1 Killed In Kissimmee Crash Involving 3 Semi Trucks

Semi trucks are large and often filled with cargo. These trucks can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds, making them dangerous weapons in a crash.

This recently happened in Kissimmee. Three semi trucks were involved in a crash. The chain reaction accident killed one person and injured another. The fatal crash occurred on the morning of December 3 on Florida’s Turnpike.

The crash happened south of Osceola Parkway near mile marker 248. There were three southbound semi trucks traveling in the outside lane. A 2018 semi tractor with a double trailer was traveling behind a 2013 Volvo semi tractor-trailer driven by a 38-year-old man. Ahead of them was a 55-year-old man driving a 2025 Freightliner semi with a double trailer.

While the Volvo and Freightliner were slowing for traffic, the driver of the 2018 semi failed to do so. The front of the 2018 semi slammed into the back of the Volvo, causing a chain reaction that pushed it forward into the rear of the Freightliner.

The impact caused that 2018 semi truck to burst into flames. The driver died at the accident scene. The medical examiner’s office is working to identify the driver.

The man driving the Volvo was taken to Osceola Regional Medical Center with serious injuries. The Freightliner driver was not injured and remained at the scene.

The highway was closed all morning while crews cleared the scene. By the early afternoon, at least one lane had reopened. The crash is still under investigation.

Why Semi-Trucks Fail to Slow Down

• Long stopping distances. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Even under ideal conditions, a semi needs roughly 525 feet to stop at 65 mph. If traffic suddenly slows, a truck may simply not be able to stop in time.
• Brake failure or poor maintenance. Commercial trucks rely on complex air-brake systems. Crashes occur when brakes are worn, overheated, suffering from air leaks, or poorly maintained by the trucking company.
• Driver fatigue. Tired truck drivers have slower reaction times, delayed hazard perception, and microsleep episodes. Fatigue often leads to rear-end collisions when traffic backs up on highways.
• Distracted driving. Mobile devices, GPS screens, and radios are major distractions in trucks. Looking away for just a few seconds is enough to miss slowing traffic ahead.
• Speeding or following too closely. When trucks drive too fast for road or traffic conditions, they cannot brake effectively. Tailgating is exceptionally dangerous for a vehicle that requires long stopping distances.

Contact Us Today

Crashes can be deadly, especially when semi trucks are involved. These vehicles can cause significant injuries and fatalities.

The Kissimmee truck accident lawyers from Draper Law Office have been helping crash victims for decades. Our lawyers have the knowledge, skill, dedication, and resources to go up against the biggest national trucking companies and hold them accountable for your damages. Schedule a consultation with our office today by calling (407) 743-6628 or filling out the online form.

Source:

wesh.com/article/deadly-crash-floridas-turnpike-kissimmee/69616823