Tractor-Trailer Incident in Ocala: Rock-Form Sulfur Spill and the Dangers of Negligence
A recent incident in central Florida’s Ocala area involved a tractor-trailer transporting rock-form sulfur, a common ingredient in agricultural chemicals and fertilizers. This event unfolded with the tractor-trailer merging into a passenger vehicle, causing damage to an I-75 ramp, and eventually spilling its entire load onto the roadway. According to a local media report on the crash, the semi-truck was traveling on US 27 at 11:15 p.m. Its driver attempted a lane change, and in the process slammed into a car and then into a concrete barrier wall on the should of an I-75 overpass. Subsequently, the trailer detached from the semi cab, scattering rock-form sulfur across US 27. Responding Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) officers noted that the semi driver failed to spot the nearby car while changing lanes. After striking the car, he veered right, colliding with the overpass’s concrete barrier. Fortunately, the car’s occupant escaped without injuries, while the truck driver sustained minor injuries. US 27 had to be temporarily closed in both directions to clear the debris from the road. The southbound ramp to US-27 from I-75 is currently unavailable until repairs are completed.
Despite the minor injuries to the truck driver and the lack of harm to the other car’s driver, this incident could have had far graver consequences. It resulted in an uncertain duration of repairs for an I-75 exit ramp. All of this could have been prevented if the truck driver had conducted a thorough blind spot check before changing lanes.
The Dangers of Tractor-Trailers, Especially When Carrying Cargo
Many have experienced the unsettling scenario of driving on Florida’s highways, such as I-95 and I-75, when a tractor-trailer abruptly changes lanes without appearing to acknowledge your presence, seemingly driven by a distracted or inattentive operator who struggles to control a massive vehicle weighing over 50 tons. Regrettably, such occurrences are commonplace on Florida’s interstates, state roads, and even surface streets. Large trucks frequently operate unsafely or, as in the recent Ocala incident, may switch lanes without verifying their blind spots or mirrors.
Why is this so dangerous? Tractor-trailers dwarf passenger vehicles in size, often resulting in injuries to motorists even when the truck driver bears the blame. Additionally, these semi-trucks may carry hazardous cargo, though fortunately, that was not the case in this tractor-trailer incident in Ocala.
Contact Schwed, Adams & McGinley
At Schwed, Adams & McGinley, our experienced personal injury attorneys have represented clients who have been seriously injured in a variety of different scenarios, including accidents involving tractor trailers, for decades. The experienced personal injury attorneys of our firm have over 200 years of combined legal experience representing accident victims throughout Florida. A large majority of our firm’s practice is in the areas of auto and truck accidents and we understand the devastating consequences that such an accident can cause. We do everything in our power under Florida law to help make you and your family whole for the devastating losses that often accompany such an accident. If you or one of your loved ones have been involved in an accident in Florida, contact our firm today at contact@schwedlawfirm.com or by telephone at (877) 694-6079 for a free consultation regarding your legal rights.