West Palm Beach Personal Injury Lawyer - Tractor-Trailer Accidents

Tractor Trailer crash kills driver

Cal Warriner — Wed, 27 Sep 2006 08:51:18 GMT

In what appears to be an accident caused by the decedent automobile driver how quickly semi-tractor trailers can kill is graphically displayed. Yesterday in Miami, a man inexplicably pulled out in front of a semi-tractor trailer carrying cars. The truck collided with the automobile, the two became entangled and continued down the road until they hit a second tractor trailer waiting at a stop sign.

The automobile was sandwiched between the two semis and was crushed to the point it was virtually indistinguishable. The automobile driver was killed instantly. Neither truck driver sustained injury.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Cal Warriner

Trucking Accidents causing more Wrongful Death

Cal Warriner — Mon, 18 Sep 2006 09:23:55 GMT

Nationwide, 5200 Americans died last year and thousands more were injured in trucking accidents.

A detailed and informative, new investigative report by the Dallas Morning News shows trucking accidents are becoming more frequent and predictable. More innocent drivers are falling victim to an industry that is increasingly placing profits ahead of safety. Companies frequently hire felons, drunks and drug addicts to drive their enormous machines.

In one case study, an illegal immigrant who supplied a fake social security number to obtain his commercial driver's license wiped out an entire family when he crossed the center line while piloting a seventy thousand pound semi-tractor trailer rig. The driver admitted to company officials, under oath, that he lied about his truck driving experience, faked his social security number and was in the country illegally. Regardless he was allowed to drive. In addition, he continued to drive, with no restrictions following the accident that killed several people.

Despite compelling evidence against the driver and his employer neither the company nor the driver suffered any consequence. The driver received no criminal charge, his license was not suspended nor did he even receive a citation from the Department of Safety. His employer likewise received no safety citation or review.

In what should be a lesson for tort reformers, the only repercussion suffered by the company and its driver was a jury verdict holding them financially responsible for the accident.

For more detail the reader is encouraged to read the entire report.

More to come on this three part investigative report.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Cal Warriner

Truck Driver Never Braked

John Hopkins — Sun, 27 Aug 2006 12:38:59 GMT

The Associated Press reported that a van trailing a group of police officers bicycling to raise money for fallen comrades was struck by a freight truck that did not even brake before crashing into the van. Tragically, two law enforcement officers were killed in the crash. Police are continuing their investigation into the wreck to determine why the truck driver did not brake or take any evasive action to avoid the crash.

Truck involved accidents are on the increase and when they happen, they typically involve significant injury and damage.

In 2004, there were a total of 15,264 truck involved accidents in the State of Florida. Of those accidents, 399 resulted in fatalities and 9160 resulted in injuries. With construction on highways increasing, the potential for significant truck wrecks that result in serious personal injuries or death is likely to increase more.

The National Highway Institute reports that the leading causes of truck accidents include:speeding, following too closely, improper lane changing, reckless, driving, driver fatigue, and distraction Federal and state regulations exist that govern the length of time a driver can operate a truck and the number of days the driver can drive. On board global positioniing systems, computers, and other devices can assist in discovering whether these regulations are complied with by truckers and trucking companies.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by John Hopkins

Oddest truck accident results in death of four penguins

Cal Warriner — Sat, 26 Aug 2006 09:38:59 GMT

In what Texas highway patrol calls the oddest trucking accident they have ever worked a semi tractor trailer transporting zoo animals crashed on a Texas highway. The crash resulted in the death of four penguins and several exotic fish. An octopus survived.

Troopers were relieved that another truck transporting the alligators and snakes was not involved.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Cal Warriner

Car Sinking After an Accident?

Cal Warriner — Wed, 23 Aug 2006 16:02:53 GMT

One of the reasons that South Florida is so heavily populated is our gorgeous weather and proximity to bodies of water such as the Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. However, due to the myriad waterways that feed the Ocean, Gulf and numerous bays, local drivers need to know what to do if they find themselves in a sinking vehicle after a car accident.

The South Florida Sun-Sentinel offers a seven-step survival guide in case you find yourself in a sinking vehicle after a crash. Among their recommended steps:

- Unfasten your seatbelt.
- Immediately roll down your windows before water reaches window height.
- If water has reached the windows, slowly roll down the windows and let water flood the car. Swim out of the car.

Originally posted at InjuryBoard by Cal Warriner