Police have positively identified one of the three men who were killed in a March 30 collision with a tractor-trailer. The deceased was confirmed as a 32-year old male from Mexico, who was riding in the right front passenger seat in the van that crashed into the tractor-trailer on March 30 near Mayo, FL.
After studying the police report, a NY Truck Accident Attorney has learned that the three men were traveling northbound on State Route 349 in a 2002 Dodge Caravan. As the van approached the intersection of SR 349 and U.S. 27, they were supposed to stop at a stop sign, which they did not. The van proceeded into the intersection that was about to be occupied by a 1998 Freightliner semi-tractor pulling a trailer. The westbound tractor-trailer slammed into the right front fender of the Caravan, which spun the van around in a counter-clockwise motion, and following a brief course in a westerly direction, the van came to rest on the shoulder facing south.
Following the collision, the tractor-trailer, which had been traveling west, essentially jackknifed and wound up facing westbound on the eastbound shoulder with the trailer still in the road.
When rescue workers from the Lafayette County Fire/Rescue arrived, they determined that the driver of the truck was uninjured, and pronounced the three Hispanic occupants of the van dead at the scene. Further investigation by the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) commented to a New York Truck Accident Attorney that although their investigation is continuing, it appears that alcohol played a significant role in contributing to the accident. They went on to add that none of the occupants of the Dodge Caravan was wearing a seatbelt. The truck driver was wearing his at the time of the collision. Just to note that it is a federal regulation that stipulates that the driver of any commercial vehicle must wear an approved safety belt that is in good repair at all times the vehicle is in operation.
The remaining two deceased Hispanic men have yet to be positively identified. Police continue to seek information as to their identities so their next of kin can be notified. If this accident happened in Queens or Staten Island, a knowledgeable attorney would be called for an expert opinion.
Truck accident cases are complex and proving negligence can be complicated. It is advisable to seek legal assistance as soon as possible in order to determine whether you have grounds to file a claim for compensation. Contact an experienced New York Truck Accident Attorney for an initial consultation. A New York Truck Accident Attorney can review the viability of your case, and discuss your legal options.