Florida Semi-Truck Accident Sparks 35-Vehicle Chain Reaction Crash On I-95
Jacksonville truck accident lawyers explain what happens in multi-vehicle wrecks
Several tractor-trailers recently caused a 35-vehicle chain-reaction truck accident on I-95 South in Jacksonville, Florida, according to News 4 Jax. A total of 11 people were injured and transported to area hospitals. Fortunately, no one was killed in the semi-truck accident.
“When you’ve got sliding semitrucks and cars coming to screeching halts and people scattering in every different direction, it’s truly amazing and a miracle that nobody was killed,” Jacksonville Fire Rescue Captain Eric Prosswimmer said in an interview with News 4 Jax.
The chain reaction truck accident started with a rear-end collision on I-95 South near Airport Road in Jacksonville on a recent Thursday afternoon, according to News 4 Jax. A semi-truck driver who did not see the rear-end accident swerved and hit another tractor-trailer, triggering the 35-vehicle pileup, according to Florida Highway Patrol investigators.
How common are truck accidents in Florida?
In 2020, commercial truck drivers operating large trucks that weigh more than 10,000 pounds were involved in more than 27,000 motor vehicle accidents on Florida roads, according to statistics compiled by Florida Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV). These truck accidents resulted in 29 fatalities and 1,289 injuries.
Truck accidents in Florida have become increasingly common in recent years. Between 2012 and 2020, the number of accidents involving large commercial trucks increased by 74 percent from 11,556 truck accidents in 2012. In addition, commercial truck accident fatalities increased by 45 percent and injuries soared 55 percent higher during the same 8-year-period statewide, according to FLHSMV statistics.
Why do truck accidents happen?
Accidents involving commercial trucks happen for many different reasons, including:
- Distracted truck drivers, including texting drivers.
- Speeding truck drivers, especially on highways like I-95.
- Poorly maintained trucks, including trucks with defective brakes or bald tires.
- Tired truck drivers who fall asleep at the wheel.
- Overloaded trucks that tip over or spin out of control.
- Weather-related incidents involving trucks driving too fast for the conditions, such as rain or fog.
- Inexperienced or unqualified drivers, often because the trucking company failed to conduct a background check or verify credentials.
Often, the reasons for a commercial truck accident are not immediately obvious. That's why each crash should be thoroughly investigated to determine the cause. If you or a loved one has been involved in a crash caused by a commercial truck driver, make sure you fully understand your legal rights. Make sure you talk to an experienced truck accident attorney as soon as possible.
Why should I hire a lawyer after a chain-reaction truck crash?
In any accident involving a tractor-trailer, the legal situation can become complex quickly. The cab and the trailer usually have separate insurance, and it's not always clear who should be held liable for injuries sustained. That's even more true in a chain reaction event with many vehicles involved. You need an experienced attorney who knows how to sort through these complicated situations by poring over accident reports, analyzing evidence and investigating the available coverage.
The skilled Jacksonville truck accident lawyers at Pajcic & Pajcic can help you every step of the way. We have extensive experience advocating for people hurt in complex truck accident cases, including a historic $1 billion fatal truck accident verdict obtained for a Florida family who lost a son in a chain reaction crash.
When you have our law firm on your side, you can make sure your case receives the attention it deserves. Learn more about how we can help you. Contact us and schedule a free case evaluation with a dedicated Florida truck accident attorney at Pajcic & Pajcic. We’re conveniently located in Jacksonville and proudly serve injury victims nationwide.