Accident Caused by an Object in the Road, Who Is to Blame?
As if there are not enough dangers on the road – with traffic, the effects of bad weather, poorly maintained surfaces, road construction, driver negligence, and everything else – now we have to worry about falling couches? Apparently so. A recent article in the Tampa Bay Times lays it out for us. If you’ve been injured as a result of another motorist’s negligence – whatever unexpected form it takes – reach out to an experienced Tampa car accident attorney sooner rather than later.
The Accident in Question
The article shares that, when a motorist recently swerved out of the way of a couch falling on a Florida roadway, the driver’s car struck the median and flipped. Passersby had to help the couple inside – who were hanging upside down – get out of the car. It was while they were at the hospital being treated that the couple was served with a $166 traffic ticket for failing to drive in a single lane. Yes, you read that right. The duo had innocently spent a month visiting with family in Boca Raton when this incident capped their departure. The truck that dropped the couch kept on driving, and the oncoming couple paid the price. Both of the car’s occupants were transported to the hospital by ambulance.
The passenger in the car shares that they were served with the ticket while still in the hospital and that the officer who ticketed them was a bit sheepish about it (with seemingly good reason). As the passenger describes it, they were basically ticketed for swerving lanes while trying to avoid a couch that was flying at them on the highway. The officer in question told the newspaper in response that, while it's too bad for the couple who ended up upside down on the roadway, troopers have considerable discretion in these matters.
The Officer’s Explanation
The officer reminds Florida drivers of the following:
- It is recommended that every motorist allow at least two car lengths between his or her own vehicle and the one ahead. This allows a bit of time to react safely to any unexpected events, such as flying couches (or anything else)
- Drivers are required to maintain control of their vehicles.
The couple in question countered with their concern that the duty of care they owe as motorists is balanced by the duty of care owed to them on the road, which includes preventing couches from flying off the backs of trucks. In other words, it’s a jungle out there.
Look to an Experienced Tampa Car Accident Attorney for the Legal Help You Need
If you’ve been injured as a result of another motorist’s negligence – whether it comes in the form of a flying couch or anything else – the well-respected car accident attorneys at Tragos, Sartes & Tragos in Tampa have the experience, drive, and legal savvy to help (come what may). For more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us online or call us at 813-223-6405 today.