In the early hours of Friday, June 9, 2023, a tragic accident involving an asphalt truck claimed the lives of three individuals in Lake County, Florida, according to local authorities. The fatal incident occurred around 5:35 a.m. at the intersection of State Road 33 and Bakers Lane in Clermont.
Preliminary investigation reveals that a Chevrolet Silverado, which was heading south on SR-33, veered into the oncoming lane, colliding with the front left side of a semi-truck. This collision resulted in the semi flipping over. Subsequently, the Silverado smashed into an asphalt truck that was trailing the semi.
Upon impact, the asphalt truck veered off the roadway, crashing into nearby trees and eventually capsizing. The 21-year-old woman who was driving the Silverado, along with her two passengers—a 50-year-old woman and a 59-year-old man, all residents of Mascotte—were fatally injured in the accident.
The drivers of the semi and the asphalt truck were transported to Orlando Health South Lake Hospital, both suffering from injuries that, thankfully, were not deemed life-threatening.
Investigations into this devastating incident are still underway.
What to Do After Getting Injured in a Commercial Vehicle Accident in Florida
If you find yourself injured in a commercial vehicle accident in Florida, you might be overwhelmed by the situation and unsure about what to do next. Below are some steps you should take to protect your legal rights and ensure you get the help and compensation you need.
- Prioritize Safety and Seek Medical Attention: Your health and well-being should be your primary concern. Check yourself and others for injuries, and call 911 immediately if anyone requires medical assistance. Even if you feel okay, it's advisable to seek medical attention as soon as possible since some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
- Notify the Police: Always report the accident to the police, regardless of the severity of the accident. They will document the scene and create an accident report, which can serve as crucial evidence if you decide to file a claim.
- Gather Information: Collect as much information as you can from everyone involved in the accident, including their names, contact details, and insurance information. It's also beneficial to gather the names and contact information of any witnesses.
- Document the Scene: Use your smartphone to take photos and videos of the accident scene, the damage to the vehicles, and any visible injuries. This evidence can be invaluable in substantiating your claim.
- Contact Your Insurance Company: Inform your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. They can guide you through the claims process.
- Retain a Lawyer: Commercial vehicle accidents can be complex, involving multiple parties and varying degrees of liability. Engaging a Florida-based attorney who specializes in such accidents can help ensure your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
- Keep a Record: Maintain a file with all related documents, including medical bills, repair estimates, and any correspondence with insurance companies or legal representatives.
- Avoid Making Statements Without Legal Advice: Don't discuss the accident or your injuries with anyone other than your lawyer, your own insurance company, and the police. Avoid admitting fault or signing any documents without legal counsel.
Remember, taking these steps won't guarantee a favorable outcome, but they can improve your chances of securing the compensation you need after being injured in a commercial vehicle accident in Florida.
Do You Need to Speak to a Florida Semi Truck Accident Attorney?
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in an accident involving a semi truck, 18-wheeler, tractor trailer, or any other commercial vehicle, you should speak with a skilled, experienced, and aggressive Florida truck accident lawyer as soon as possible because you may be entitled to compensation. Please don’t hesitate to contact us on our website, or you can call our Orlando, Florida personal injury law firm today at (321) 352-7588 to schedule your free consultation by phone. When you schedule a consultation at our law firm, you will get a consultation with a truck accident lawyer, not a customer service representative or intake person.
If you need a South Carolina personal injury lawyer, don’t hesitate to reach out to us at (843) 638-6590. We have at least one lawyer licensed in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and North Carolina. So, if you’ve been injured in the Southeast, we may be able to help you. Don’t hesitate to reach out to us.
For more information on truck accidents, you can download our free e-book: 10 BIG Questions You Need Answered After a Truck Accident.
Disclaimer: Nothing in this article is meant to be a guarantee of results. Past case results do not guarantee future case results. Each case is unique. The information in this article has been gathered from various sources on Google. Thus, we cannot guarantee there are no inaccuracies herein. We can and will correct or remove this post upon request. You can email us at [email protected]. Finally, the information contained in this article is not meant to be legal advice in any way. If you have legal questions, you should contact an attorney.
