Traffic on Interstate 4 in Lakeland was a mess for hours on July 18, 2012, when the tanker truck in the image above (clicking on the photo will open video in a new window) crashed and spilled more than 1,100 gallons of fuel onto the roadway. According to the Tampa Bay Tribune, all eastbound lanes of the interstate were closed at about 5:00 a.m. that morning, with all but one lane reopening at 1:30 p.m. before the remaining lane opened at 7:00 p.m.
The Florida Highway Patrol told the Tribune that the driver fell asleep at the wheel before the truck jackknifed across the eastbound lanes and flipping onto its side. The interstate had to be shut at Kathleen Road for hazmat cleanup, and the Tribune reported the 33-year-old driver was cited for careless driving.
We discussed the careless driving charge on Monday, and driver fatigue is another type of unacceptable truck driver behavior that can be deadly for other motorists. When a tractor trailer jackknifes, the drivers and passengers in multiple vehicles are susceptible to catastrophic injuries. You can find more information about tractor trailer accidents on our website.
If you or a loved one has sustained serious injuries in an accident with a commercial truck, the company that owns the vehicle may be liable for any medical bills, pain and suffering or other damages that resulted from any error made by its driver. You can contact our firm by telephone at (800) 235-7060 or you can use the form on this page to be contacted within 24 hours.
Wooten Kimbrough, P.A. – Orlando personal injury attorneys