Author Archives: Jay Butchko
Overturned Tractor-Trailer Blocks I-95 Lanes
In November 2024, a tractor-trailer overturned on I-95 S near Palm Beach Gardens, blocking the right lane traffic for a significant amount of time and causing at least one more tractor-trailer to crash. The Florida Highway Patrol said that injuries had occurred in the crash, but declined to elaborate further – a fairly standard… Read More »
Florida’s Vicarious Liability Doctrine: Liability “Through” The Employee
The concept of vicarious liability is an old one, dating back to English law, but it remains contentious in today’s U.S. courts because of the different ways in which the theory is applied. In some states, vicarious liability (also known as respondeat superior, or “let the master answer”) stretches much farther than in others…. Read More »
Wrong-Way Tractor-Trailer Crash In St. Lucie County Kills 1
In late November 2024, a man from Melbourne died in a one-way crash with a “semi tractor-trailer car carrier” on a side road near the Florida Turnpike in St. Lucie County. According to Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the man was driving his sedan on the road, without headlights, when it drifted over into the… Read More »
Common Causes of Commercial Motor Vehicle Accidents
Commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) are commonplace on Florida roads, and while most make it to their destination without issue, crashes involving these vehicles do cause a disproportionate amount of road fatalities each year. Causes of these crashes will very often depend on the specifics of the moment – but there are a handful of… Read More »
Holiday Road Accidents Are A Risk
Statistics reported by U.S. News & World Report estimate that Thanksgiving is one of the most dangerous days to be on the road, with Christmas also making the top five of the deadliest holidays in the United States. Between 2017 and 2021, almost 2,500 road fatalities were recorded during this window, with Labor Day… Read More »
What Exactly Is A Commercial Motor Vehicle?
If a person hears an accident report, they may hear the term “commercial motor vehicle” (CMV) being used if one was involved. This is a very vague term, and it applies to many different types of vehicles, but not every vehicle on the road qualifies under state or federal law. The distinction matters because… Read More »
After A Commercial Vehicle Accident
Road accidents are one of the leading causes of injury or death in the United States. Being struck by another passenger car or pickup truck can be serious enough, with the potential to cause serious harm – but when an accident involves a commercial motor vehicle (CMV), that potential is much, much higher. If… Read More »
Why Can’t I Just Sue The Driver?
If you have been involved in an accident with a tractor-trailer, the temptation to look for an easy resolution is strong. You may not want to pursue litigation, because you fear that the accident was partly your fault, or you may simply feel it is too overwhelming. It is not uncommon for injured plaintiffs… Read More »
CMV Accidents vs Car Accidents
Being involved in a road accident is never a positive event. However, there are significant differences between being struck by a passenger car or an SUV and being struck by a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). It is a good idea to consult an attorney after a crash to determine what your legal options are,… Read More »
Tire Defect Leads To I-95 Tractor-Trailer Crash
In mid-October 2024, a tractor-trailer overturned on I-95 when an SUV swerved directly in front of it after tire trouble. The crash blocked traffic on southbound I-95 in St. John’s County for hours, but eventually reopened after cleanup. Thankfully, no one was injured in the crash – but it is easy to imagine how… Read More »
