Head-on accidents are typically fatal, especially when semi-trucks and multiple vehicles are involved. A woman was recently killed in Florida after her vehicle spun out and hit a semi-truck head-on. Another person was injured in the deadly crash.
The accident occurred on the afternoon of December 13 on U.S. 90 at Warden Circle in Baker County. A 32-year-old woman from West Palm Beach was heading east when she swerved into the same lane as a semi-truck. Her vehicle then spun out and hit a semi-truck head-on. Her car then hit a pickup truck.
The woman was killed in the truck accident. Her 43-year-old passenger, also from West Palm Beach, was hospitalized in critical condition. The driver of the semi-truck, a 43-year-old from Lake City, suffered minor injuries in the crash. The driver of the pickup, a 57-year-old from Sanderson, was not injured.
Dangers of Head-on Crashes
Head-on collisions are among the most dangerous types of vehicle accidents due to the high forces involved. Here are some of the key dangers:
- Severe physical injuries. The combined speed of both vehicles results in tremendous force during the collision, increasing the likelihood of catastrophic injuries. Common injuries include traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord injuries, paralysis, fractures and broken bones, internal bleeding and organ damage, severe lacerations, and burns.
- Fatalities. Head-on collisions have one of the highest fatality rates of all crash types. Drivers and passengers in the front seats are particularly vulnerable.
- Long-term disabilities. Permanent physical disabilities, such as loss of mobility or chronic pain, are common in survivors. Cognitive impairments may result from brain injuries, affecting memory, communication, and decision-making abilities.
- Psychological trauma. Survivors may experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression due to the traumatic nature of the accident.
Causes of Spinouts
The woman in this case had spun out while driving. What causes a vehicle to spin out? Here are some common causes:
Spinouts on roadways occur when a vehicle loses control, typically due to a loss of traction between the tires and the road surface. The primary causes of spinouts include:
- Slippery roads. Ice, snow, frost, loose gravel, or sand on the roadway can all cause a vehicle to spin out. This can also happen with wet roads, especially after a period of dry weather when oils rise to the surface.
- Standing water. Spinouts can be caused by hydroplaning, which happens when a layer of water reduces tire contact with the road.
- Strong winds. Sudden gusts can push vehicles off course, leading to overcorrection and loss of control.
- Sudden braking. Abrupt braking can lock the wheels, causing the car to skid or spin.
- Sharp turns or oversteering. Aggressive steering, especially at high speeds or in poor road conditions, can lead to a loss of traction.
- Speeding. Driving too fast for the conditions increases the risk of losing control.
- Sudden acceleration. Spinning tires can lose grip on slippery surfaces, causing the vehicle to fishtail.
- Distracted driving. Delayed reactions to road conditions can result in sudden, uncontrolled maneuvers.
- Tire problems. Worn-out or underinflated tires reduce traction, especially in wet or icy conditions.
- Malfunctioning brakes or suspension. Faulty brakes or poor suspension systems can lead to uneven braking or instability.
What to Know About Semi Truck Accidents
There were a lot of factors involved in this crash. It involved a spinout and crashing head-on. Also, a semi-truck was involved, making matters even worse. Here is a look at some of the causes of semi-truck accidents:
- Driver-related factors. Truck drivers often work long hours, sometimes exceeding legal limits. This can lead to fatigue. Lack of proper training or experience in handling large vehicles, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, and using mobile devices can also lead to accidents.
- Impaired driving. Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol can impair judgment and reaction times, making crashes more likely.
- Mechanical failures. This may include brake failure, tire blowouts, improper maintenance, or neglected repairs.
- Environmental factors. Poor weather conditions (rain, snow, fog) and road hazards (potholes, debris, uneven surfaces) can contribute to truck accidents.
It’s also important to understand the severity of truck accidents. Semi-trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, leading to significant damage in a collision. Higher likelihood of fatalities and serious injuries, particularly for passenger vehicle occupants.
Contact Us Today
Truck accidents are often serious due to the sheer weight of these vehicles. Combine that with the force of a head-on accident, and you get a fatal situation.
The team at Brill & Rinaldi, The Law Firm, can assist you with your truck accident case. If you have been seriously injured or a loved one has been killed, an experienced truck accident attorney can help you obtain compensation for economic losses such as medical expenses and lost wages. Schedule a consultation with our office by filling out the online form or calling (954) 876-4344. We have offices in Weston, Coral Gables, and Daytona Beach.