The Gainesville Auto Collision Attorneys of the Law Office of Alba & Straile, PLLC take note of two consecutive crashes that sent several victims to the hospital, with varying degrees of injury. The accidents occurred in Bradford County, shortly after 2 p.m., on Friday, May 2, 2014.
According to Florida Highway Patrol, three vehicle were traveling along State Road 100. Headed eastbound, was the driver of a 2005 Ford LN8000, 41-year-old Stephen Eugene Babcock, of Live Oak, along with his passenger, 39-year-old Karen Denise Babcock, also of Live Oak. Headed westbound on S.R. 100, was the driver of a 2011 Chevy Silverado, 66-year-old Jesse Wheeler, of Starke. Directly behind Wheeler’s westbound vehicle, was the driver of a 2006 GMC Canyon, 59-year-old Gary Thomas Proctor, and his passenger, 51-year-old Elizabeth Proctor, both from Interlachen.
As the vehicles approached the intersection at Bradford C.R. 18, FHP says that Babcock apparently lost control of his vehicle, which caused him to cross over the center line, and head-on into the path of oncoming vehicles in the westbound lane. Thereafter, Babcock’s wayward vehicle struck the side of Wheeler’s truck. As a result of this first collision, Babcock’s vehicle began to rotate, which subsequently caused a second collision—this one involving Proctor. Authorities say that prior to the second crash, Proctor had attempted to swerve in an effort to prevent an accident, but was unable to avoid being struck by Babcock.
As stated in a press release by FHP, four of the five parties involved sustained injuries. Wheeler, the driver struck by Babcock in the first crash, suffered catastrophic injury, and was transported to UF Health Shands Hospital in critical condition. Proctor, the driver struck by Babcock in the second crash, was taken to UF Starke Hospital with minor injuries. Fortunately Proctor’s passenger was not injured. As for Babcock, the driver that set both incidents into motion, he sustained only minor injuries. However, his passenger suffered significant injury as a result of the accidents. Karen Babcock was transported to Shands in serious condition.
Officials say the roadway was wet from rain, which may have played a factor in the incident. According to the Gainesville Sun, charges are pending.
As previously discussed by our Gainesville Injury Attorneys, in Rainfall Related Auto Accidents, while the presence of rain, or the accumulation of water following a storm, can certainly play a role in a collision, this factor, in and of itself cannot be said to be the cause of an accident. Stated differently, people cause accidents, not rainfall. Consequently, when the conditions of the roadway are found to have contributed to an accident, there is almost always some degree of negligence involved. Speeding, careless driving, improper lane changes, and distracted driving, such as texting while driving are all commonly associated with crashes occurring on wet roadways.
If you or a family member were involved in a car crash, truck collision, or motorcycle accident, and you suspect the incident was caused by the negligence of another, it is important that you know your legal rights regarding compensation for your damages. The professional, dedicated, and aggressive legal team at the Law Office of Alba & Straile, PLLC have decades of practice experience, and want to help you seek the justice you deserve.