Truck Driver Killed After Semitrailer Crashes Into Disabled Truck on I-95 Near Ormond Beach

A truck driver was killed Thursday after the semitrailer he was driving crashed into the rear of another semitrailer that had become disabled following an earlier collision with a deer on Interstate 95 near Ormond Beach, according to the Florida Highway Patrol.

The impact caused the moving semitrailer to catch fire. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

What We Know About the Fatal I-95 Truck Crash

According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the crash occurred on August 13, 2026, on southbound Interstate 95 near Mile Marker 276 in the Ormond Beach area.

FHP reported that a semitrailer had been involved in an earlier collision with a deer and was stopped in the outside travel lane.

According to troopers:

• The disabled semitrailer was stopped in the outside lane of southbound I-95.
• Its hazard lights were activated.
• A second semitrailer was traveling south in the same lane.
• The driver of the approaching truck was unable to slow down before reaching the disabled vehicle.
• The moving semitrailer crashed into the rear of the stopped truck.
• The impact caused the approaching semitrailer to catch fire.

The driver of the moving semitrailer suffered fatal injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The driver of the disabled truck remained at the scene and was not transported to a hospital.

Authorities have not publicly identified the driver who died.

Earlier Deer Collision Left Semitrailer Disabled in Travel Lane

One important part of the investigation will likely involve the circumstances surrounding the first crash.

FHP said the semitrailer that was struck from behind had previously collided with a deer and was disabled in the outside lane with its hazard lights activated.

The available information does not indicate how much time passed between the initial deer collision and the fatal secondary crash.

Investigators may examine whether the approaching truck driver had sufficient time and distance to recognize the stopped semitrailer and take evasive action.

They may also examine the visibility of the disabled truck and what warnings were available to approaching motorists.

Why Couldn’t the Approaching Semitrailer Stop in Time?

FHP reported that the driver of the moving semitrailer was unable to slow down before striking the disabled truck. However, investigators have not yet explained why.

Potential factors investigators may examine include:

• The approaching truck’s speed.
• Following and stopping distance.
• Visibility at the time of the crash.
• Traffic conditions.
• Driver distraction or fatigue.
• Brake and tire condition.
• Whether evasive action was attempted.
• Electronic Logging Device records.
• Engine and Event Data Recorder information.
• Dash-camera footage.
• Roadway and weather conditions.

There is currently no public information establishing that any particular factor caused the driver to be unable to stop.

Secondary Interstate Crashes Can Be Extremely Dangerous

A disabled vehicle remaining in an interstate travel lane can create a serious secondary-crash hazard, particularly when large commercial vehicles are involved.

Tractor-trailers can weigh tens of thousands of pounds and require significantly more stopping distance than passenger vehicles. When a truck driver encounters a stationary vehicle at highway speeds, even a relatively brief delay in recognizing the hazard can dramatically reduce the amount of roadway available to stop.

Secondary crashes may also occur before law enforcement, tow trucks, or other emergency personnel have enough time to secure the scene of an initial collision.

Commercial Truck Crash Investigation

Because this collision involved two commercial trucks and resulted in a fatality, investigators may have access to substantial electronic and documentary evidence.

Potential evidence could include:

• Electronic Logging Device records.
• Engine Control Module data.
• Event Data Recorder information.
• Dash-camera footage.
• GPS and dispatch records.
• Hours-of-service records.
• Driver qualification records.
• Truck inspection and maintenance records.
• Brake and tire inspection records.
• Photographs and measurements from the scene.
• Witness statements.

Investigators may also examine records associated with the disabled semitrailer to establish exactly when the deer collision occurred and what happened between the first and second crashes.

Potential Legal Issues Following a Fatal Commercial Truck Crash

A preliminary FHP report does not determine civil liability.

Although the approaching semitrailer struck the rear of a stopped truck, a complete investigation may still be necessary to determine all factors that contributed to the collision.

Depending on the evidence, potentially responsible parties in a commercial truck crash can include:

• A truck driver.
• A trucking company or motor carrier.
• The owner of a tractor or trailer.
• A maintenance or repair provider.
• A company responsible for loading or servicing a commercial vehicle.
• A vehicle or component manufacturer if defective equipment contributed to the crash.
• Other parties whose negligence played a role.

There is currently insufficient information to determine whether negligence by any particular person or company contributed to this fatal collision.

Wrongful Death Claims After a Florida Truck Accident

If an investigation determines that another party’s negligence caused or contributed to a fatal truck crash, qualifying surviving family members may have rights under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act (Florida Statutes §§768.16–768.26).

Depending on the circumstances, recoverable damages may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses.
• Medical expenses incurred before death.
• Loss of financial support and services.
• Loss of companionship and protection.
• Mental pain and suffering for qualifying survivors.
• Lost earnings and other estate-related losses where permitted.
• Other damages available under Florida law.

Commercial trucking cases can involve multiple companies and insurance policies, making identification of every potentially responsible party an important part of the investigation.

Preserving Trucking Evidence Is Critical

Evidence held by commercial trucking companies may be particularly important after a fatal collision.

Electronic information can sometimes be overwritten, while companies may retain certain business records only for required periods.

Potentially important evidence can include data showing the truck’s speed, braking, throttle position, driving hours, location, maintenance history, and the driver’s activities before the collision.

Prompt preservation of this information can help investigators and accident reconstruction experts determine exactly what occurred.

FHP Continues to Investigate

The Florida Highway Patrol continues to investigate the fatal I-95 collision near Mile Marker 276.

Troopers have confirmed that the disabled semitrailer had its hazard lights activated after an earlier collision with a deer and that the approaching truck was unable to slow before striking it.

Additional information regarding the cause of the collision and the identity of the driver who died may be released as the investigation continues.

We extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the driver who lost his life in this tragic collision and hope the continuing investigation provides his loved ones with clear answers about what happened.