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

A multi-vehicle crash involving a semi-truck caused major delays on Interstate 4 early Monday morning and sent three people to the hospital, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The collision happened around 6 a.m. in the eastbound lanes of I-4 near Longwood in Seminole County.

According to FHP, the crash unfolded when:

• An SUV traveling in the merge lane failed to merge safely,
• Entered the path of an oncoming semi-truck,
• Triggering a chain-reaction crash involving the semi and two additional vehicles.

The semi-truck driver and passenger were uninjured. However:

• Three other drivers involved in the crash were transported to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

For a time, only one eastbound lane was able to get through the scene. All lanes have since reopened.

The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the crash.

Even when initial impacts appear minor, the sheer size and force of a commercial truck can amplify the severity of a crash. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, making it much harder to:

• Stop quickly
• Avoid merging vehicles
• Correct course in congested traffic

In multi-vehicle pileups, determining fault becomes significantly more complex—especially when both commercial and private vehicles are involved.

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

Because multiple vehicles were involved in the I-4 crash, several parties may ultimately share responsibility. Potentially liable parties include:

1. The SUV Driver

If the merging SUV failed to yield or entered traffic improperly, they may bear primary responsibility under Florida Statute §316.125 (right-of-way rules).

2. The Semi-Truck Driver

If the truck driver was:

• Speeding
• Distracted
• Following too closely
• Failing to maintain a safe lookout

—they may share liability.

3. The Trucking Company

Companies can be liable for:

• Negligent hiring or training
• Hours-of-service violations
• Failure to maintain the vehicle
• Pressuring drivers to violate safety rules

4. Another Vehicle in the Chain Reaction

If a third or fourth driver reacted negligently (e.g., speeding into stopped traffic), liability may expand.

5. Vehicle or Equipment Manufacturers

If brake failure or mechanical malfunction contributed to the crash, a product liability claim may apply.

Multi-party truck accident claims require thorough investigation, expert analysis, and access to evidence that trucking companies often attempt to secure immediately after a crash.

Evidence That Must Be Preserved Immediately

Truck accident cases hinge on documentation that can disappear quickly unless preserved. This includes:

• Black box data (ECM data) showing speed, braking, and throttle position
• Driver logbooks and hours-of-service records
• Dashcam and surveillance footage
• Truck maintenance and inspection records
• Witness statements
• Photos of skid marks, debris fields, and vehicle positions

Under federal law, trucking companies only need to keep some of this evidence for a short time—sometimes as little as six months—unless a lawyer sends a preservation letter immediately.

Legal Options for Those Injured in the I-4 Crash

Victims injured in commercial truck crashes may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages and diminished earning ability
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• Future medical care
• Loss of enjoyment of life

If multiple parties share fault, Florida’s comparative negligence law allows victims to recover compensation based on each party’s percentage of responsibility.

Because commercial trucking insurers aggressively defend these cases, injured victims should not provide statements or accept early settlement offers without legal representation.

Why Truck Accident Victims Need Experienced Legal Representation

Truck accident claims are not handled like ordinary car accidents. They involve:

• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations
• Corporate insurance adjusters and legal teams
• Multi-million-dollar policies
• Complex liability issues
• Advanced accident reconstruction

Our attorneys at Flanagan & Bodenheimer have extensive experience handling commercial vehicle and multi-vehicle highway collisions throughout Florida—including cases on I-4, I-95, the Turnpike, and other major roadways.

We limit the number of cases we take so we can provide the focused, strategic representation each client deserves.

If you or a loved one were injured in the Longwood I-4 crash or any other commercial truck accident, you may have significant legal rights—even if fault is still under investigation.

We offer:

• Free case evaluations
• No upfront costs
• Contingency-fee representation (you pay nothing unless we win)
• Direct access to your attorney, not case managers

Call Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm today to protect your rights and begin the investigation immediately.