Tragic Accident With 18-Wheeler in Jacksonville
A report out of Jacksonville, Florida reminds all of us how tragic accidents with large trucks can be. In March of this year, four members of a family were traveling on the Buckman Bridge when they were struck by a semi-truck. The four family members were killed at the scene of the crash and the Florida Highway Patrol began investigating the incident.
The recently released report by the FHP shows that truck driver, who was from Wyoming,was driving negligently and carelessly. There were no drugs or alcohol involved in the accident; nonetheless, four people were killed. Tragically, this accident is a sober reminder of how dangerous it can be to share the road with big-rigs.
Florida Highway Patrol Required to Make Reports
In cases like these, the Florida Highway Patrol is required to make a report of the accident. Florida Statutes 316.066 requires reports when the accident:
- Resulted in the death, personal injury, or complaints of pain or discomfort by any members of the accident;
- Destroyed the vehicle so comprehensively that it had to be specially removed from the crash scene; or
- Involved a commercial motor vehicle, like a big-rig.
Reports of this kind are reserved for the most serious of accidents so that a clear record of what happened can be preserved.
In all of these situations the police must take down important information so an accurate record is preserved for future proceedings. Some of what the FHP must record as part of their report includes:
- The date, time, and place of the accident;
- A description of all the motor vehicles involved in the accident;
- The names, addresses, and insurance information of everyone involved in the accident;
- The names and addresses of any witnesses to the accident; and
- The name, badge number, and law enforcement agency investigating the crash.
As you can see, all of this information would be very helpful in case of a future lawsuit or criminal prosecution.
Florida Civil Law Meant to Protect and Compensate Victims
When it comes to tragic accidents such as these, victims should rest assured that there are laws meant to protect and compensate them. As was reported by the FHP in this case, the driver of this large truck was careless and negligent. As a result, under Florida law, he and his company may be held liable for the damages that he caused to this family’s survivors.
If you are ever involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler in the Miami area, contact us. At Alan Goldfarb, P.A., we represent victims of accidents with big-rigs and will fight to make sure that you are justly compensated for your injuries. Our practice is dedicated to enforcing the civil laws of Florida that seeks to make victims of personal injuries whole again.
