Driver Seriously Injured in Multi-Vehicle Crash Involving 18-Wheeler on Palmetto Expressway in Miami-Dade County

A serious collision involving multiple vehicles, including an 18-wheeler, occurred early Tuesday morning on the Palmetto Expressway (State Road 826) near Okeechobee Road in Miami-Dade County. According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the crash happened shortly after 5:00 a.m. and resulted in at least one individual sustaining severe injuries.

Preliminary reports indicate that the incident began when a red Nissan collided with a tractor-trailer traveling in the northbound lanes of the expressway. The impact caused the Nissan to lose control and strike the concrete median barrier. Shortly afterward, a Hyundai sedan traveling behind the truck was unable to avoid the disabled vehicle and struck the rear of the tractor-trailer, which had come to a stop in the roadway.

Emergency responders from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue arrived on scene and extricated the driver of the Hyundai, who was reportedly trapped inside the vehicle following the impact. That individual was transported to Kendall HCA Hospital with serious injuries. The current condition of the other drivers involved has not been released, though authorities confirmed that no fatalities have been reported at this time.

Legal Considerations: Who Could Be Liable?

This crash underscores the significant dangers posed by commercial trucking accidents, especially when they occur in high-speed, high-volume corridors like the Palmetto Expressway.

Potential liability may involve:

• Driver Negligence: If any driver failed to yield, follow traffic laws, or maintain a safe speed and distance.
• Trucking Company Responsibility: If the tractor-trailer was improperly stopped, poorly maintained, or if the driver was overworked or undertrained.
• Vehicle Defects: Any mechanical failure (brake issues, tire blowouts, etc.) could open the door for a product liability or negligent maintenance claim.

If you or a loved one was injured in a crash like this, it’s critical to act quickly to preserve evidence, identify all liable parties, and protect your legal rights.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury and Wrongful Death Law Firm, our Miami truck accident attorneys have extensive experience litigating complex cases involving commercial vehicles, serious injuries, and multi-party liability. We are committed to holding negligent truck drivers and their employers accountable and pursuing full compensation for our clients.