1 Killed in Truck Accident on I-75 Exit Ramp in Lake City, FL

Lake City, FL — January 28, 2025, one person was killed in a truck accident at about 8 a.m. on the northbound Interstate 75 exit ramp.

Authorities said a bicyclist was run over by a semi-truck that was turning right onto State Road 47. The bicyclist in the crosswalk heading south at the time of the crash.

The bicyclist, a 64-year-old Lake City man whose name has not been made public at this time, died at the scene, according to authorities.

Authorities have not released any additional information about the Columbia County crash at this time.

The accident is still under investigation.

Commentary by Attorney Michael Grossman

When a semi-truck makes a turn at an intersection, the driver is responsible for ensuring the path is clear of pedestrians and cyclists. This fatal collision in Lake City raises important legal questions about right-of-way and whether the truck driver took all necessary precautions before completing the turn.

A key issue in cases like this is whether the truck driver properly checked for vulnerable road users before turning. Cyclists and pedestrians can be difficult to see, particularly if they are in a truck’s blind spots. However, commercial drivers are trained to scan intersections carefully and yield to anyone lawfully in a crosswalk. Investigators should determine whether the driver looked for crossing traffic and whether any distractions, such as cell phone use or fatigue, played a role.

Another important factor is visibility at the intersection. Investigators should assess whether traffic signals, road markings or signage were clear enough to indicate the presence of a crosswalk. If poor intersection design or obstructed sightlines contributed to the crash, that could be a relevant factor in understanding what happened.

The truck’s speed and movement at the time of the crash are also critical. Reviewing data from the truck’s engine control module (ECM) could help determine whether the driver slowed appropriately before turning. If the truck made a wide turn or took the corner too quickly, it could have made it more difficult to see the bicyclist or stop in time.

Crashes like this highlight why investigations must go beyond the immediate facts of the collision. Simply stating that a truck hit a bicyclist in a crosswalk does not answer the key legal questions of whether the driver was paying attention, whether the intersection was designed safely and whether the truck was operated in a way that met professional driving standards. A thorough review of visibility, driver decisions and vehicle data is essential to determine what went wrong and whether this crash could have been prevented.