July 23, 2026

What You Need to Know An 85-year-old Homosassa man died in a May 13, 2026 collision involving a Chrysler Pacifica and a tractor-trailer at US-19 and US-98. Reports citing the Florida Highway Patrol say the minivan turned left under a red light and entered the truck’s path. A news report or initial crash finding does not always resolve every civil liability question. Florida generally gives families two years to file a wrongful death action. Truck data, signal records, video, vehicle inspections, and witness accounts should be preserved quickly. Had a bad day? Call The Reyes Firm at 833-4 BAD DAY. A fatal Citrus County truck crash can leave a family with painful questions. You may want to know how the collision happened, who was responsible, and if any legal action is possible. The May 13 crash involved a tractor-trailer carrying lumber and a minivan driven by an 85-year-old Homosassa man. The reported facts may point toward the minivan driver’s actions, but a full investigation can still be needed before anyone reaches a final civil liability decision. This article discusses the reported crash and the Florida laws that may affect similar cases. The Reyes Firm does not represent any person involved in this incident based on the information currently available. What Happened in the Citrus County Truck Crash? An 85-year-old Homosassa man died after his Chrysler Pacifica collided with a tractor-trailer at US-19 and US-98 in Citrus County on May 13, 2026. Reports citing FHP say the minivan turned left under a red light, both vehicles caught fire, and the truck driver suffered minor injuries.  The crash happened shortly before 8 a.m. The Chrysler Pacifica was reportedly traveling north on US-19 before turning left at the US-98 intersection. Incident Location US-19 and US-98 in Citrus County, Florida The fatal collision was reported at the intersection of U.S. Highway 19 and U.S. Highway 98 near Homosassa in Citrus County. The map identifies the general intersection reported by authorities. It does not show the exact position of the vehicles or the crash scene. Map provided for location reference only. The tractor-trailer was hauling lumber. After the collision, both vehicles came to rest near the southwest corner of the intersection and caught fire. The Homosassa driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The 48-year-old tractor-trailer driver from Ocala reportedly had minor injuries and was not taken to a hospital. FHP continued investigating the collision. The publicly reported facts should be treated as preliminary unless investigators release a final report. ⚠️ Warning: Florida’s Wrongful Death Deadline: Florida Statute § 95.11 generally gives a family two years to file an action for wrongful death. Evidence can disappear long before that deadline, so families should not wait two years to begin investigating a fatal crash. What Does a Reported Red-Light Left Turn Mean Under Florida Law? Florida law generally requires a driver facing a steady red signal to stop and remain stopped until the signal permits movement. A driver making a left turn must also yield to approaching traffic that is already in the intersection or close enough to create an immediate danger.  Reports say the minivan turned left under a red light. If confirmed, that fact could strongly affect the liability investigation. Florida Statute § 316.075 requires traffic facing a steady red light to stop. A limited exception permits a left turn from one one-way street onto another one-way street after stopping and yielding. That narrow exception may not apply to an ordinary two-way intersection. Florida Statute § 316.122 separately requires a left-turning driver to yield to vehicles coming from the opposite direction when those vehicles present an immediate hazard. Investigators may examine: Question Evidence that may help What color was each signal? Signal sequencing and traffic control records How fast was the tractor-trailer moving? Electronic control module data, video, and measurements Did either driver try to avoid impact? Braking data, tire marks, and vehicle damage Could either driver see the other vehicle? Sightline analysis, lighting, weather, and obstructions Did the truck have a mechanical problem? Inspection, repair, and maintenance records A traffic violation can be important evidence. It does not allow investigators to ignore other facts that may have contributed to the collision. Can a Family Bring a Claim If Their Loved One May Have Caused the Crash? A family may investigate a fatal crash even when early reports place fault on their loved one. A successful wrongful death claim still requires evidence that another person or company contributed to the death. Florida’s comparative fault law can reduce compensation or bar recovery when the deceased person bears most of the legal fault.  Florida Statute § 768.81 divides responsibility among the people and companies whose conduct contributed to a crash. A party’s recovery is generally reduced by that party’s percentage of fault. A person found more than 50 percent responsible for their own harm may be barred from recovering damages in a covered negligence action. This means the family’s attorney must review more than the initial description of the crash. The investigation may examine: The tractor-trailer’s speed The truck driver’s reaction time Braking and steering inputs Vehicle lighting and conspicuity The truck’s mechanical condition Signal timing and visibility Nearby surveillance or dashcam footage Statements from independent witnesses A claim may not exist if the evidence shows the deceased driver was entirely responsible. A careful investigation helps the family understand the facts instead of relying only on assumptions. NHTSA reported that 39,254 people died in United States traffic crashes during 2024. The national fatality rate was 1.19 deaths per 100 million vehicle miles traveled.  💡 Did You Know? FLHSMV recorded 381,210 codable traffic crashes and 3,184 traffic deaths in Florida during 2024. The same preliminary report listed 46,651 commercial motor vehicle crashes involving 315 fatalities. View the FLHSMV report. What Evidence Should Be Preserved After a Fatal Tractor-Trailer Crash? The most important evidence may include the truck’s electronic data, driver records, maintenance files, signal information, photographs, and video. Some records can be overwritten or lost through