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A tragic multi-car accident in Florida resulting in the deaths of 10 people and injuries to nearly two dozen people has been attributed in part to poor visibility. But questions linger after the fatal incident: A few hours before the deadly highway crash in Gainesville, authorities closed – and then reopened – the highway due to a three-vehicle crash.
In a chilling 911 call, someone involved in the multi-vehicle accident described extremely poor visibility. The caller told a 911 operator she could not see much more than a couple of feet in front of her.
According to news reports, authorities reopened the highway at 3:30 a.m. on Jan. 29, a few minutes before the second crash involving at least 12 cars, a half dozen tractor-trailers and a motor home. Some of the cars were pushed under the big rigs, while other vehicles burst into flames.
The Florida Highway Patrol did not respond to phone calls by news reporters who wanted to know what protocol the authorities had followed. While the FHP will remain in charge of the inquiry into the crash, the National Transportation Safety Board will investigate to determine if the agency should formally join the inquiry. “One of the areas that our investigators will be looking at is the reopening of I-75 (the highway where the accidents occurred),” a NTSB official told the Associated Press.
A nearby brush fire that began a day before the accident is believed to have contributed to the low-visibility. State officials were trying to determine if the blaze, which destroyed 62 acres, was intentionally set.
According to the website for the Dan Davis Law Firm (www.dandavislaw.com) of Oklahoma City, OK, accident victims or families who lost loved ones in auto accidents should not hesitate to consult with a lawyer to learn about their legal rights. “You may never have been in a serious accident before, but you can level the playing field with an experienced attorney,” Oklahoma City personal injury lawyer Dan Davis writes on his website.
Car accidents, especially highway accidents involving 18-wheelers, can lead to catastrophic injuries or fatal injuries. It’s prudent for victims and their families to discuss their specific situation with a car accident lawyer before accepting any type of settlement with an insurance company.
