Ten people have died and many more are being treated for injuries resulting from a multi-vehicle accident on I-75 in Florida. In lieu of the completed investigation, smoke and fog are currently being blamed for Sunday’s tragedy.
Early Sunday morning, Florida Highway Patrol officers closed the highway due to lack of visibility and later reopened it. Shortly after, the collisions began. Drivers were blinded by both the fog and smoke from a nearby brushfire. At least 19 vehicles were involved, including seven tractor-trailers.
Visibility was reportedly so poor that rescuers could only locate victims by the sounds of their suffering.
Who is at fault?
As with many accidents, there are several parties who might be to blame for this catastrophe. One thing is clear: this is not simply an accident.
Investigators will try to discern whether the fire was started by someone, an act of arson that would carry with it charges of manslaughter and, possibly, felony murder.
Although no disciplinary action has yet been taken by the Florida Highway Patrol, the investigation will also look into why officers reopened the highway when visibility was evidently dangerously poor. Negligence on the part of the officers may have allowed this devastating wreck to occur.
There may be other people or organizations at fault as well. Many vehicle accidents involving tractor-trailers are caused by various factors that are not immediately apparent, including:
- Untrained or poorly trained professional driver
- Negligent behavior by the driver
- Broken or poorly maintained vehicle or equipment
- Unsafe road conditions that could have been prevented
Get Help!
The value of an experienced trucking attorney shines through in a case like the I-75 pileup. The Trucking Attorneys have the resources to conduct a thorough investigation in addition to that of the authorities. Our investigation often yields specific details that make or break our client’s case. Something that may appear inconsequential to a police officer, an insurance agent or a victim of an accident could be vital when recognized by a veteran accident attorney.
Additionally, our attorneys step in to handle all aspects of an accident claim, beginning with all communications with the insurance companies and continuing to guide and assist a victim throughout the entire process. In short, our clients can focus on their own recovery while we fight to obtain them the maximum compensation. View our case results here.