A courtroom in Florida became the focal point of a tragic case Thursday, as Harjinder Singh, 28, appeared via video conference. He stands accused of causing a devastating crash that claimed the lives of three individuals in Fort Pierce this past August.
Singh, who entered the United States illegally in 2018, faces multiple felony charges, including three counts of vehicular homicide. Following the accident, he traveled to California before being extradited to Florida to answer for the allegations.
During the hearing before Judge Lawrence Mirman, Singh’s defense team made critical requests. They sought independent analysis of his blood samples and access to inspect the vehicles involved before they are released by law enforcement.
Prosecutors presented no opposition to these requests, and both legal teams anticipate the completion of these steps before the year’s end. The defense also successfully argued for a continuance, granting them additional time to thoroughly review the extensive discovery materials.
The case is now scheduled for its next jury docket call on January 15, 2026, signaling a lengthy path toward trial. Despite retaining private counsel, Singh’s attorney informed the court that his client is indigent and has received third-party financial assistance for his defense.
A troubling detail emerged regarding Singh’s path to obtaining a commercial driver’s license. Records indicate he failed his CDL knowledge test ten times within a two-month period in Washington state before finally being granted a license in 2023.
Further investigation revealed two failures on the air brakes knowledge exam. The training company that prepared Singh for the CDL attested to his English proficiency, despite documented struggles with the language.
Bodycam footage from a New Mexico traffic stop just a month before the fatal crash paints a stark picture. Singh was pulled over for speeding and, while initially communicative, quickly demonstrated difficulty expressing himself in English, raising serious questions about his ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle.
Investigators determined Singh failed both English and road sign tests, crucial components of safe driving. The prosecution alleges he attempted an illegal U-turn, resulting in a catastrophic collision when a van struck his jackknifed semi-truck.
The tragedy has ignited a national debate about the enforcement of English language requirements for commercial drivers. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy recently issued a warning to states, threatening to withhold federal highway safety funds from those failing to comply with existing regulations.
Duffy specifically called out California, stating it is the only state refusing to ensure truckers can understand road signs and communicate with law enforcement. He emphasized this is a critical safety issue impacting all Americans who share the roads.
The Trump administration previously took action, withholding over $40 million in federal funds from California for non-compliance with federal English proficiency standards. The case continues to draw scrutiny, highlighting the potential consequences of lax enforcement and raising profound questions about road safety.
