Lorida, FL — An 18-wheeler tanker truck accidentally flipped over in a wreck this past Saturday, leaving the truck driver with critical injuries. The FHP later identified the driver as Frostproof resident Robert Underwood, 48 years old.
The accident happened at about midnight on Saturday, along U.S. 98. The FHP said that Underwood had been driving his tanker truck east along U.S. 98 that night when he appeared to lose control near the intersection with County Road 721.
His tanker then swerved off U.S. 98 and rolled over, skidding into a sign, a power pole, and a wire fence in the process. Paramedics were sent to the scene to help Underwood and said that he was in critical condition as of Monday morning.
So far, it’s not really clear why his truck overturned that night. There may be some more investigation required, though.
Map of the Accident
View from the Road
Commentary:
Did this truck belong to the driver himself? Or was it rented/provided to him by his employer? The reason I’m bringing this up is because I think before people start to make assumptions about whose fault this accident is, they should stop and consider whether everything on the tanker truck was up to minimum safety standards.
This truck driver might’ve lost control of his rig, sure, but it could have just as easily been caused by some other kind of mechanical issue. Lots of trucking companies put their drivers behind the wheels of some very un-roadworthy trucks, which puts them and everyone else in danger. That’s why I asked who owned this truck, because if it’s not the driver, then whoever does own it might have to face some tough questions.
— Grossman Law Offices
