1 Killed in Truck Accident near S Spring Garden Avenue in DeLand, FL

DeLand, FL — December 26, 2024, one person was killed in a truck accident at about 6 a.m. near South Spring Garden Avenue.

Authorities said a semi-truck hit a pedestrian as it was turned into the loading dock behind a grocery store at 1050 West New York Avenue.

The man was pronounced dead when emergency personnel arrived at the store, according to authorities. His name has not been released at this point.

Authorities have not released any more information about the crash.

The accident is still being investigated.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When I read about a crash like this, where a semi-truck strikes a pedestrian while maneuvering into a loading dock, the first thing that comes to mind is whether this incident could have been prevented with better safety protocols. Pedestrian accidents involving commercial vehicles often occur in environments where visibility and situational awareness are critical, such as busy loading areas or parking lots.

Turning a semi-truck into a loading dock is a complex task, requiring full attention to surroundings and clear sightlines. Did the driver have an unobstructed view of the pedestrian? Blind spots on large trucks are a known hazard, and proper use of mirrors or spotters is crucial in such scenarios. If the driver was navigating without adequate assistance or failed to ensure the area was clear, that could point to negligence.

The crash occurred early in the morning, a time when lighting is often insufficient. Was the area properly illuminated to allow the driver to see pedestrians? Poor lighting is a common contributing factor in accidents like this, and the responsibility to maintain adequate lighting typically falls on the property owner or operator of the premises.

Grocery stores and other commercial facilities often have established safety procedures for managing vehicle and pedestrian traffic near loading docks. Were these protocols followed? If the store or its staff failed to implement measures like restricting pedestrian access or guiding trucks into position, they may bear some responsibility.

Finally, the driver’s training and qualifications must be examined. Commercial drivers are held to high standards, particularly when operating in tight spaces with potential pedestrian traffic. If the driver lacked the necessary skills or experience, their employer’s hiring and training practices could come under scrutiny.

This crash highlights the dangers that arise when heavy commercial vehicles and pedestrians share confined spaces. For the pedestrian’s family, the critical issue is whether reasonable precautions were taken to prevent this accident. The investigation must go beyond the immediate circumstances to explore the broader context, including the safety measures in place at the loading dock and the driver’s actions leading up to the crash.

Accidents like this serve as a sobering reminder of the importance of vigilance, proper training and proactive safety protocols in environments where pedestrians and trucks intersect.