Chain Reaction Accidents at Florida Stop Lights – Who is Responsible for My Injuries?
A chain reaction crash is an accident that occurs when multiple vehicles pile up after an initial collision. One recent case of this involved a Pennsylvania man and his passenger getting rear-ended at a stop light by a pickup truck; this took place near the Wildwood intersection in Sumter County, Florida. The Pennsylvania driver died from the chain reaction collision, while his passenger sustained serious injuries from the accident. The driver of the pickup truck was a 49-year-old Williston man who reportedly didn’t slow down at the red light traffic signal, and ended up thrusting into six other vehicles. Now charges are pending against the pickup truck driver.
With multiple parties involved, it can be difficult to tell in a chain reaction car accident who’s at fault. When mediation or settlement is not possible, it can become necessary for a court to determine responsibility for a person’s auto accident injuries. Contact Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore in Tampa Bay if you’re interested in learning more about this process.
Chain Reaction Causes
This type of accident usually occurs from the first vehicle slowing down or halting at a stop light, and the rear-end driver failing to yield to the vehicle ahead of it. And it’s common for chain reactions to occur as a result of poor weather conditions, like an icy road where the drivers have little vehicle control. Chain reaction accidents also happen from vehicle malfunctions and reckless drivers, including people driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Determining the main factors involved in an accident will be important for a court case; the driver who is found to have acted negligently behind the wheel will likely be the one who is sued. Because there can be a combination of causes, it can often be difficult to find fault in just one person – unless that driver was proven to have been under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
In a court case, it’s up to the legal team to investigate how an accident occurred, examine and develop proof to try to identify who’s at fault, and then evaluate the severity of the incurred injuries. In the case of the Florida pileup, the driver didn’t slow down for a red light, while the other drivers were obeying traffic laws. Proof of this important detail would determine the responsibility of the truck driver.
Common Auto Accident Injuries
Auto accident crashes are often fatal, with an estimated 42,915 American deaths in 2021. Survivors can expect to experience injuries as minor as a scrape or as severe as a long-term disability. Head trauma is one of the more common forms of injury, as well as whiplash of the neck and spine. Victims will often develop chest injuries from deep bruises or broken ribs. Your arms or legs can be at risk from a side impact of a vehicle collision. The medical bills from an auto accident can become steep, sometimes making it necessary to seek Tampa Bay personal injury attorneys for help.
Legal Compensation
In the aftermath of an accident, the victim will need to pay for medical expenses, property damages, and a loss of income while waiting in recovery. If your auto insurance agency doesn’t fully pay for these damages, do not hesitate to exercise the option of hiring an attorney – preferably one who specializes in auto accident injuries. A qualified legal team would be able to investigate the details of your chain reaction crash, find information on how the accident occurred, who’s at fault, and whether and how you should be compensated in the aftermath.
Personal Injury Lawyers in Tampa, FL
If you’re interested in finding local representation in Tampa, Florida, the experienced attorneys at Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore are ready to serve you. In a complicated personal injury claim that involves multiple parties, our personal injury lawyers in Tampa would speak up for you – and fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact our firm at 813-225-4000 or at 800-360-6439 to schedule an appointment with the team.
According to statistics gathered by the Florida Highway Patrol Safety and Motor Vehicles, hit-and-run fatalities rose 18% in the year 2020. These numbers are troubling and have prompted the Stay At The Scene campaign to help spread awareness around the risks of hit-and-run accidents, and to help all Florida motorists understand how vital it is to stay at the scene if you are the driver.
If you do get in a car accident, one of the first things you should do after contacting emergency services and establishing the safety of all involved is to call a Tampa Bay Accident Attorney, whether you feel you are at fault or not. If you are involved in an accident where you are tempted to leave the scene for any reason, keep in mind that leaving makes the entire situation more complicated for you from a legal perspective. Leaving implies guilt and diminishes your character before a judge. Most importantly, it could possibly endanger the lives of others at the scene.
Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore is a skilled Tampa Bay Hit and Run law firm that is helping to spread awareness about the Stay At The Scene Campaign across Florida. Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore protects and represents the injured, and has extensive experience when it comes to achieving successful outcomes for those involved in auto accidents. If you have been in an accident, be sure to call the Tampa Bay Personal Injury Attorneys with heart and tenacity. Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore has a track record of having both, as its history of favorable outcomes reflects. The firm represents those who are victims of hit-and-run accidents and more.
It is important that everyone understands the message of the Stay At The Scene Campaign. Simply stay at the scene after an accident. It’s the right thing to do from a legal and moral standpoint, and also because the penalties are hefty for those who leave. If a person has any injury from an accident and someone flees from the scene, it becomes a felony, even if the injuries are minor. The State has increased the legal ramifications of leaving the scene of an accident, has created anonymous tip lines, and is running this campaign to spread awareness, so all parties can understand the importance of staying at the scene of an accident.
Contact a skilled Tampa Bay Car Accident Attorney if you are in an accident. Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore has been speaking up for the injured in the area and can be relied on to help you navigate the legal system as you recover from your injuries.
In February 2021, a Madison County woman lost her life when her SUV collided with a moving tractor-trailer. She was traveling with her two young children, ages 6 and 8, who were transported to a nearby hospital with injuries. This was a horrible event, and our thoughts and prayers go out to those involved. This type of accident happens all too often, particularly as Florida’s roads become more and more congested.
As a Tampa Bay personal injury attorney law firm, we know that most collisions or other types of impacts involving tractor-trailers are preventable. Tractors and tractor-trailers take up more space on the road, need more room to maneuver when in motion, and take far longer to come to a complete stop than regular passenger vehicles. They present extra danger on our roads.
Stay Safer with These Tips
Like all drivers on the roads today, the driver of a tractor-trailer bears the ultimate responsibility to drive safely, comply with all traffic rules, and take care not to present a danger to other drivers and pedestrians around them. That is a given. But there are steps you can take to be extra careful when you see a big rig on the road. As a rule of thumb, if you see a tractor-trailer, make it a rule for yourself that you’re going to give this vehicle an enormous amount of space. Take some time to learn a tractor-trailer’s blind spots.
• Avoid 30 feet in front of the tractor-trailer and 30 feet directly behind a tractor-trailer at all times.
• Avoid the area directly under the driver’s-side window in the lane immediately to the left and behind the same window for about 20 feet.
• Avoid the two right lanes of a tractor-trailer for nearly the entire length of the rig.
• Never be on the right side of a tractor-trailer when it’s making a right turn.
• When passing one of these large rigs, do not do so until you can see the front fully in your rear-view mirror.
If you remember nothing else, remember that if you cannot see the driver’s face in their side mirrors, there is a high chance they cannot see you.
Never hesitate to contact a tractor-trailer accident attorney for a consultation if you’ve been involved in any impact with a tractor-trailer. The attorneys at Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore are trained to handle questions related to tractor trailer rig accident injuries in the Tampa Bay area. Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore is your trusted Tampa Bay tractor-trailer accident attorney.
Accidents are traumatizing. Worse yet, hit and run accidents are even more brutal and horrifying, especially when the driver goes untraced. Victims are left bearing the brunt of the accident without holding anyone accountable for their injuries. As such, you may need a Tampa Bay car accident attorney for legal counsel and support.
According to Florida law, drivers are required to stop at the accident scene and identify themselves. Regrettably, not all motorists abide by this law. In fact, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), the year 2020 saw an 18 percent spike in hit and run fatalities. While the total number of such crashes decreased by 13 percent in 2020, the rise in deaths left Florida’s families reeling.
What to do in a hit and run situation?
Most drivers that leave the scene of an accident before they are identified are at fault. Sometimes, it could be panic that makes them flee, but mostly they are either drunk, carry no insurance, or violate other traffic rules. Whatever the reason, hit and run incidents are illegal and diminish the chances of the accident victim getting immediate medical care.
Victims can’t dictate the action of offenders, as much as we might wish that they could. So it’s vital to understand what you need to do to avoid worsening the situation. First, it’s advisable to stay as calm as possible while making sure you are okay. Other steps you can take when involved in a crash include:
• If possible, move to the side of the road to avoid a secondary accident.
• Try to identify the driver. If you can do so safely, write down details about the other vehicle (color, model, or partial license plate number) immediately after the accident when your mind is still fresh.
• Check the condition of others involved. Contact 911 if there are injuries or the vehicle is disabled.
How a lawyer can help in hit and run accidents
Accidents, including hit and runs, leave a trail of destruction along their paths. Loss of income and injuries are some costs of auto accidents. After the unfortunate hit and run accident, the chances of getting justice might seem slim.
However, with the help of a proper Tampa Bay hit and run accident attorney, justice is on the way. They will investigate the crash, work to prove liability, explore all compensation options available, and explain your legal rights. A good personal injury attorney handles all the legal paperwork while you focus on your recovery.
Tampa Bay Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been involved in a hit and run accident, you might feel as if you are alone. However, at Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore, we’ve got your back. As your Tampa Bay accident attorney, we are compassionate and knowledgeable about all aspects of personal injury law, including hit and run situations. Contact us today, and we will help you get the compensation – and justice — you deserve.
In September, a driver was killed after losing control of his pickup truck creating a Semi-Truck Accident in Tampa Bay. It was an otherwise uneventful afternoon on the Veterans Expressway, before the day took a tragic, and deadly, turn. Police say that the male driver was traveling north, when he lost control of his truck, entered the outer shoulder of the road, and slammed into a concrete wall.
After the initial impact, police say, the truck careened back into the road and struck the axles of a semi-truck. The semi then jack-knifed as both vehicles hurdled into the barrier wall and were engulfed in flames. The accident resulted in untold loss for the victims and their families and caused the northbound roadway to be closed down for several hours.
Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore Discusses the Rise of Semi-Truck Accidents in Tampa Bay
Here at Wagner Law, our experienced Tampa Bay personal injury attorneys have worked on all kinds of shocking and traumatic auto accident cases. But it is always disquieting to hear first-hand about the damage and terror that a semi-truck accident can create.
Unfortunately, these types of accidents are only increasing in prevalence in the state of Florida. According to the NHSTA, Florida is Number #3 nationally for traffic fatalities that involve semi-trucks.
Because of the size, mass, and sheer power of these commercial cargo vehicles, accidents that involve large commercial trucks can be far more dangerous than ordinary accidents. As any experienced Semi-Truck Accident Attorney in Tampa Bay will tell you, the stories, the injuries, and the damage that can result from these accidents are enormous. As a driver on Florida roads, you should understand the elevated risks involved in such accidents.
If you’ve spent any time near a highway, you’ll be familiar with the noise that semi-trucks make when they must come to a stop on a declining stretch of road. It sounds something like two incredibly enormous pieces of rubber scraping together. This is what truck drivers refer to as the “jimmy break.” It is a breaking system located not in any of the wheel drums, but within the engine itself. It is a system designed to slow the tremendously powerful machine that delivers power to the wheels. In addition to this exotic braking system, semi-trucks also have conventional breaks within the drums of their wheels. That should give you some idea of the fantastic amount of power these trucks generate, and the forces that must be overcome before they can come to a complete stop.
As a Tampa Bay Catastrophic Accident Attorney with more than fifty years of experience, Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore will tell you that nearly every collision incident involving one of these monster vehicles is as terrifying as it is potentially deadly.
If there is any good news to be shared on this topic, it is the fact that most road-bound cargo services, rendered using these huge trucks, are owned by large trucking corporations. That means if you have been hurt, suffered property damage, or both in a semi-truck accident, you are more likely to have a full measure of legal recourse. Any good trucking company will be well insured, and if you deserve compensation for your damages, then a Tampa Bay Catastrophic Injury Attorney can help.
If you have been the victim of a semi-truck accident and are either not at fault or share some fault with the semi-truck driver, you need to speak to a qualified Tampa Bay Truck Accident Attorney. After such a traumatic event, handling legal documents, filing papers, and the stress of dealing with health care bills can be a huge burden to shoulder. A Tampa Bay Semi-Truck Accident Attorney will handle the red tape and the legal work for you, working hard to maximize any compensation you may be owed. That will leave you free to focus your energies where they need to be: on fully recovering and moving on with your life.
Get in touch with Wagner Law today to learn more.
Driving is an important part of everyday American life. Over the course of our lives, most of us will spend tens of thousands of hours behind the wheel, if not more. That being the case, it is all but a certainty that at some point you will encounter an accident, even if you aren’t involved. You may have heard about the recent incident in which a firefighter was seriously injured and another individual was killed. The crash closed northbound lanes of US 19 at Innisbrook Drive for several hours.
Here at Wagner Law, our team of Tampa Bay personal injury attorneys are deeply concerned any time we hear about accidents like this one –especially about the problem of so-called “pile-up accidents.” Incidents like these pose not only a terrible problem of danger to the victims but also a significant challenge to any good Tampa Bay car accident lawyer.
As firetrucks arrived on the scene, they were struck by trucks going in the opposite direction. Sadly, this is a danger that first responders must deal with on a regular basis. Given this danger, it is so important that passing cars and onlookers know how to respond when they witness or come upon an accident on the road.
The question so many people ask their Tampa Bay car accident attorney is, “What’s the best thing to do if I witness an accident?” Whether you witness the accident as it happens, or come upon the scene moments later, there are certain things you should do and should not do.
Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore on What to Do if You Encounter the Scene of an Accident
The list of things to do and not to do are ranked with deference to the prevention of further accident and injury. Everything you do and do not do should be prioritized by that one principle.
Be Alert
The first step must be preventative in nature. It is critical that drivers be alert when they are behind the wheel, looking ahead as much as practicable; scanning for danger before you encounter an accident is a skill that every driver should develop. This includes being aware of the sounds and light patterns that emergency vehicles use. Become familiar with the various sounds ambulances, firetrucks, and police vehicles employ. Knowing these things will help you respond accordingly.
Keep Your Distance
This may be the most important thing to keep in mind and to do at or near the scene of an accident. Do whatever it takes to not contribute to the accident by becoming an obstruction to first responders. In some cases, people are compelled to view the scene of a crash. If someone you know is involved, this may be understandable. If you must observe, move your vehicle away from the accident and watch on foot from a reasonable and safe distance.
Can You Help?
If you saw the accident take place, your description of the event may be valuable to police and other first responders. You may observe from a distance, as described above, and wait for the time and opportunity to tell police, firefighters, and EMTs anything you saw which you believe might help.
If you are willing and able, you might use any road flairs or road cones you may have to create a warning for drivers coming toward the scene. Do not deploy your cones or flairs in the middle of the road and do not attempt to cordon off the crash area yourself. Simply deploy your alert traffic devices on the shoulder of the road, perhaps several yards apart, along a quarter-mile of road approaching the scene. This should not create an obstruction of any kind but should only warn drivers that they are approaching a hazard.
Of course, you are not obligated to do any of these things if you are not involved in the accident. The most important thing is to be alert enough to see the accident before you reach it and to get clear of the area as quickly as possible.
When to Call a Tampa Bay Accident Attorney
If you have been injured in an auto accident, and believe you deserve compensation, an accident attorney in Tampa Bay at Wagner Law is standing by to help.
Being involved in a car accident that results in injuries will always come with stress and various challenges. This can become even more complicated if it is a large multi-car crash, which can make liability even more complex. If you are injured in a multi-car accident in or around Tampa, Florida, a Tampa Bay accident attorney can help you determine who is at fault and is responsible for your injuries. There are a variety of factors that can determine who is ultimately responsible for your injuries.
Negligence
One of the factors that will determine who is liable for injuries is if there was any form of negligence involved in the accident. If, following the accident, it was determined that one party was driving under the influence, was not paying attention while driving or was driving at reckless speeds, and the negligence caused the accident or made it worse, that party could be held responsible. In these situations, they or their auto insurance provider may be responsible for the bulk of the damages.
Who Collided First
A Tampa Bay car accident attorney will also look to see who collided first. In a large pileup accident, the first collision is what will typically result in a larger pileup, as there may not be enough time for other drivers to safely get out of the way. All cases depend on their facts, and facts often differ. In many cases, though, the bulk of the liability will be placed on the first person that caused the accident, and they may be held responsible for your injuries.
There are many complexities that come with a multi-car crash and figuring out who is responsible is very important. If you are involved in a large accident, contacting Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore is an option you should consider. Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore is a Tampa Bay personal injury attorney that can provide you with great support and representation. These Tampa Bay multi-car accident attorneys will be able to evaluate your situation, determine who is responsible, and provide you with the support needed to be properly represented.
According to statistics gathered by the Florida Highway Patrol Safety and Motor Vehicles, hit-and-run fatalities rose 18% in the year 2020. These numbers are troubling and have prompted the Stay At The Scene campaign to help spread awareness around the risks of hit-and-run accidents, and to help all Florida motorists understand how vital it is to stay at the scene if you are the driver.
If you do get in a car accident, one of the first things you should do after contacting emergency services and establishing the safety of all involved is to call a Tampa Bay Accident Attorney, whether you feel you are at fault or not. If you are involved in an accident where you are tempted to leave the scene for any reason, keep in mind that leaving makes the entire situation more complicated for you from a legal perspective. Leaving implies guilt and diminishes your character before a judge. Most importantly, it could possibly endanger the lives of others at the scene.
Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore is a skilled Tampa Bay Hit and Run law firm that is helping to spread awareness about the Stay At The Scene Campaign across Florida. Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore protects and represents the injured, and has extensive experience when it comes to achievingsuccessful outcomes for those involved in auto accidents. If you have been in an accident, be sure to call the Tampa Bay Personal Injury Attorneys with heart and tenacity. Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore has a track record of having both, as itshistory of favorable outcomes reflects. The firm represents those who are victims of hit-and-run accidents and more.
It is important that everyone understands the message of the Stay At The Scene Campaign. Simply stay at the scene after an accident. Its the right thing to do from a legal and moral standpoint, and also because the penalties are hefty for those who leave. If a person has any injury from an accident and someone flees from the scene, it becomes a felony, even if the injuries are minor. The State has increased the legal ramifications of leaving the scene of an accident, has created anonymous tip lines, and is running this campaign to spread awareness, so all parties can understand the importance of staying at the scene of an accident.
Contact a skilled Tampa Bay Car Accident Attorney if you are in an accident. Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore has been speaking up for the injured in the area and can be relied on to help you navigate the legal system as you recover from your injuries.
In February 2021, a Madison County woman lost her life when her SUV collided with a moving tractor-trailer. She was traveling with her two young children, ages 6 and 8, who were transported to a nearby hospital with injuries. This was a horrible event, and our thoughts and prayers go out to those involved. This type of accident happens all too often, particularly as Florida’s roads become more and more congested.
As a Tampa Bay personal injury attorney law firm, we know that most collisions or other types of impacts involving tractor-trailers are preventable. Tractors and tractor-trailers take up more space on the road, need more room to maneuver when in motion, and take far longer to come to a complete stop than regular passenger vehicles. They present extra danger on our roads.
Stay Safer with These Tips
Like all drivers on the roads today, the driver of a tractor-trailer bears the ultimate responsibility to drive safely, comply with all traffic rules, and take care not to present a danger to other drivers and pedestrians around them. That is a given. But there are steps you can take to be extra careful when you see a big rig on the road. As a rule of thumb, if you see a tractor-trailer, make it a rule for yourself that you’re going to give this vehicle an enormous amount of space. Take some time to learn a tractor-trailer’s blind spots.
• Avoid 30 feet in front of the tractor-trailer and 30 feet directly behind a tractor-trailer at all times.
• Avoid the area directly under the driver’s-side window in the lane immediately to the left and behind the same window for about 20 feet.
• Avoid the two right lanes of a tractor-trailer for nearly the entire length of the rig.
• Never be on the right side of a tractor-trailer when it’s making a right turn.
• When passing one of these large rigs, do not do so until you can see the front fully in your rear-view mirror.
If you remember nothing else, remember that if you cannot see the driver’s face in their side mirrors, there is a high chance they cannot see you.
Never hesitate to contact a tractor-trailer accident attorney for a consultation if you’ve been involved in any impact with a tractor-trailer. The attorneys at Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore are trained to handle questions related to tractor trailer rig accident injuries in the Tampa Bay area. Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore is your trusted Tampa Bay tractor-trailer accident attorney.
Accidents are traumatizing. Worse yet, hit and run accidents are even more brutal and horrifying, especially when the driver goes untraced. Victims are left bearing the brunt of the accident without holding anyone accountable for their injuries. As such, you may need a Tampa Bay car accident attorney for legal counsel and support.
According to Florida law, drivers are required to stop at the accident scene and identify themselves. Regrettably, not all motorists abide by this law. In fact, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV), the year 2020 saw an 18 percent spike in hit and run fatalities. While the total number of such crashes decreased by 13 percent in 2020, the rise in deaths left Florida’s families reeling.
What to do in a hit and run situation?
Most drivers that leave the scene of an accident before they are identified are at fault. Sometimes, it could be panic that makes them flee, but mostly they are either drunk, carry no insurance, or violate other traffic rules. Whatever the reason, hit and run incidents are illegal and diminish the chances of the accident victim getting immediate medical care.
Victims can’t dictate the action of offenders, as much as we might wish that they could. So it’s vital to understand what you need to do to avoid worsening the situation. First, it’s advisable to stay as calm as possible while making sure you are okay. Other steps you can take when involved in a crash include:
• If possible, move to the side of the road to avoid a secondary accident.
• Try to identify the driver. If you can do so safely, write down details about the other vehicle (color, model, or partial license plate number) immediately after the accident when your mind is still fresh.
• Check the condition of others involved. Contact 911 if there are injuries or the vehicle is disabled.
How a lawyer can help in hit and run accidents
Accidents, including hit and runs, leave a trail of destruction along their paths. Loss of income and injuries are some costs of auto accidents. After the unfortunate hit and run accident, the chances of getting justice might seem slim.
However, with the help of a proper Tampa Bay hit and run accident attorney, justice is on the way. They will investigate the crash, work to prove liability, explore all compensation options available, and explain your legal rights. A good personal injury attorney handles all the legal paperwork while you focus on your recovery.
Tampa Bay Personal Injury Attorney
If you have been involved in a hit and run accident, you might feel as if you are alone. However, at Wagner, McLaughlin & Whittemore, we’ve got your back. As your Tampa Bay accident attorney, we are compassionate and knowledgeable about all aspects of personal injury law, including hit and run situations. Contact us today, and we will help you get the compensation – and justice — you deserve.
