-truck: driver and passenger were uninjured
• Three other drivers: transported to nearby hospitals with injuries described as non-life-threatening
• Traffic impact: One lane initially remained open, but all eastbound lanes were later fully reopened as crews cleared the scene

FHP’s investigation is ongoing, and no citations have yet been announced.

I-4 is consistently ranked as one of the most dangerous highways in the United States, with high volumes of:

• Commuter traffic
• Tourist travelers
• Commercial trucks
• Frequent construction zones
• Short merge lanes

Crashes involving semi-trucks often result in chain-reaction collisions due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles. Even when initial impact speeds are moderate, the force can send other cars into adjacent lanes or vehicles.

Who May Be Liable in a Multi-Vehicle Truck Accident?

Determining liability in a four-vehicle crash requires a detailed investigation, especially when a commercial truck is involved. Potentially responsible parties may include:

1. The SUV Driver

If the SUV failed to merge safely—as reported—the driver could be considered negligent under Florida Statute §316.085, which requires drivers to ensure safe lane changes and merges.

2. The Semi-Truck Driver or Trucking Company

Even when truck drivers are not at fault, investigators must review:

• Truck speed
• Driver logs (to check for fatigue)
• Brake and equipment condition
• Dash camera footage
• Compliance with FMCSA safety regulations

If a mechanical issue or improper training contributed to the crash, the trucking company may be liable.

3. Other Drivers Involved

Chain-reaction crashes often reveal multiple contributing factors, such as:

• Tailgating
• Distracted driving
• Sudden braking
• Failure to maintain lane

4. Vehicle Manufacturers or Maintenance Contractors

If a tire blowout, brake failure, or steering defect occurred, additional parties could share responsibility.

Legal Options for Injured Victims

Florida allows injured motorists to seek compensation when another party’s negligence causes a crash. Potential damages may include:

• Medical expenses and future treatment
• Lost wages and lost earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Long-term rehabilitation

If multiple drivers share fault, Florida’s comparative negligence law (§768.81) distributes responsibility accordingly.

Victims should act quickly, as evidence such as dashcam footage, vehicle black-box data, and witness accounts can disappear or degrade shortly after the crash.

What to Do After a Multi-Vehicle Truck Accident

If you were injured in a crash involving a semi-truck:

1. Seek medical care immediately, even if injuries feel minor
2. Document vehicle damage, injuries, and road conditions
3. Avoid speaking with trucking company insurance adjusters before consulting a lawyer
4. Request a copy of the crash report and any video footage
5. Contact an experienced truck accident attorney

Our firm conducts independent investigations, works with accident reconstruction experts, and fights to hold trucking companies accountable for unsafe practices.

We Help Victims of Truck Accidents Across Florida

Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm represents individuals injured or killed in trucking and multi-vehicle crashes statewide. We intentionally limit our caseload so every client receives direct attorney attention—not a case manager or call center.

We offer:

• Free consultations
• No fees unless we win
• Extensive experience litigating commercial truck crashes
• Personalized, aggressive representation

If you or a loved one was injured in this I-4 crash or any Florida truck accident, contact us today to understand your rights.