One Hospitalized After Car Becomes Trapped Under Semi Trailer in Citra Crash

One person was hospitalized after a passenger vehicle became trapped beneath the trailer of a semi-truck in an early-morning crash in Citra, according to Marion County Fire Rescue.

The collision happened at approximately 4:30 a.m. near the split of U.S. Highway 301 and U.S. Highway 441.

When firefighters arrived, they found a passenger vehicle pinned beneath the semi trailer with one person trapped inside.

Firefighters Extricate Trapped Occupant

Marion County Fire Rescue crews immediately began an extrication operation.

According to the agency, firefighters were able to safely remove the trapped occupant within several minutes.

The person was treated at the scene and then transported to a local hospital for evaluation and additional treatment.

The available report did not specify the extent of the person’s injuries.

The Marion County Sheriff’s Office and Florida Highway Patrol also responded to the crash.

What Caused the Citra Semi-Truck Crash?

Authorities had not released information explaining how the collision occurred.

It is not yet clear whether the passenger vehicle struck the rear or side of the trailer, whether the semi was moving or stopped, or whether another maneuver contributed to the crash.

Investigators may examine vehicle speeds, lane positions, following distance, visibility and whether either driver was changing lanes or turning before impact.

Because the crash occurred before sunrise, lighting and visibility conditions may also become relevant.

Why Crashes Under Semi Trailers Can Be Especially Dangerous

Collisions in which a smaller passenger vehicle travels beneath part of a tractor-trailer can cause severe injuries because of the difference in vehicle height and weight.

In some crashes, the trailer can intrude into the passenger compartment rather than allowing the front structure of the smaller vehicle to absorb the force as intended.

The circumstances of this collision have not been released in enough detail to determine exactly how the passenger vehicle became pinned beneath the trailer.

Commercial Truck Crashes Can Require a Broader Investigation

When a crash involves a commercial truck, investigators may need to examine more than the actions of the individual drivers.

Depending on the circumstances, relevant evidence can include the truck driver’s hours-of-service records, electronic logging device data, inspection records, maintenance history and information about the trucking company’s operations.

If evidence establishes that negligent maintenance, driver fatigue, unsafe hiring or training, or another commercial trucking issue contributed to a crash, additional parties could potentially bear responsibility.

There is currently no information indicating that any of those factors played a role in the Citra collision.

Following Distance and Lane Position May Be Examined

Florida Statute § 316.0895 generally requires drivers to maintain a reasonable and prudent following distance based on speed, traffic and roadway conditions.

Florida Statute § 316.089 also governs lane usage and requires drivers to remain within a single lane as nearly as practicable unless a lane change can be made safely.

Those laws could become relevant depending on how investigators determine the crash occurred.

At this stage, however, authorities have not identified either driver as responsible.

Evidence That Could Help Determine What Happened

Because details remain limited, several types of evidence may help investigators reconstruct the collision, including:

• Crash-scene photographs and measurements
• Damage to the passenger vehicle and semi trailer
• Vehicle resting positions
• Event data recorder information
• Electronic logging device data from the truck
• Dash camera or surveillance footage
• Witness statements
• Tire marks and roadway debris
• Truck inspection and maintenance records
• Driver logs and employment records, if relevant

Prompt preservation of commercial vehicle records can be especially important because some records may be retained only for specific periods.

Who Could Be Liable After a Semi-Truck Crash?

Potential liability will depend on what caused the collision.

If the truck driver acted negligently, the driver and potentially the trucking company could face liability depending on the employment relationship and other facts.

If the passenger vehicle driver caused the crash, liability may rest primarily with that driver.

In some cases, responsibility may be shared.

Florida’s modified comparative negligence law, Fla. Stat. § 768.81, allows fault to be divided among multiple parties when more than one person contributes to an injury.

Compensation After a Florida Truck Accident

If another person or company’s negligence caused the occupant’s injuries, the injured person may potentially have a claim for compensation.

Depending on the circumstances, recoverable losses may include medical expenses, future treatment, lost income, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, and other damages permitted under Florida law.

Florida’s personal injury protection system may also provide certain initial medical and wage-loss benefits, subject to the applicable policy and Fla. Stat. § 627.736.

The availability of any additional recovery would depend on the evidence, the severity of the injuries and available insurance coverage.

Investigation Into Citra Crash Continues

Authorities continue to investigate the early-morning collision near U.S. 301 and U.S. 441 in Citra.

Marion County Fire Rescue said firefighters found a passenger vehicle trapped beneath a semi trailer and quickly extricated one occupant.

The person was transported to a local hospital for further evaluation and treatment.

Authorities had not yet released information about what caused the crash or the extent of the person’s injuries.

We hope the person injured in the collision receives the care they need and makes a full recovery.