Truck Crash That Killed 3 in Florida Tied to CDL Violations, FMCSA Says
Regulatory Failures Raise Questions About Driver Screening and Enforcement
A fatal crash on the Florida Turnpike has sparked a federal investigation after regulators uncovered multiple commercial driver’s license (CDL) violations tied to the truck driver involved. The August 12, 2025, crash killed three people when a tractor-trailer attempted an illegal U-turn and crushed a passing minivan beneath its trailer. Now, scrutiny is falling on both the driver and the motor carrier, with new findings revealing serious issues that could have—and should have—been addressed before the crash ever occurred.
At Pajcic & Pajcic, our Florida truck accident lawyers have seen firsthand how negligent hiring and lax regulatory enforcement can lead to devastating outcomes. This case is a painful reminder of what’s at stake when trucking companies and licensing authorities fail to follow the law.
What Happened on the Florida Turnpike
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), the crash occurred when a commercial truck attempted an illegal U-turn on the Florida Turnpike, causing a catastrophic underride crash. A family traveling in a minivan had no time to react as the trailer crossed their path. The impact crushed the vehicle, killing three people inside.
Federal investigators quickly launched a probe into the truck driver’s qualifications and the carrier’s compliance with FMCSA rules. What they found raised alarm bells across the transportation industry.
Driver Failed Basic Safety and Language Tests
The driver, identified as Harjinder Singh, was administered an English Language Proficiency (ELP) test after the crash. He failed, answering only two out of 12 verbal questions correctly and misidentifying three out of four highway signs. The failure not only raises questions about whether he should have been driving a commercial vehicle at all, but also whether he was properly screened when his CDL was issued.
FMCSA records show Singh had obtained two CDLs in recent years: one in Washington state in 2023 and another non-domiciled CDL in California in 2024. At least one of those licenses appears to have been issued in violation of federal eligibility rules for individuals without lawful status or permanent residency.
Violations Point to Systemic Failures
Additional documents reviewed by the DOT reveal that Singh had been stopped in New Mexico just weeks before the fatal crash and ticketed for speeding. No English proficiency test was given during that stop, even though a June 2025 regulation required such assessments to be enforced nationwide.
The FMCSA now says it is conducting a full review of how states are issuing non-domiciled CDLs, which are licenses granted to drivers from countries other than the U.S., Mexico, or Canada. Critics say the process is riddled with loopholes that allow unqualified drivers to operate 40-ton vehicles on American roads.
“This crash was a preventable tragedy directly caused by reckless decisions and compounded by despicable failures,” said Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. “We will use every tool at our disposal to hold these states and bad actors accountable.”
Who’s Liable in a Case Like This?
For families impacted by catastrophic crashes like this one, determining liability can be more complex than it seems. In addition to the driver’s reckless decision to make an illegal U-turn, there are serious questions about whether the motor carrier conducted proper background checks, followed FMCSA hiring requirements, and provided adequate safety training.
Under federal law, trucking companies are responsible for ensuring their drivers are qualified and compliant with all applicable safety regulations. If they hire a driver who lacks basic qualifications or fail to remove a driver with a history of violations, they may be held liable for the harm that results.
In this case, both the driver and White Hawk Carriers, Inc. are now under investigation. If negligence is confirmed, they may be held financially accountable for the lives lost and the pain inflicted on surviving family members.
Why Federal Oversight Matters
When CDL regulations are ignored or inconsistently enforced, lives are put at risk. A truck driver who cannot read traffic signs, understand basic commands, or follow safety protocols is a danger to everyone on the road. That’s why the FMCSA’s regulations around licensing, English proficiency, and safety training exist in the first place.
The issue isn’t just about one truck accident. It’s about the structural weaknesses in a system that allows unqualified drivers to operate massive commercial vehicles and the real people who pay the price when that system fails.
Connor’s Law Matters Now More Than Ever
The Florida Turnpike crash isn’t just a one-time failure. It’s part of a disturbing pattern, and we’ve seen it before.
In 2017, we represented the family of Connor Dzion, an 18-year-old college freshman who was tragically killed while stopped in traffic on I-95. Two reckless truck drivers (one distracted by his phone, the other barreling forward on cruise control) set off a chain-reaction crash that took Connor’s life.
One of those drivers didn’t even have a valid CDL. He was hired off the books, paid under the table, and encouraged to skip safety checks and exceed legal driving hours. The result was a $1 billion verdict, with $900 million in punitive damages meant to send a national message about corporate negligence and preventable death.
Lawmakers recently introduced Connor’s Law (H.R. 3608), a bipartisan bill that would strengthen federal requirements for English language proficiency among commercial truck drivers. It would also authorize law enforcement to declare noncompliant drivers out of service, which is a practice that was abandoned in 2016 under pressure from federal regulators.
That policy shift, based on a controversial interpretation of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, reversed years of enforcement that sought to protect public safety. Since then, the number of truck crash fatalities has increased.
Connor’s Law would help close the loopholes that allowed both Connor’s crash and the recent Turnpike tragedy to happen. It’s a common-sense proposal that would keep unsafe drivers off the road and prevent more families from experiencing unimaginable loss.
We Fight for Victims of Commercial Trucking Negligence
At Pajcic & Pajcic, we know what it takes to hold trucking companies accountable. We’ve handled high-stakes trucking cases throughout Florida and beyond, often uncovering violations that never should have been allowed to slip through the cracks.
For instance, in another high-profile case, we secured a $13 million verdict for a client who suffered a catastrophic brain injury in an underride crash with a log truck making an illegal U-turn.
If you or someone you love was seriously injured or killed in a crash involving a commercial vehicle, you need an experienced legal team that can uncover the truth and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Jacksonville Law Firm Today
Don’t wait for the insurance companies to take control of your case. Let our dedicated legal team stand up for your rights and help you navigate the legal system.
We’ve recovered over $1.5 billion for injury victims and families throughout Florida, and we’re ready to help you. Call Pajcic & Pajcic or contact us online for a free consultation.
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