Speeding is one of the leading causes of motor vehicle accidents in Florida and throughout the country. Those who choose to drive faster than the posted speed limit place themselves in jeopardy as well as everyone else on the road. Sadly, a recent crash between a car and a semi-truck cab claimed the life of the truck driver.
Details regarding the accident
Just before 3 a.m. on Sunday, June 5, a semi-truck without its trailer was heading south along State Road 417 in the outside lane. At the same time, a Mercedes-Benz car was traveling in the same lane in the same direction. The car struck the back of the truck, causing the truck to leave the roadway and collide with a guardrail before overturning. The car hit the concrete barrier, spun around and struck a guardrail with its read end.
The crash caused fatal injuries to the truck driver, and the 47-year-old male driver of the Mercedes suffered serious injuries. Witnesses report the Mercedes was speeding just before striking the truck, and the Mercedes driver will likely face criminal charges in connection with the accident. The Florida Highway Patrol has not released the identity of the truck driver, pending notification of next-of-kin.
Wrongful death
If authorities determine the Mercedes driver was, in fact, speeding and caused the crash, surviving family members of the deceased truck driver may use that as evidence, along with any criminal charges the man may receive, in a wrongful death case against him. Only after proving negligence or wrongdoing on the part of the Mercedes driver will the victim’s family be able to obtain an award for the damages they suffered as a result of the crash. As such, they will want to work with an experienced personal injury attorney in Florida for assistance each step of the way.
