According to the Florida Highway Patrol, a tractor-trailer driver caused a collision in Manatee County then fled the scene. The crash highlights how devastating truck accidents can be, especially when the responsible driver abandons victims without aid. Victims may face greater challenges in seeking compensation and holding the negligent party accountable. Working with an experienced truck crash attorney is critical to navigating the complex legal aftermath of such accidents.
At Dannheisser Injury Law, we have over 30 years of experience handling these claims in Sarasota, Bradenton, and the surrounding areas. Read further to learn more about how the accident happened, implications of these types of crashes, and how our firm can protect your rights.
I-75 Bradenton Truck Crash: What Happened.
Early Tuesday morning on I-75 in Lee County, a semi tractor-trailer entered the northbound travel lanes from the outside shoulder near Exit 143, directly in front of an SUV driven by a 34-year-old Bradenton man. The SUV collided with the rear of the trailer around 1:30 a.m., causing the driver to suffer minor injuries. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the truck driver did not stop after the crash and continued north on the interstate. Authorities have not yet identified the tractor-trailer driver who fled the scene.
Personal Injury Implications of a Hit-and-Run Truck Accident.
When a truck driver flees after causing a crash, victims face not only physical injuries but also complicated legal and insurance challenges:
- Difficulty Identifying the Driver: Without immediate cooperation, it can take law enforcement time to locate the responsible driver, delaying the claims process.
- Insurance Disputes: Victims may need to rely on uninsured motorist (UM) coverage if the at-fault driver cannot be found.
- Increased Emotional Distress: The feeling of abandonment after a crash often compounds trauma, particularly when injuries are severe.
- Higher Stakes for Compensation: Truck crashes typically involve catastrophic injuries due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles. This means medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term care costs can be significant.
Understanding your rights and pursuing all potential avenues for recovery requires legal experience. An experienced truck crash attorney in Bradenton can help uncover the truth, work with investigators, and ensure every possible liable party—including the trucking company—is held accountable.
Why Truck Crash Hit-and-Runs Are So Serious.
Truck drivers have a legal duty to remain at the scene of a crash under Florida Statute 316.027. Leaving the scene of an accident involving injuries is a felony, and when large trucks are involved, the consequences can be catastrophic. Victims often sustain injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage
- Multiple fractures
- Internal organ injuries
These injuries often require extensive treatment, and the absence of the at-fault driver can delay vital compensation. Luckily, the man involved in this accident suffered only minor injuries.
Additionally, tractor trailers and other commercial vehicles carry higher amounts of auto insurance. These higher amounts of insurance mean that although there is a bigger pot of money to recover for injured victims, there are more resources available for the insurance company to fight your claim. It’s why having an experienced, aggressive truck crash attorney fighting on your behalf is often the best move.
How Dannheisser Injury Law Can Help.
Our firm has decades of experience representing victims of catastrophic crashes in Sarasota, Bradenton, and across Florida. We investigate every detail, reviewing accident reports, surveillance footage and working with accident reconstruction experts, to make sure fleeing drivers and their companies are held responsible.
If you or a loved one was injured in a truck crash, don’t face the aftermath alone. Visit our Truck Accident Lawyer page for more details on types of truck accidents, how we gather evidence and prove liability, what types of compensation you can seek, and what your case may be worth.
Contact a Truck Crash Attorney Today.
If you or a loved one were injured in a truck crash, especially when the at-fault driver fled the scene, it is critical to take action quickly. At Dannheisser Injury Law, our experienced legal team is ready to investigate your case, protect your rights, and pursue the compensation you deserve. Call our office today at 941-365-7600, start a conversation through our live chat, or reach out by completing our online contact form. We are here to provide trusted guidance and fight for justice on your behalf.
