Most accidents are due to the combination of a variety of factors. The list of possible reasons seems to grow when 18 wheelers are involved. Equipment failure is one factor that is often looked into when a truck is involved in an accident.
Last month a fatal accident occurred on Interstate 95 causing several lanes to be closed during rush hour. According to the Florida Highway Patrol the accident occurred when rear wheels fell off a tractor trailer. After they fell off, some of the wheels managed to get over the interstate’s median wall. Another driver, an 18-year-old in an Oldsmobile Aurora woman ran into at least one tire as she drove in the opposite direction.
The accident did not end there. As the driver in a Mercury Grand Marquis that was travelling behind the 18-year-old woman attempted a defensive driving maneuver to avoid hitting the Oldsmobile, the Mercury was rear-ended by a Ford F-150 and was pushed into the Oldsmobile it was trying to avoid.
The 18-year-old woman sustained minor injuries and was taken to North Broward Medical Center for treatment. Unfortunately, the driver of the Mercury died at t the scene after the car caught on fire.
The case is under investigation by the police. The findings reached in the investigation could have a bearing on whether civil claims are filed and against whom. The 18-year old woman could file a personal injury lawsuit to recover money for things such as medical bills as well as lost wages. The family of the driver of the Mercury who died may also be able to file a wrongful death lawsuit.
Source: Sun Sentinel, “Motorist dies on I-95 after crashed car bursts into flames,” Sept. 8, 2011