Ruskin County, FL — February 13, 2025, One person was injured following an 18-wheeler accident that occurred at around 2:30 A.M. on I-75.

An investigation is underway following an 18-wheeler accident that left one person injured during the early morning hours of February 13th. According to official reports, an 18-wheeler was traveling on I-75 and attempted to exit for the Ruskin rest area when fro unknown reasons the truck overturned.

When first responders arrived on the scene they found that the driver had sustained injuries and transported him to the hospital for treatment. At this time it remains unknown what caused the truck to overturn, however this remains an ongoing investigation and more details may be released in the future.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I see reports of an 18-wheeler overturning, my first thought is whether investigators will be able to determine exactly what went wrong. Many people assume that these types of crashes are caused by driver error, but my experience tells me that’s not always the case. Instead of making assumptions, it’s important to let the evidence guide the investigation. To do that, there are three critical questions that need to be answered.

The first question is whether authorities conducted a thorough investigation. Law enforcement officers work hard to document crash scenes, but not all departments have the training or resources to conduct in-depth commercial vehicle investigations. In a case like this, investigators should be examining factors such as the truck’s speed, road conditions, and whether the exit ramp design may have contributed to the crash. Additionally, cargo weight distribution plays a significant role in truck stability—an improperly loaded trailer can cause a rollover even at relatively low speeds. Without a detailed review, key details could be missed.

The second question is whether a vehicle defect played a role. Large trucks rely on complex braking, steering, and suspension systems, and a mechanical failure in any of these components could lead to a loss of control. Tire blowouts, shifting cargo, or even electronic stability control malfunctions are all possibilities that should be ruled out. Unfortunately, most crash investigations don’t include a forensic examination of the truck unless someone pushes for it, meaning potential defects may never be uncovered. Preserving the truck for inspection is crucial in cases like this.

The final question is whether all available electronic data has been collected. Most commercial trucks are equipped with an electronic control module (ECM) that records vital crash-related data, including speed, braking, and steering inputs in the moments before a crash. Additionally, many trucking companies install GPS tracking systems and onboard cameras that could provide further insights into what happened. If investigators don’t move quickly to secure this information, it may be lost before anyone realizes its significance.

At the end of the day, determining why a crash like this happened isn’t just about assigning responsibility—it’s about ensuring that all the right questions have been asked and answered. If external factors, mechanical failures, or missing data played a role, those affected by this crash deserve to know.