An undocumented truck driver, accused of triggering a fatal accident in Florida, made a court appearance on Thursday. His legal team is advocating for fresh evidence testing as the trial approaches.

Harjinder Singh, a 28-year-old from India, is facing several serious charges related to a devastating semi-truck collision in Fort Pierce, Florida, which resulted in the deaths of three individuals last August.

Singh’s journey into the United States began in 2018 when he entered illegally through the southern border. He now stands accused of three counts of vehicular homicide. After the incident, he traveled to California but was subsequently extradited to Florida to face the charges.

On Thursday morning, Singh participated in a docket call via video link from jail, appearing before Judge Lawrence Mirman at the St. Lucie Courthouse.

In a separate court proceeding, Singh is alleged to have executed an illegal U-turn on Florida’s Turnpike, a move that led to the tragic deaths. This court appearance marks a significant step in the legal proceedings as both parties prepare for the upcoming trial.

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 last week 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, Friday, Aug. 22, 2025. Singh, an illegal immigrant commercial truck driver, is facing charges after three people were killed in a crash after he allegedly made an illegal U-turn on a Florida interstate Aug. 12.  (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.