Overturned Trailer in Shady Hills the Result of Careless Driving

The Florida Highway Patrol cited a 28-year-old driver with careless driving, as well as driving with no license or insurance, Tuesday night after a trailer detached from the man’s 1999 Dodge truck spilling nails, shingles and other roofing materials all over the road.

A stretch of the Suncoast Parkway was closed for hours Tuesday night.

The man was apparently driving his truck north on Suncoast Parkway around 7:30 p.m. when he lost control of his vehicle, causing the trailer to fishtail, then break free from the truck and overturn on the road. FHP claims the man was traveling too fast for the rainy conditions.

Portions of the northbound road were closed for several hours as troopers cleaned up the mess.

No one was apparently injured.

In general, most drivers exercise safety and caution when they get behind the wheel of a vehicle. However, it only takes one irresponsible person’s actions to cause an accident. In fact, careless driving is a major contributor to numerous car accidents occurring every year across the U.S. In Florida alone, careless driving accounted for 332 fatal crashes and 47,513 collisions resulting in injury in 2010, according to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles. Additionally, careless driving contributed to 18,494 accidents in 2010 resulting in property or vehicle damage.

Careless driving can include various acts, such as:

• Speeding
• Tailgating or Following Too Closely
• Running a Red Light or Stop Sign
• Switching Lanes Without Looking
• Passing Another Car Illegally
• Failing to Drive Cautiously in Inclement Weather Conditions

Once a driver has been cited for careless driving, any person involved in an accident caused by this carelessness may be entitled to pursue compensation for damages. There are many types of damages that may be awarded to victims, including compensation for medical bills, disability, property damage, wrongful death, scarring and disfigurement, loss of income, loss of enjoyment of life and even emotional trauma and pain and suffering. Be aware that there is a limited amount of time to seek monetary damages in a careless driving case. Time is of the essence, so it is vital to obtain legal help as soon as possible or you could be left paying these expenses out of your own pocket.

If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a careless driving accident in New Port Richey, Dade City, Zephyrhills, Land O’Lakes, Hudson, Holiday, Lutz, Trinity, Wesley Chapel or elsewhere in Pasco County, contact the Pasco County Auto Accident Injury Attorneys at Whittel & Melton online or call 727-847-2299.