Melvin James Rolfe Killed in Semi Truck Accident in Tampa, Florida
Local news reports indicate a man was killed in an 18-wheeler accident
in Tampa, Florida. The accident occurred around 6 a.m. Wednesday,
January 18 when a tractor trailer was turning left onto U.S. 41 when the
vehicle stopped on the roadway, blocking all southbound vehicles.
39-year-old Melvin James Rolfe attempted to avoid the stopped rig but
was unable and struck the undercarriage, pinning him beneath the semi
truck. Florida Highway Patrol officials continue to investigate the
accident.
Commentary It is a
dangerous maneuver, yet you see 18-wheelers and passenger cars alike
trying to take a left on a busy roadway, so they pull into the median
but cannot make it. Sounds like the truck driver did not allow himself
enough to time to turn. Because evidence gathering is so vital in a
claim against a truck driver and subsequently a trucking company, a
third party should inspect the accident scene as well as both vehicles
for liability purposes. Due to the catastrophic injuries produced and an
insurance policy approaching or surpassing the million-dollar mark, it
is probably a safe bet that defense attorneys are already collecting
their own evidence to reduce compensation. You see, defense
attorneys are not employed the same way plaintiffs attorneys are. They
are typically on retainer from a trucking company, with the caveat to be
ready at any moment should an accident occur with a member of their
fleet. This is very advantageous to the company as this gives their
attorneys and investigators first dibs on evidence gathering, allowing
for them to develop strategies against a victim according to what they
find.
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