Semi-Truck Fire Shuts Down Florida’s Turnpike
According to a report from WPEC, a fire involving a semi-truck shut down a significant stretch of Florida’s Turnpike. Palm Beach County Fire Rescue was dispatched to the scene of the wreck. Four exits and entrance ramps were shut down for multiple hours due to the incident. The cause of the crash was not immediately known and the incident remains under investigation by law enforcement. Here, our West Palm Beach truck accident lawyer explains the danger of tractor trailer fires.
Tractor Trailer Fires Can Turn a Crash Into a Catastrophe
Tractor trailer fires are uniquely dangerous because large commercial trucks carry far more fuel, mass, cargo, electrical equipment, and mechanical heat than ordinary passenger vehicles. A collision that might otherwise cause serious injuries can become fatal when diesel fuel, leaking fluids, burning cargo, ruptured tanks, or damaged electrical systems ignite. Fire can spread quickly from the tractor to the trailer, from the truck to nearby vehicles, or from spilled cargo to the roadway. Truck accident victims in Florida may face not only impact trauma, but also burns, smoke inhalation, toxic exposure, and delayed rescue if the fire blocks access to the vehicle.
Common Causes of Semi-Truck Fires in Florida
Truck fires can start in several ways. A high-energy collision may rupture fuel lines, damage battery systems, ignite leaking fluids, or expose hot engine components to flammable materials. Mechanical failures can also trigger fires, especially when brakes overheat, wheel bearings fail, tires separate, electrical wiring shorts, or the truck has not been properly maintained. Some fires begin before the crash and cause the driver to lose control. Others begin after impact because the crash damages systems that were already poorly maintained. Every serious tractor trailer crash in South Florida should be thoroughly investigated by an experienced attorney. You need to know exactly how and why the crash happened.
Recovering the Maximum Compensation After a Truck Accident in Florida
If you or your loved one suffered a serious injury in Florida, whether in a fire or otherwise, it is imperative that you have professional counsel on your side. Through a fault-based truck accident claim in Florida, a seriously injured victim has the right to pursue compensation for the full amount of their damages, including for non-economic losses. Along with other damages, you may be entitled to recover financial compensation for:
- Vehicle repairs;
- Emergency room care;
- Hospital bills;
- Other medical costs;
- Physical therapy;
- Pain and suffering;
- Loss of wages;
- Loss of future earnings;
- Long-term disability; and
- Wrongful death.
Speak to Our West Palm Beach, FL Truck Accident Attorney Today
At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our West Palm Beach, FL tractor trailer accident lawyer is an aggressive, experienced advocate for justice. If you or your loved one was hurt in a crash with a large commercial truck, we are here to help. Call us now for a free case review. With an office in West Palm Beach and an office in Miami, our firm fights for truck accident victims across South Florida.
Source:
cbs12.com/news/local/southbound-floridas-turnpike-shut-down-due-to-police-activity-car-fire
