Tractor-Trailer Involved In Multi-Vehicle Accident On I-10W

In early August 2024, a four-vehicle crash on I-10W left one person dead and several people hospitalized after a minivan driver lost control of his vehicle, striking a truck, an SUV, and finally a tractor-trailer before winding up in the median. Law enforcement personnel described the minivan’s path as totally out of control, eventually coming to a stop only after striking the tractor-trailer head-on, with its driver pronounced dead at the scene. While it is clear in this case that the minivan driver was at fault for the injuries and fatalities that ensued, liability is not always so clear in a multi-vehicle crash, particularly if a tractor-trailer or other commercial vehicle is involved.

Serious Injuries Are Disproportionately More Likely

The National Safety Council estimates that roughly half of all road collisions involve multiple vehicles. While they can occur on standard roads, they are more common on highways simply because more vehicles are involved and stopping distances are often shorter, leading to chain reactions when several drivers fail to brake in time. Some of the most common events leading to multi-vehicle crashes include poor weather, negligent road maintenance, and driver error – anything from driving while under the influence to speeding to driving distracted can play a role.

The degree of injury sustained in a multi-vehicle accident can vary widely, from cuts and bruises to spinal cord and brain injuries. Due to the size and weight of tractor-trailers, however – especially when loaded – severe injuries are more common in crashes that involve this type of vehicle. A tractor-trailer requires much more stopping distance than an average car or truck, to say nothing of its blind spots that can limit visibility, and both of these factors can play a role in an injured plaintiff sustaining serious injury.

You Can Seek Damages Based On Fault

If you have been involved in a multi-vehicle crash, you may despair of recovering any damages for your injuries simply because Florida is a no-fault state for auto insurance purposes. This means that one is encouraged to file an insurance claim with their personal injury protection (PIP) carrier, rather than file a lawsuit against the (allegedly) negligent party. PIP coverage will only pay out up to the policy limit, and sometimes not even then – but the important thing to remember is that if your injuries are above a certain “injury threshold” – namely, if they are “significant and permanent” – the no-fault system does not apply.

Even if you are able to file a lawsuit, it can feel intimidating because the tractor-trailer driver and their employer may be disinclined to settle. However, it is generally worth pursuing the matter with an attorney of your own if you truly believe the tractor-trailer driver’s negligence played a role in your injuries. Florida observes a legal theory known as vicarious liability, which states that if certain criteria are met, an employer may be held liable for the torts of their employee, and most employers do not wish to navigate a trial under such circumstances.

Call A Tampa Tractor-Trailer Accident Attorney

Being involved in a multi-vehicle accident can leave you feeling overwhelmed and despairing about your chance of recovering for the harm you have suffered. A Tampa tractor-trailer accident attorney from the Rinaldo Law Group can help answer your questions and advise you about your options. We are ready to try and assist you during what can be a scary time for you and your loved ones. Call our office today to schedule a free consultation.

Source:

wctv.tv/2024/08/06/fhp-fatal-crash-shuts-down-i-10-east-near-live-oak-all-lanes-closed/