Tractor-Trailer Driver Arrested In Alleged Hit-and-Run

In May 2025, a tractor-trailer driver allegedly caused the death of two Florida surveyors in an accident on I-95 South, in Brevard County. The surveyors had parked their pickup and were walking along the ‘grassy shoulder’ when the tractor-trailer driver lost control of his vehicle. It struck the pickup truck, and then the two surveyors, both of whom were pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver fled the scene – but later that day, Florida Highway Patrol reported that he had been stopped in Palm Beach County and arrested.

Both A Crime And A Civil Wrong

Far too many drivers are unaware that if one is involved in a vehicle accident that causes damage to people or property, leaving the scene of that accident is a crime, potentially punishable by fines and even jail time. It can also be the basis for a claim of civil negligence – after all, in many cases, if a person does not receive medical care within a certain time frame, they may be permanently disabled or die from their injuries.

It is important to know that even if a hit-and-run driver flees the scene and cannot be found, an injured plaintiff may still be able to file a claim for damages, particularly if they have uninsured motorist coverage in their auto insurance policy. However, law enforcement will pursue hit-and-run drivers simply because this behavior is a crime against society. It is usually possible for these drivers to face both civil and criminal penalties without triggering double jeopardy under the Fifth Amendment.

Understand Vicarious Liability

If a hit-and-run driver is not a private citizen, but rather a professional driver on the clock, the situation can become more complex in terms of seeking civil damages. Florida recognizes a common-law concept known as vicarious liability, under which a ‘master’ (employer) can be held liable for the torts (a tort is the civil law version of a crime) committed by their employees. If their employee – in this case, a tractor-trailer driver – is engaged in their employer’s business, both they and their employer may be liable for the plaintiff’s injuries.

It is important to keep in mind that the time frame in which these claims must be put on record in Florida is very brief; while the statute of limitations in these types of cases is two years, state law requires that a police report on a hit-and-run accident must be filed within 10 days in most cases. Without a police report, it can be difficult or impossible to file a claim, so it is crucial that this is handled promptly.

Contact A Tampa Tractor-Trailer Accident Attorney

While the ultimate outcome of the I-95 accident remains to be seen, a hit-and-run accident causing injury or death is a crime in Florida, and both drivers and employers should be held responsible if a tractor-trailer driver causes this kind of crash. A Tampa tractor-trailer accident attorney from the Rinaldo Law Group can help you clarify your legal options. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.

Source:

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