Mustang Driver Dies In Brevard County Tractor-Trailer Wreck

A sudden crash on U.S. Highway 192 took the life of one person in late July after his Mustang “slammed into the back” of a tractor-trailer. According to law enforcement, the man was driving at a speed over the limit, and either failed to notice or failed to stop in time for the tractor-trailer ahead of him. The Mustang wound up underneath the trailer, its driver being pronounced deceased on the scene. This type of accident is called an underride accident, and it is one of the types most likely to be fatal for the person or people in the smaller vehicle.

Hard To Determine Frequency

There are multiple types of road accidents involving tractor-trailers, though any of them may cause catastrophic injuries or death to the occupants of smaller vehicles. Override and underride accidents are among the most deadly because in both instances, a smaller vehicle is likely to wind up underneath the semi-truck’s trailer, often at high speeds. While the overall amount of fatalities sustained in this type of accident is reported only in the hundreds, it can be argued that the figures are almost certainly underreported due to a lack of a consistent definition of this type of crash across all states.

There are many different ways that an underride accident can happen, from a sudden stop by the tractor-trailer to reckless driving on the part of the other vehicle’s operator. In the Brevard County crash, it appears that the Mustang driver failed to properly perceive the large truck in front of him, and thus did not have sufficient time to stop his vehicle before crashing into the underside of the trailer. As of this writing, the driver of the tractor-trailer has not been charged with any crime.

Difficult – But Not Impossible – To Prevail

In terms of seeking compensation, underride accident cases can also be difficult to navigate, either for survivors or for the family of a person who lost their life. Depending on the specific facts of the situation, the fault can be laid at the door of either party involved, and particularly if there has been a death, collecting evidence can be particularly complex. None of this precludes trying to hold a tractor-trailer driver accountable if you believe their negligence caused the crash – but the right attorney on your side can make a big difference.

It is worth noting that in 2022, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) adopted a final rule requiring rear impact guards on “trailers and semi-trailers” that will have sufficient strength to “protect occupants of passenger vehicles” in these types of crashes. At this point in 2024, if a tractor-trailer does not have proper impact guards on its rear and sides, their employer may be fined or other punitive action may be taken. If you have been injured in this type of crash and no underride guards were present, you may be able to use this as potential evidence of negligence if your case goes to trial.

Contact A Tampa Tractor-Trailer Accident Attorney

An injury or death from a tractor-trailer accident can totally upend the way a person lives their life, and it can be frightening to navigate the adjustment process alone. A Tampa tractor-trailer accident attorney from the Rinaldo Law Group can help you get the compensation you deserve. Call our office today at (813) 831-9999 to schedule a free consultation.

Source:

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