Two Killed, Two Seriously Injured in Palm Beach County Semi-Truck Accident
According to a report from ABC 12 News, two people were killed and two others were seriously hurt in a semi-truck accident in Palm Beach County. The crash is still under a more comprehensive investigation by law enforcement. Here, our West Palm Beach semi-truck accident attorney explains what we know about this terrible crash in Palm Beach County.
Major Truck Accident Temporarily Halts Traffic in Palm Beach County
As confirmed by reporting from ABC 12 News, there were two fatalities and two serious injuries requiring hospitalization reported in a multi-vehicle crash involving a tractor trailer in western Palm Beach County. Palm Beach County Fire Rescue reported that emergency crews were dispatched to the scene of the wreck shortly after it was reported. It happened on U.S. Highway 27 in South Bay.
Tragically, two of the victims were pronounced dead at the scene of the truck accident. Paramedics transported two other people to a nearby hospital under trauma-alert status, indicating potentially life-threatening injuries. Two more occupants were evaluated but did not require hospitalization. Fire Rescue’s Special Operations team was also called to control and clean up a fuel leak resulting from the collision. The crash is still being investigated by the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.
Highway Truck Accidents Have the Potential to Be Extremely Dangerous
As a fully loaded tractor trailer can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds, a semi-truck accident has the potential to be extraordinarily dangerous. Indeed, large commercial trucks are involved in a highly disproportionate share of fatal and catastrophic highway collisions. When a tractor-trailer collides with a smaller vehicle, the disparity in size, weight, and structural protection can put the occupants of the passenger car at a much higher risk of being badly harmed.
Florida Allows for Fault-Based Claims for Serious Injuries
Florida is a no-fault state for motor vehicle crashes, including those involving eighteen wheelers. With that being said, the state’s no-fault system has an exception for serious injuries. Indeed, Florida’s no-fault insurance system does not prevent an injured victim from pursuing a negligence claim against a truck driver, motor carrier, or another responsible party for a serious injury.
A fault-based truck accident injury claim generally requires proof of a significant and permanent loss of an important bodily function, a permanent injury within a reasonable degree of medical probability, significant and permanent scarring or disfigurement, or death. Once that threshold is satisfied, the victim may seek damages for pain, suffering, mental anguish, and inconvenience, in addition to uncompensated medical expenses, lost income, and diminished earning capacity.
Contact Our Palm Beach County Truck Accident Lawyer Today
At Pike & Lustig, LLP, our West Palm Beach semi-truck accident attorney is an aggressive advocate for justice. If you were hurt in a crash, we are here to help. Give us a call now or connect with us online to set up a free consultation. Our firm handles semi-truck accident cases in Palm Beach County and throughout South Florida.
Source:
cbs12.com/news/local/two-dead-two-hospitalized-after-three-vehicle-crash-with-semi-truck-in-western-pbc
