DeLand, FL — December 26, 2024, One person was killed following an 18-wheeler accident that occurred at around 6:00 A.M. on West Howry Avenue.
An investigation is underway into an 18-wheeler accident that left one person dead during the morning hours of December 26th. According to official reports, a tractor-trailer was pulling into the loading area of a WInn-Dixie from West Howry Avenue near W. New York Avenue when it struck a male pedestrian.
When first responders arrived on the scene they found that the pedestrian had sustained critical injuries which he succumbed to and was pronounced deceased. During this stage in the investigation certain details are either not yet known, or have not been publicly released, such as the events leading up to the accident, as well as the identity of the deceased.
Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman
When I hear about a fatal crash like this one, my first thought is that those affected deserve clear answers about how and why it happened. In this case, where a pedestrian was fatally struck by an 18-wheeler, answering those questions requires careful attention to several key aspects of the investigation. To get to the truth, it’s crucial to consider three fundamental questions.
First, did the authorities conduct a thorough investigation? Crashes involving large trucks and pedestrians require detailed accident reconstruction, witness interviews, and careful scene analysis. Investigators need to determine the truck’s path, the pedestrian’s location, and whether visibility or environmental conditions contributed to the incident. Additionally, understanding the driver’s actions before the crash is critical, especially given the high standards of care required for commercial vehicle operators. Unfortunately, the resources and training available to law enforcement can vary, which is why an independent investigation is often necessary to ensure no detail is overlooked.
Second, has anyone looked into whether a vehicle defect may have contributed to the crash? While this might not be the first question people consider, defects such as faulty brakes, malfunctioning lights, or sensor failures could prevent a truck driver from responding appropriately to a pedestrian in their path. These issues often go unnoticed unless the vehicle undergoes a detailed forensic inspection. Preserving the truck for examination is essential to identifying any mechanical or design flaws that might have played a role.
Third, has all the relevant electronic data been collected? The truck’s electronic control module (ECM), or “black box,” can provide critical information about its speed, braking patterns, and whether evasive maneuvers were attempted. Surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras might also capture the moments leading up to the crash, offering additional insight. Since this case involves a pedestrian, it’s particularly important to examine whether the driver of the 18-wheeler was using a cell phone at the time. Distracted driving is a well-documented cause of collisions, and cell phone records can help determine whether the driver was paying full attention to their surroundings.
When a life is lost in a crash, getting answers isn’t just about accountability—it’s about helping families understand what happened and why. For those impacted by an incident like this, a complete investigation that addresses these three questions can make all the difference. By ensuring a thorough review, exploring potential defects, and collecting all available data—including the driver’s cell phone records—we can help provide the clarity and answers that those affected deserve.
call us 
Email Us 
Text us