Truck driver’s claim under investigation after fatal accident

It’s no secret that auto collisions can have serious consequences, often leading to expensive repairs, injury and sometimes death. When one of the drivers is at fault because of negligence, he or she may face criminal charges or can be sued in civil court for damages resulting from the crash.

In many cases, a careful investigation will provide victims or their family members a foundation on which to base a personal injury or wrongful death claim. That may be the case with a recent truck accident in Florida that took the life of one and injured two others.

The accident occurred on Feb. 4 when a Dodge Charger hit a semi truck while the truck was attempting to make a left turn. The Charger, which had three occupants, collided with the trailer of the truck and became wedged beneath it. The driver of the Dodge was declared dead at the scene, while a woman and a 5-year-old boy were airlifted to a hospital for treatment. The child is in stable condition, and the woman’s condition is critical.

The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the crash to determine if there was any negligence involved. A witness told the driver of the semi that the vehicle that struck his trailer may have illegally passed other vehicles just prior to the accident. State troopers have yet to confirm the statement.

When negligence on the part of a driver results in personal injury to another party in Florida, the injured party has a right to pursue compensation under Florida’s personal injury laws. When death occurs under such circumstances, Florida’s wrongful death laws are there to ease the burden on grieving families.

Source: WESH, “1 killed, 2 hurt after car crashes into semi in Lake County,” Feb. 4, 2013