Semi Truck Accident Kills Two Florida Men
Two Florida men died on April 30, 2014 in Illinois after the semi truck they were driving slammed into an overpass. The crash occurred on Interstate 64, east of New Baden, Illinois. According to Illinois State Police, the fatalities included a 27-year-old driver and a 54-year-old passenger, both from Florida. Authorities reported that both individuals died at the scene of the semi truck accident.
Although the semi truck accident remains under investigation, officials believe that the driver may have fallen asleep behind the wheel. A witness reportedly told police that the semi truck veered left and then right before it hit an overpass at full speed. The westbound lanes of the highway were closed for several hours while crews cleared the damaged truck and debris from the highway.
Unfortunately, falling asleep behind the wheel is not uncommon. Another common cause of motor vehicle accidents, involving semi trucks or other vehicles, is distracted driving, which can include adjusting the radio or volume, texting or talking on a cell phone, paying attention to passengers in the backseat, grooming, drinking and eating, watching a video, using a navigation system and reading. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reports that semi truck drivers are 23.2 times more likely to cause an accident if they text while driving. Due to the weight and size of the trucks, it is often difficult for a driver to regain control before a semi truck accident occurs.
Statistics show that distracted drivers remove their attention from the road for an average of 4.6 seconds. If a driver is traveling at 55 miles per hour and glances away for 4.6 seconds, he will be traveling over the length of one football field, or roughly 371 feet. While this is a alarming statistic, distracted driving is one of the most common causes of semi truck accidents in the country.
In an effort to decrease the number of semi truck accidents that occur in Florida and throughout the U.S., the FMCSA has released enhanced distracted driver penalties including fines ranging from $2,750 to $11,000. While use of cell phones is prohibited, devices for dispatching remain compliant with the new regulations.
Have You Been Injured in a Semi Truck Accident in Florida?
Contact Attorney Group for Florida today for a free case evaluation if you have been injured in a semi truck accident in Florida. We can help determine whether you have a valid case and connect you with an experienced lawyer who can assist you in seeking the compensation to which you may be entitled. More than one party may be held responsible in an accident, such as the owner of the truck, the manufacturer of defective parts, the driver or the driver’s employer, the owner of the cargo or the mechanic who was responsible for inspecting and maintaining the vehicle. The time to file is limited, so it is important to take action as soon as you believe you have a claim.
