A crash on Interstate 4 ended with a Deltona man in handcuffs after he allegedly drove away from the scene in a badly damaged truck. Incidents like this one raise immediate questions for the people who were hurt.

What Happened on I-4

On Monday afternoon, troopers responded to a multi-vehicle crash on eastbound Interstate 4 near mile marker 108 in Volusia County. According to investigators, a gray Ford F-150 struck two vehicles, causing one to overturn onto its side, and the driver fled the scene despite significant front-end damage and a missing tire on the driver’s side.

A witness followed the truck and kept law enforcement updated on its location. Deputies in Deltona spotted the truck, boxed it in, and placed the driver, 48-year-old Jesus Latorre, under arrest. One of the drivers involved was injured in the crash, and the suspect was arrested for driving under the influence, according to reporting from WFLA.

An arrest is only the beginning of the criminal process. The civil side of a case like this moves on a separate track entirely.

What a Hit-and-Run Means for the Injured Victim

The criminal case against a fleeing driver is handled by the state. It can result in jail time or fines, but it does not pay the victim’s medical bills. Compensation comes through a civil claim, and that claim belongs to the injured person.

A hit-and-run adds complications an ordinary crash does not have. When the at-fault driver is identified, as happened here, the victim can pursue that driver’s insurance. When the driver is never found, uninsured motorist coverage under the victim’s own policy may be the primary source of recovery. Either way, the injured person carries the burden of documenting the harm.

Certain steps tend to strengthen these claims.

Get medical care promptly, even if the injuries seem minor at first.
Request a copy of the crash report once it becomes available.
Photograph vehicle damage and any visible injuries.
Keep records of every bill, prescription, and missed day of work.
Avoid giving a recorded statement to any insurer before speaking with counsel.

Evidence from the criminal investigation can also support the civil claim. Body camera footage, witness accounts, and DUI findings often become powerful proof of fault.

Timing matters as well. Florida’s statute of limitations generally gives an injured person two years to file a negligence lawsuit. That window closes quickly when treatment, insurance negotiations, and daily life are all competing for attention.

Where to Turn After a Crash Like This

Victims of hit-and-run crashes deal with more than physical recovery. There’s the damaged vehicle, the adjuster’s phone calls, and the uncertainty about who will pay for what. A Deltona, FL personal injury lawyer residents trust can take over communication with the insurers, gather the evidence, and value the claim so the victim can focus on getting better.

Fault also has to be established carefully. Even in a case with an arrest, insurers may dispute the extent of the injuries or argue the victim shares blame. A personal injury attorney in Deltona anticipates those tactics and builds the file to counter them.

If you or someone in your family was hurt in this crash or another collision caused by a negligent driver, Presser Law, P.A. is available to review your situation and explain what a claim would involve. Reach out to our office when you are ready to discuss your case.