The heartbreaking semi-truck crash on Florida’s Turnpike has taken an even more serious turn. A truck driver is now facing manslaughter charges after allegedly making an illegal U-turn that led to the deaths of three innocent people. What started as a traffic incident has turned into a serious criminal case, and families affected by the crash are left with more questions than answers.
If you’re a loved one of someone hurt or killed in a truck crash like this, you may wonder:
What does a Florida truck crash manslaughter charge mean?
Can the families still sue for wrongful death?
And how do criminal charges impact a civil lawsuit?
This blog will break it down so grieving families across Florida can understand their rights, take action, and begin the path toward justice.
What Happened in the Florida Turnpike Crash?
In August 2025, Harjinder Singh, a 28-year-old semi-truck driver, attempted an illegal U-turn on the Florida Turnpike in St. Lucie County. A minivan traveling on the highway crashed into the trailer of his truck, killing all three passengers inside. Instead of staying in the area, Singh returned to California not long after the collision.
The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV) issued an arrest warrant for Singh, charging him with three counts of vehicular homicide. Lt. Gov. Jay Collins, recently appointed in Florida, traveled to California to support efforts to return Singh to Florida. Singh is now in custody at the St. Lucie County Jail, where he is being held on an ICE detainer due to his immigration status.
During his court appearance in the 19th Judicial Circuit, Judge Lauren Sweet denied him bond, labeling him a flight risk. In addition to vehicular homicide, Singh now faces three counts of manslaughter, with each charge potentially carrying up to 30 years in prison. The crash has brought national attention, but it’s the families of the victims who are left to pick up the pieces.
Watch: Tampa Attorney Reacts to Fatal Truck Crash on Florida’s Turnpike
Tampa personal injury attorney Edward Reyes shares a heartfelt reaction to the tragic semi-truck crash in St. Lucie County that claimed three lives. He discusses the higher duty truck drivers have on Florida roads, the devastating impact on the families left behind, and the importance of holding negligent drivers fully accountable.
Crash Location: Florida’s Turnpike, St. Lucie County
Below is the map showing where the fatal semi-truck crash occurred on Florida’s Turnpike near Fort Pierce:
Criminal Case vs. Civil Lawsuit: What’s the Difference?
When someone dies in a truck crash, two different types of legal cases may follow:
Criminal Case:
- The State of Florida files charges (like manslaughter).
- The objective is to impose legal consequences on the driver, including incarceration, financial penalties, or probation.
- The case is handled by the state prosecutor, not the family.
- Even if convicted, the family doesn’t receive compensation.
Civil Lawsuit:
- A lawsuit is filed by the family targeting the driver or the company involved.
- The goal is to recover money for funeral costs, lost income, and emotional pain.
- Filing a civil claim can happen alongside the criminal proceedings.
- A civil case can still hold the driver responsible, even if there’s no criminal conviction.
So while a criminal case holds the driver accountable to the state, a civil lawsuit is how families seek justice and financial recovery for their own losses.
What Does Manslaughter Mean in a Truck Crash?
In Florida, vehicular manslaughter happens when a person causes someone’s death through reckless driving, even if they didn’t mean to harm anyone. Under Florida Statute § 782.07, this is a second-degree felony, punishable by up to 15 years in prison per death.
Examples of reckless behavior include:
- Making illegal U-turns (as Singh is accused of)
- Speeding or aggressive driving
- Driving while distracted or sleepy
- Violating trucking safety rules
In this case, Singh’s decision to make an illegal U-turn on a major highway may be seen as reckless enough to support a manslaughter charge. But for families, criminal charges don’t go far enough unless they also pursue a civil case.
Florida Laws That Affect a Truck Crash Claim
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit?
Florida law, specifically § 768.19, allows close family members to sue if someone dies due to negligence. This includes:
- Spouses
- Children
- Parents
- The representative of the estate (if one exists)
How Long Do You Have to File?
Florida’s statute of limitations gives families 2 years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. You could lose your right to take legal action after that point.
What Can You Recover?
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills before death
- Loss of income and future financial support
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Loss of companionship or parental guidance
A skilled personal injury attorney can calculate what your family may be owed and ensure no detail is missed.
What to Do After a Fatal Truck Accident
Losing a loved one is overwhelming. However, following these steps can safeguard your legal rights.
Immediately After the Crash:
- Call 911 and request medical and police help
- Accept medical care if anyone is hurt.
- Get the names of officers and a copy of the crash report.
Gather Evidence:
- If it’s safe to do so, document the scene with photos and videos.
- Talk to witnesses and get their contact info.
- Jot down everything you remember while it’s still fresh.
Don’t Talk to the Insurance Company:
- Remember, the trucking company’s insurance team is looking out for their interests, not yours.
- Don’t give a recorded statement or accept a quick payout.
- Always speak to a truck accident attorney first
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer:
- They’ll launch an independent investigation
- Preserve critical evidence (black box data, driver logs)
- File your case within the deadline.
- Handle the insurance company for you.
Why These Crashes Happen on Florida Roads
Florida sees more truck traffic than most states, especially along routes like:
- Florida’s Turnpike
- I-75
- I-275
- US-1 and US-98
Thousands of trucks pass through Fort Pierce, Tampa, and Orlando every day. With more trucks come more accidents.
St. Lucie County Crash Statistics (2023)
Based on data from the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV):
- 5,679 total crashes occurred in St. Lucie County
- 49 fatalities were recorded across all crash types
- 3,314 total injuries were reported
When it comes to crashes involving commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) like semi-trucks:
- 777 CMV crashes were reported in 2023
- 8 of those crashes involved fatalities
- 175 people were injured in CMV-related collisions
Note: CMV injury totals include all persons involved in a CMV crash, not just the driver.
These numbers show just how dangerous truck-related crashes can be and how vital it is to hold negligent drivers accountable.
How Trucking Companies Avoid Responsibility
Truck crashes are different from regular car accidents. Trucking companies usually try to avoid paying by:
- Blaming the other driver, even if they’ve passed away
- Arguing the driver was an “independent contractor”
- Claiming a “mechanical failure” was to blame
- Providing low settlements before you know your rights
A truck accident lawyer can uncover the truth and stop these tactics by demanding driver records, black box data, and company safety history.
What Makes This Case So Serious?
This isn’t just a fender bender. It’s a Florida truck crash involving manslaughter charges, immigration issues, and multiple wrongful deaths. That makes it:
- Emotionally devastating
- Legally complex
- Time-sensitive
The families in this case deserve justice, not just through the criminal system, but also through civil claims that cover their financial and emotional losses.
How Can The Reyes Firm Help You?
If your family has lost someone in a crash like this, The Reyes Firm is here to guide you every step of the way.
Attorney Edward Reyes and his team are based in Tampa, Florida, and we’ve helped families all across the state, including in Fort Pierce, Orlando, and Miami, hold negligent drivers and companies accountable.
We know how overwhelming a bad day can be, and we’re here to guide you through what comes next.
Here’s What You Can Expect:
- Free consultation with a lawyer, not a chatbot
- No fees unless we win
- English and Spanish support
- Help with everything: from insurance paperwork to courtroom preparation.
- Genuine compassion from a real team that cares
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I still file a wrongful death claim if the truck driver was also injured or killed in the crash?
Yes, you can file a claim against the trucking company or other responsible parties even if the driver was also injured or died. - Will the criminal manslaughter case delay my wrongful death lawsuit?
Not necessarily. Civil and criminal cases can run at the same time, and a personal injury attorney can help move your claim forward while the state handles prosecution. - What if the trucking company says the driver was an “independent contractor”?
Florida courts may still hold the company responsible if they controlled the driver’s schedule, vehicle, or safety rules. - Can I sue for emotional distress after losing a loved one in a truck crash?
Yes, under Florida law, surviving family members can seek compensation for emotional pain and suffering in wrongful death cases.
Visit Us:
The Reyes Firm
4730 N. Habana Ave., Suite 201
Tampa, FL 33614
Call Now: 833-4 BAD DAY
Had a bad day? Let’s help make it right.
