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[04-19-23] Truck Catches Fire, Crashes into Tractor-Trailer on Sunshine Skyway Bridge

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — A 27-year-old man suffered minor injuries Monday afternoon after his truck caught fire and then crashed into a tractor-trailer on the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, troopers say.

The 27-year-old man was heading southbound on the bridge on the inside lane in his Dodge Ram when the truck suffered a mechanical issue after its drive shaft broke off and then caught fire, the Florida Highway Patrol said in a news release

Authorities say the man stopped his truck, got out of it and the vehicle rolled backward and crashed into a tractor-trailer.

The 27-year-old man suffered minor injuries while the driver in the tractor-trailer was not hurt, law enforcement says.

The crash initially closed all southbound lanes of the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, but the outside lane reopened at 6:11 p.m.

Source : 10 Tampa Bay

(Credit : CBS News)

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If you or a loved one were involved in or affected by this accident and would like the incident’s official Police Report, Personal Injury Attorneys McQuaid & Douglas might be able to help.
TRUCK ACCIDENT STATISTICS

Year after year, Florida continues to overrepresent truck accident fatalities in the US. Florida’s Truck accident rate surpasses the national average by an astronomical amount, ranking as the third state for fatal truck crashes in the nation. Although truck accidents happen all across the country, Florida is one of just a few states that account for half of all fatal truck crashes. Since truck drivers spend so much time on the road, their chances of accidents are higher than average drivers.

Trucks are 20-30 times larger than regular cars. Therefore, people traveling in smaller vehicles are more vulnerable during a collision. The majority of fatalities in large truck crashes are passenger vehicle occupants. The damages can range from casualties to severe or catastrophic injuries.

Truck accidents are not just a problem in Florida but a pervasive national issue. The US observed almost 450,000 truck crashes across the country in a recent year. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), from 2009 to 2019, 2018 was the worst year for truck crashes in the US, with 4,164 fatalities. Furthermore, we know from a report released by the National Highway Traffic Safety Admin (NHTSA) that in 2018, 151,000 people suffered injuries caused by truck accidents. In 2019, that number increased to 159,000. More specifically, of the injuries in 2019, 69% were occupants of other vehicles, 29% were occupants of large trucks, and 3% were nonoccupants.

Here are some statistics from Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV):

In 2019 Florida had:

  • 202 fatalities from accidents involving large trucks
  • 3,863 people suffered injuries from mild to incapacitating

The top contributing factors of commercial vehicle wrecks:

  • Distracted driving
  • Impairment
  • Speeding
  • 61% of deadly Florida truck accidents occur in rural areas

If you or someone you love has been involved in a Florida truck accident, it’s crucial to hire a Florida truck accident attorney to help you get the compensation you need.

FLORIDA TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYERS FOR VICTIMS OF MOTOR VEHICLE COLLISIONS

Our Florida truck accident lawyers specialize in representing truck accident victims. Sometimes truck accidents can lead to the loss of a loved one. In that case, family members have the right to seek compensation for wrongful death, medical bills, and other expenses.

The outcome of truck accidents can be horrendous and change the lives of those involved.

We understand that no amount of money will amount to losing a loved one, but a wrongful death lawsuit can help you hold the negligent parties accountable.

Furthermore, families left to make sacrifices and deal with overwhelming medical expenses should know that they have a right to compensation. If you or a loved one has been involved in a fatal truck accident, contact us now.

Our Florida truck accident lawyers understand how complicated it can be to fight a legal battle while facing injuries, psychological distress, and grieving. We will cater to all of your needs and handle your case from the beginning to the end so you can focus on recovering.

Our attorneys will fight to ensure you receive compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages due to missed work, pain, and suffering. We may also be able to win you additional compensation for other road traffic accident-related fees. Call our Florida truck accidents attorneys today for a free no-obligation consultation.

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