Pennsylvania motorists likely know how dangerous it can be to drive around large commercial trucks. An accident that occurred in early January in Florida illustrates this to a tragic degree. Florida Highway Patrol reported that a large truck, driven by a 59-year-old man, was going north on I-75 near Gainesville when it moved left from the right lane and struck a 2007 Honda sedan in its path.
The two vehicles went through the median guardrail into southbound traffic, and the truck collided with a 2006 Chevrolet passenger van. The van flipped over, and some of its occupants were ejected from the vehicle. The truck then crashed into another semi, driven by a 49-year-old man, and a fire erupted. In all, seven people were killed – both truckers and five children ranging from 9 to 14 years old.
A complete investigation will take about three to four months to conduct. Authorities do not know how many of the van’s occupants were wearing a seat belt. They also do not know what caused the 59-year-old to make the maneuver he did. So far, they have ruled out alcohol as a possible factor in the crash.
A collision involving a large truck will almost always turn out worse for the passenger vehicle occupants. Those who survive may be left with catastrophic injuries and short- or long-term disabilities. This will affect their ability to earn a living. By filing a personal injury claim, victims can strive for the damages they are entitled to, but they will face opposition from the trucking company’s legal team. This is where legal counsel can enter in. A lawyer can have third parties gather evidence of trucker negligence and then negotiate for a settlement.