Florida family seeks help identifying semi driver after I-4 crash, FHP investigating

POLK COUNTY, Fla. - A Florida family is seeking assistance in identifying a semi-truck driver they said did not stop following a crash on Interstate 4.

Justin Rodriguez and his family were in the process of moving from Sarasota to Orlando, ready to spend Christmas in their new place. But those plans were canceled.

Video from Rodriguez’s dashcam shows the driver of an 18-wheeler seeming to cut directly in front of him, appearing to lead Rodriguez to hit the back of the semi truck.

Video from Justin Rodriguez’s dashcam shows the driver of an 18-wheeler seeming to cut directly in front of him, appearing to lead Rodriguez to hit the back of the semi truck. (Credit: Justin Rodriguez)

"The only thing I could do was slam on the brakes because I didn't know if there was someone to my left or my right," Rodriguez recalled. "I couldn't see because the hood was up, and the airbags were covering the mirrors. I was hoping he would be stopped off to the side up ahead of us. And he didn't stop."

Rodriguez says his wife was in the passenger seat, and his 11-year-old son was in the back. The car was totaled.

Car totaled in alleged hit-and-run (Courtesy: Justin Rodriguez)

All three wound up heading to the hospital after, but they’re all doing OK. Now, he just wants the truck driver to get caught or own up to what happened. 

"I just hope he comes forward. Or maybe – the naïve part of me hopes that he didn't realize we hit him, and then he sees there's damage to the trailer, reports it and does the right thing."

The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating.

If you witnessed this crash or have any information on them, give them a call – maybe you’ll be the Christmas Miracle that gets the Rodriguez family some justice.