Side Impact Semi-Truck Kills One in Lee County, Florida
According to a report from WINK, one person was killed after a side-impact semi-truck accident in Lee County, Florida. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) has confirmed that the collision happened on Burnt Store Road. A 56-year-old woman from Cape Coral was identified as the victim of the crash. A preliminary review suggests that she lost control of her vehicle due to adverse weather and was struck in the side by an oncoming commercial truck. The fatal truck wreck is still under a more comprehensive investigation by law enforcement. Here, our West Palm Beach semi-truck accident attorney discusses the dangers of side impact commercial truck crashes in Florida.
What is a Side Impact Crash?
A side impact crash—also referred to as a T-bone accident or a broadside collision—occurs when the front of one vehicle strikes the side of another. These crashes most commonly happen at intersections when one driver fails to yield or runs a red light.
These are often very bad accidents. The biggest issue is that the sides of vehicles offer less protection than the front or rear. In other words, that means that the occupants struck in the side are especially vulnerable to serious injuries.
Side Impact Trucking Accidents are Exceptionally Dangerous
Side impact crashes are exceptionally dangerous. A fully loaded tractor trailer can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds. For that reason, these collisions can cause catastrophic, even devastating injuries. Indeed, when a large commercial truck crashes into the side of a smaller vehicle, the occupants of the struck vehicle are at high risk of severe or even fatal injuries. Unfortunately, passenger vehicles typically offer limited side protection. In some cases, the extreme force of a semi-truck can crush doors, penetrate the cabin, and cause devastating harm.
Recovering the Maximum Compensation After a Crash
Were you or your loved one involved in a side impact collision in South Florida? You have the right to seek compensation for the full extent of your damages. In Florida, truck accident victims have the right to seek compensation for both economic losses and non-economic losses. Along with other types of damages, a truck accident victim may be able to recover for:
- Vehicle repairs;
- Ambulance costs;
- Emergency room care;
- Hospital bills;
- Other health care costs;
- Physical therapy;
- Loss of wages;
- Diminished earning power;
- Pain and suffering;
- Mental distress;
- Long-term disability;
- Reduced quality of life; and
- Wrongful death of a family member.
Consult With Our Semi-Truck Accident Attorney Today
At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our West Palm Beach truck accident attorney has the skills and experience to represent families after a fatal crash. We know the wrongful death laws in Florida. If you or your loved one was involved in a serious side impact crash with a large commercial truck, we are here to help. Contact us today for a free, no obligation case review. Our firm handles truck accident cases in West Palm Beach, Miami, and all of the surrounding communities.
Source:
winknews.com/news/lee/cape-coral-woman-killed-in-crash-with-semi-truck-on-burnt-store-rd/article_1ae62167-25e8-4611-a79b-f637fd65996b.html
