Multiple Semi-Truck Accident Injures One, Causes Traffic Nightmare
A section of roadway on Interstate 95 was closed down for several hours on Tuesday after three semi-trucks were involved in an accident early that morning. According to the police, at around 5:10 a.m. two commercial trucks collided with one another on I-95 northbound near State Road 16. One of the eighteen wheelers, carrying potting soil, was going slower than the other vehicles around it. The second commercial truck came up behind the first and rear-ended him.
Shortly after the first part of the accident occurred, a third commercial FedEx truck was driving in the northbound lanes of I-95 and rear-ended the second eighteen wheeler when it failed to see the accident up ahead. Because of the darkness on the road, the FedEx truck did not see the crash in time and could not swerve out of the way.
According to the Florida Highway Patrol report the driver of the first semi-truck, Charles David Jr., 60, was not injured. The driver of the second semi, Christopher Wiley, 41, was not wearing a seat belt at the time of the accident and had to be pried out of the cab of the semi when the third truck hit. He suffered serious injuries in the accident and was transported to the hospital. The driver of the third commercial truck, Nazario Negron, 57, was also unharmed.
As a result of the accident, potting soil, packages, fifty gallons of motor oil, and fifty gallons of diesel fuel covered the interstate. The Florida Department of Transportation had to strip most of the pavement in the third lane, even out the roadway, and then lay down new pavement on the interstate. The process took nearly four hours in total to complete. All northbound lanes were closed for multiple hours, and the Florida Highway Patrol has stated that they are looking into that area of I-95, which is a notorious stretch of road for accidents.
Florida Truck Accident Statistics
According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles, there were a total of 32,055 commercial motor vehicle accidents in the state in 2013. This is an increase of over twelve percent from the previous year’s total of 28,550 crashes. Of the accidents that occurred in 2013, 237 crashes resulted in at least one fatality and 10,041 resulted in injuries. This year, there have already been 1,675 commercial vehicle accidents reported across the state that involved 1,813 semi-trucks.
Contact a Florida Accident Lawyer
Accidents involving semi-trucks and other large commercial vehicles often result in more injuries or death than a typical auto accident because of the sheer size and weight of the vehicles involved. If you have been involved in an accident with a large commercial truck or semi-tractor trailer in Orlando, Fort Myers, Tampa, Jacksonville, or the West Palm Beach area, let the experienced personal injury lawyers at The Pendas Law Firm help. Call or contact the office today for a free and confidential consultation of your case.
