Deadly I-75 Florida Pile-Up Accident: How it Happened
A pile-up on Interstate 75 in Gainesville resulted in 10 deaths, being deadliest in Florida’s history. Authorities say that heavy fog and smoke from a nearby bush fire reduced visibility and contributed to the fatal accident. Cars and trucks collided, one after another. It was a grisly scene that took emergency service crews hours to control.
Details of the Pile-Up
At least six tractor-trailers were involved in the accident, and several cars were crushed beneath the rigs. Other vehicles skidded off the road, landing in embankments, slamming into other cars along the way.
When officers arrived, they were treated to a scene of sheer horror. Burned-out vehicles, twisted wreckage, and the screams of the injured were all they could see and hear through the thick fog.
Witnesses say that the scene was like something out of a doomsday movie. Officers quickly scrambled to close down the highway approaching the crash site to prevent further crashes. Visibility was so limited that many of the officers could only locate victims by the sound of their cries.
How it Happened
So what went wrong here? First, the highway patrol had initially closed the highway after the brush fire caused limited visibility. This initial fire had created one accident, and after clearing up the debris and wreckage, officers re-opened the roadway. Unfortunately, heavy fog set in, limiting visibility again, and the resulting accident occurred. Authorities were not sure how much time had elapsed between the initial crash and the pile-up.
What Causes Pile-Ups?
Pile-ups are quite rare, but when they do happen, they can easily turn fatal. According to truck accident statistics, the most common cause is poor weather conditions. Icy roads, fog, and even sunshine can reduce visibility and create multi-car accidents.
If a crash occurs around a blind corner, other cars coming around the curve may not see the accident in time to stop and begin crashing into each other. In some cases, there is more than one factor that contributes to a pile-up.
A scenario can play out the following way: two cars are involved in an accident. Other drivers slow down to look at the scene, causing an additional crash. Low fog sets in and more vehicles crash, causing a pile-up.
Prevention
It may seem as though multi-car accidents are nobody’s fault and are impossible to prevent. This, however, is not the case. Highway patrol units can prevent these accidents by closing off streets when visibility deteriorates. Icy roadways often cause crashes, so towns and cities need to take proactive steps in order to make driving safer.
Finally, clearing an accident quickly and taking steps to prevent additional incidents is vital in preventing pile-ups. In some cases, authorities have been warned of these potential hazards beforehand and failed to take the right steps to make the roads safer for motorists.
Other Pile-Ups That Made the News
Prior to this pile-up, there had been other notable crashes on Florida highways. In January 2008, four people were killed, and nearly 40 were injured in separateincidents on Florida highways. In those crashes, about 70 cars, trucks, and other vehicles were involved.
Seek Legal Advice
If you have been injured in a multi-car crash, you may be suffering from a range of traumas, from bodily injuries to psychological scars. Just remember that you are not alone. Surround yourself with loved ones and let them help you through these difficult times.
Consider contacting a qualified attorney with experience in car accidents. You are not in this situation alone. You may be entitled to compensation for lost income, injuries, and hospital bills. Call us for a free consultation today.