Several motorists injured after Florida accident
At least four Florida residents sustained injuries in a multiple vehicle crash that left the eastbound lanes of State Road 54 closed for several hours, according to sources with the Florida Highway Patrol. Police believe the crash was caused when one driver lost control of his cement truck after its brakes failed, but explained that the serious car accident remains under investigation. No charges have been filed.
If police discover that any negligence by the truck driver or his employer directly contributed to the crash, the other victims could potentially collect compensation for their injuries by filing a personal injury lawsuit. In Florida, injured motorists may file a personal injury claim even if the defendant already faces criminal charges.
FHP reports claim the crash occurred after the cement truck's 39-year-old driver exited the Suncoast Parkway near State Road 54. The driver's brakes reportedly failed, causing his vehicle to travel over a concrete median and fly across several lanes of traffic. After passing a patch of grass, the empty truck then slammed into three vehicles stopped at a traffic light. Police say the three vehicles were parallel to each other, with one car in each of the highway's three eastbound lanes. It is currently unclear what might have caused the truck's brakes to fail.
Following the accident, emergency response personnel treated the cement truck's driver for minor injuries at the crash site. The other three motorists, ranging in age from 27 to 50, sustained more severe injuries and were transported by ambulance and helicopter to various area hospitals to receive treatment. All victims were listed in serious, but stable condition at last report.
The accident forced police to close the eastbound lanes of State Road 54 for several hours while they retrieved the damaged cement truck and cleaned away other debris from the crash.
Source: LandO'LakesPatch, "Updated: 4-Vehicle Crash Closes Eastbound Lanes on 54," Sherri Lonon, Sep. 5, 2012
