Several Injured In 7-Vehicle Accident

When multiple vehicles are involved in an accident, there are often serious injuries and fatalities involved. Fortunately, nobody suffered life-threatening injuries in a recent multi-vehicle crash near Clermont.

The southbound lanes of the Florida Turnpike were shut down after seven vehicles collided on the afternoon of February 22. A Western Star tractor trailer, a Hyundai Santa Fe, a Chevrolet Suburban, a Mazda CX-9, a Volkswagen Tiguan, a Honda Civic, and a marked Florida Highway Patrol car were all involved in the crash. It is unknown what caused the crash.

Several people were injured and taken to Orlando Health, Orlando Regional Medical Center, and South Lake Hospital. All suffered non-life-threatening injuries. The trooper involved in the crash was not injured.

The lanes were closed at Exit 278 (N. Hancock Road) but reopened a few hours later. Traffic was backed up to mile marker 283. Southbound vehicles were being detoured to N. Hancock Road. The crash is still under investigation.

Dangers of Multi-Vehicle Crashes

Multi-vehicle crashes are particularly dangerous due to their complexity and potential for severe injuries. Some key dangers include:

• Chain reaction crashes. One impact can trigger multiple secondary crashes, increasing the severity and making it harder for drivers to escape.
• High risk of injury. Occupants may be struck multiple times from different angles, leading to serious or fatal injuries.
• Limited escape routes. In pile-ups, drivers and passengers may be trapped inside their vehicles, making evacuation difficult.
• Flying debris. Broken glass, metal, and other debris can cause additional injuries to those inside and outside vehicles.
• Fire and explosions. Leaking fuel or hazardous cargo can ignite, increasing the danger for everyone involved.
• Emergency response delays. Congestion and wreckage can slow emergency responders from reaching victims.

Multi-vehicle crashes complicate insurance claims due to the number of parties involved and the difficulty in determining fault. Florida is a modified comparative negligence state, which means that a person’s recovery is reduced based on their percentage of fault in an accident. A person can only recover damages if they are 50% or less responsible for their injuries. If a person is more than 50% at fault, they cannot recover any damages.

Claims for these crashes can also be complex because victims may need to file claims with multiple insurers, leading to delays and disputes. Given the complexity, claimants often hire attorneys to negotiate fair settlements or litigate disputes.

Having substantial evidence is key. Documenting the accident with photos, witness statements, and police reports is crucial.

Contact Us Today

Multi-vehicle crashes can cause serious injuries. They can also be complex. It’s important to seek legal help so you can get compensation for all your damages.

If the accident you were involved with was caused by the negligent, reckless, or careless vehicle operation of another person, contact the Kissimmee auto accident lawyers at Draper Law Office. Schedule a consultation today by calling (407) 743-6628 or filling out the online form.

Source:

clickorlando.com/traffic/2025/02/22/florida-turnpike-shut-down-near-clermont/