The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) is investigating a fatal hit-and-run crash in Lake County that claimed the life of a woman on Wednesday afternoon. Evaluating your legal options after being involved in a hit-and-run with a commercial vehicle can get complicated without the insight of an experienced Orlando, FL truck accident attorney.
The crash occurred around 1:47 p.m. at the intersection of State Road 44 and Forest Ridge Road in Eustis. According to FHP, a semi-truck with a blue cab and silver trailer was traveling eastbound on SR-44 when the driver attempted to slow for traffic ahead but lost control of the trailer.
The trailer’s rear veered into the westbound lane, colliding with a 2014 Nissan Sentra traveling in the opposite direction. The impact caused the Nissan to be pushed into the eastbound lane, directly into the path of a Ford following the semi-truck.
The semi-truck driver fled the scene, continuing eastbound on SR-44 without stopping.
The Nissan’s driver, an unidentified woman, was airlifted to a nearby hospital but later succumbed to her injuries. The driver of the Ford, a 72-year-old man from Debary, remained at the scene and was not transported to the hospital. Passengers in the Ford sustained minor injuries and were taken to a local hospital for treatment.
Troopers have set up roadblocks in both directions on SR-44, diverting traffic at County Road 42 and Royal Trails Boulevard as they investigate the incident.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the semi-truck or its driver to come forward. The FHP continues to work on identifying the driver responsible for this tragic hit-and-run.
What Can A Lawyer Do If I’m Involved In A Hit-and-Run With A Semi?
If you’re involved in a hit-and-run accident with a semi-truck, it can be a particularly challenging and stressful situation. A lawyer can provide critical help with the legal complexities of the case and ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
First, your lawyer will investigate the accident thoroughly. In hit-and-run cases, it’s important to gather as much evidence as possible to identify the at-fault driver. This could include reviewing any available surveillance footage, interviewing witnesses, and examining physical evidence from the scene. They may also work with accident reconstruction experts to determine how the collision occurred and what role the semi-truck driver may have played.
If the truck driver is not immediately identified, your lawyer can guide you in filing a claim under your own uninsured motorist (UM) coverage, which can cover damages in hit-and-run cases. They will ensure you understand the requirements of your insurance policy and how to maximize the compensation you can receive from it.
In addition to working with insurance companies, a lawyer will handle negotiations on your behalf. Semi-truck companies often have powerful legal teams and insurance adjusters who may attempt to minimize their liability. Your lawyer will protect your interests, ensuring that you are not pressured into accepting a low settlement.
If the truck driver is identified, your lawyer will pursue claims against their insurance and, if necessary, file a lawsuit to recover damages. This could include compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and vehicle repairs.
At David & Philpot, PL, our experience with hit-and-run and semi-truck accident cases can help ensure that you’re properly compensated and that your rights are protected throughout the legal process. We believe in holding reckless drivers who leave the scene of a collision accountable for the harm they caused, and go to great lengths to defend the inters of our clients. Call our offices today to discuss your hit-and-run case.
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