Tractor-Trailer Driver Killed In Fiery Crash

In March 2025, a tractor-trailer veered off I-95 S in Flagler County, striking a tree and catching on fire once it came to rest. The driver was unfortunately pronounced deceased at the scene, though no one else was hurt. This is, however, not always the case when tractor-trailer accidents occur on Florida roads. If you are involved in a crash of this nature, you will likely experience serious injury – but this alone does not insulate you from being found partially liable for this kind of crash.

Potential For Injury Or Fatality Is High

Tractor-trailer accidents are more likely to cause serious injury or death to the driver or passengers in a smaller vehicle than to the driver of the tractor-trailer themselves. These vehicles are anywhere from two to five times heavier than most passenger vehicles, and are often moving at high rates of speed. Data reported by Forbes Advisor estimates that roughly 53 percent of fatal collisions are caused by tractor-trailers, though there are several reasons why this may be the case.

Single-vehicle accidents do claim tractor-trailers from time to time, most often due to driver error or to poor maintenance. However, tractor-trailer crashes are more likely to involve two or more vehicles, with the most damage being done to the smaller. If the negligence of the tractor-trailer causes the accident, and the evidence supports this, they may be ordered to pay damages to the injured plaintiff.

Comparative Fault

One thing to be aware of in a tractor-trailer accident case, despite the fact that tractor-trailers are so much more likely to cause harm than smaller passenger cars, is that your actions may still have played a role in causing the accident. Florida law incorporates a concept known as comparative fault or comparative negligence, which means that in a civil lawsuit, a person can only recover the percentage of damages they did not cause themselves.

Thus, for example, if a person is ruled to have been 20 percent at fault for their own injuries, they cannot recover more than 80 percent of their damages. Be advised that Florida recently modified its comparative fault statute, holding that if someone is ruled more than 50 percent liable for their own injuries, they cannot recover any damages – but explicitly exclude personal injury lawsuits from that formula.

Call A Tampa Tractor-Trailer Accident Attorney

While the unfortunate driver was the only one to be harmed in the Flagler County crash, this may not be the case for the next tractor-trailer accident. If you have questions or concerns about this kind of accident, a Tampa truck accident attorney from the Rinaldo Law Group can help to manage them. Contact our office today to schedule a free consultation.

Source:

wesh.com/article/tractor-trailer-driver-killed-fiery-crash-i-95-flagler/64135593