Sebring, FL — January 6, 2025, Dan Pitisci and another person were injured in a truck accident shortly before 10:30 a.m. along U.S. Highway 27.

According to authorities, Dan Pitisci was traveling in a northbound Dodge Ram pickup truck on U.S. 27 at the Thunderbird Road intersection when the accident took place.

The cause of the accident remains unclear. The intersection is apparently controlled by a traffic signal. The pickup truck reportedly came to a stop due to the red light indicated by the traffic light. However, officials indicate that, for as yet unknown reasons, a commercial truck hauling a load of sod that had been traveling behind the pickup truck failed to stop, as well; it collided with the rear end of the pickup truck. Reports state that the sod truck overturned onto its side over the course of the accident.

Pitisci and the person who had been behind the wheel of the sod truck suffered injuries of varying degrees of severity due to the wreck. The truck driver was transported to a local medical facility by EMS in order to receive necessary treatment. Additional details pertaining to this incident are not available at this point in time. The investigation is currently ongoing.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

Accidents like this one often seem straightforward at first glance—rear-end collisions are among the most common types of crashes. However, in my experience handling commercial truck accident cases, incidents like these often reveal deeper issues that require careful investigation to fully understand what went wrong and why.

One of the first questions investigators should address is why the sod truck failed to stop in time. Was the driver distracted, fatigued, or impaired? Did the truck's brakes or other critical safety systems fail? Commercial vehicles undergo far more wear and tear than the average passenger vehicle, which is why their maintenance must be a top priority. If mechanical failure played a role, investigators will need to determine whether it was due to neglected maintenance or improper repairs. Did the trucking company conduct routine inspections and ensure the vehicle was roadworthy before sending it out?

The trucking company itself warrants scrutiny as well. Employers are responsible for hiring qualified drivers, ensuring they are properly trained, and monitoring compliance with safety protocols. Did this driver have a history of reckless driving or previous accidents? Were they under pressure to meet tight delivery deadlines that may have encouraged unsafe driving behavior? These are the kinds of questions that can reveal whether poor company practices contributed to the wreck.

In addition to examining the driver's actions and the truck's condition, investigators should evaluate the load itself. Was the sod properly secured to the trailer? Improperly balanced or unsecured loads can destabilize trucks, particularly during sudden stops or evasive maneuvers. The fact that the truck reportedly overturned raises the possibility that the load may have been a contributing factor.

Ultimately, the goal is to uncover the truth and provide answers to those affected by the crash. Even if it requires conducting an independent investigation to obtain critical evidence, it’s essential to examine every factor to ensure that those impacted by this incident receive the clarity and closure they deserve.