In a dramatic courtroom appearance, Harjinder Singh faced the legal consequences of a devastating accident in Florida, where he is accused of causing a fatal crash that claimed three lives. Singh, a 28-year-old from India, stood before the court as his legal team called for additional testing on crucial evidence ahead of the looming trial.

The incident, which involved a fiery semi-truck collision in Fort Pierce, Florida, occurred in August and resulted in multiple felony charges for Singh, including three counts of vehicular homicide. Singh, who entered the United States illegally in 2018 through the southern border, was apprehended and extradited back to Florida after initially traveling to California following the crash.

During a video conference appearance from jail, Singh participated in a docket call presided over by Judge Lawrence Mirman at the St. Lucie Courthouse on Thursday morning.

The defense team, advocating for a thorough investigation, requested the release of Singh’s blood samples for independent testing. They also sought permission to examine the vehicles involved in the crash before they are cleared from law enforcement custody. The prosecution did not oppose these requests, and both parties indicated their intention to complete these procedures by year’s end.

Harjinder Singh, a commercial truck driver accused of making an illegal U-turn that killed three people on Florida’s Turnpike, appeared in court virtually on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. (St. Lucie Courthouse, Florida)

Defense attorneys requested that Singh’s blood samples be released for independent analysis and asked for access to inspect the vehicles involved before they are released from law enforcement custody. Prosecutors did not object, and both sides told the court they expect those steps to be completed before the end of the year.

The defense also requested a continuance to allow more time to review discovery materials, which the judge granted. The next jury docket call is now scheduled for Jan. 15, 2026, with the case continuing toward trial.

Harjinder Singh, 28, was arrested after allegedly making an unauthorized U-turn in Florida that resulted in a crash that left three people dead, officials said. (St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office)

Singh’s attorney told the court that his client is indigent but has received some third-party assistance to fund the defense. Mirman explained the process for requesting an indigency declaration “for cost” despite Singh retaining private counsel. 

The defense asked that Singh be allowed to appear virtually for the next docket call, though Mirman said another judge will preside that day and will determine whether virtual appearances are permitted. Singh confirmed through an interpreter that he understood the proceedings.

A mugshot provided by the St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office of Harjinder Singh, who was booked into the St. Lucie County Jail, Aug. 22, 2025. (St. Lucie County Sheriff’s Office)

Fox News previously reported, citing a senior official with the Florida Attorney General’s Office, that Singh failed his commercial driver’s license (CDL) test 10 times in two months before finally receiving a license in 2023 in Washington state.

Investigators with the Florida AG’s office learned Singh failed his CDL knowledge exam in Washington state 10 times between March 10, 2023, and May 5, 2023. They also learned he failed his air brakes knowledge exam twice.

The Washington company that trained Singh for his CDL attested that he could speak English, even though he struggled to speak it proficiently, the senior official said. Still, Washington issued Singh his first CDL, and California later granted him another.

Bodycam still shows Harjinder Singh holding paperwork as a New Mexico State Police officer issues him a speeding ticket during a July 3 traffic stop. (New Mexico State Police bodycam)

Bodycam video released in August shows Singh struggling with limited English after being pulled over for speeding in New Mexico a month earlier, a detail that has become a major focal point in the case.

The footage shows Singh being stopped by a New Mexico State Police officer on July 3 for allegedly driving 60 mph in a 45 mph zone. Singh appeared apologetic as he received a ticket. He communicated clearly at first, but after signing paperwork and preparing to leave, the officer struggled to understand him.

Officials investigating the wreck in Florida said Singh failed English and road sign tests. He’s accused of jackknifing his 18-wheeler during an illegal U-turn, causing a van to smash into the side of the semi, leaving three people dead.

WATCH: Florida AG slams California over alleged illegal migrant trucker licenses after deadly crash

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said Oct. 15 that many big rig drivers fail to meet English language requirements, a problem his department is now targeting.

“I put states on notice this summer: Enforce the Trump Administration’s English language requirements or the checks stop coming,” Duffy said. “California is the only state in the nation that refuses to ensure big rig drivers can read our road signs and communicate with law enforcement. This is a fundamental safety issue that impacts you and your family on America’s road.”

The announcement followed the Trump administration’s decision to withhold more than $40 million in federal highway safety funds from California for failing to enforce federal English proficiency standards for truckers.