By: Florida Publix Accident Lawyer David B. Datny, Esq.
An early morning crash between a Publix 18-wheeler and a pickup truck in Miami Gardens, Florida resulted in the pickup truck getting trapped under the Publix tractor-trailer, leading to the driver’s death. According to CBS News Miami, the Publix tractor trailer was leaving a Publix distribution center in Miami Gardens at approximately 3:00 a.m. on November 11. It attempted to cross Miami Gardens Drive, going eastbound, when a Ford F-250 heavy duty pickup truck crashed into the tractor trailer and ended up being trapped underneath it. The pickup truck driver had no stop sign or traffic light and was operating with the right of way.
Emergency teams tried, without success, to extract the wedged vehicle out from under the Publix tractor trailer. The driver of the F-250, identified as 39-year-old Christopher Bolden, was pronounced dead at the scene by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue.
After the crash, surveillance video was obtained, which reportedly showed the Publix truck making a left turn from NW Miami Court onto NW 183 Street when the pickup truck driver crashed into the 18-wheeler. The driver of the pickup truck was travelling with the right of way at the intersection of 441 and 183rd, when the Publix vehicle pulled out in front of the F-250 to make a left hand turn. The Publix truck driver reportedly did not stop at a stop sign before commencing his left turn, had a full and clear view of the road to the left of him so much so he should have seen the pickup truck, but still pulled out in front of the pickup without sufficient time or space to do so without crashing.
One commenter opined the Publix driver “tried to pick up speed to race out in front of the” oncoming truck. The commented further opined the “Publix truck driver was distracted and left no time for the pickup truck driver to stop.” Authorities are continuing to investigate the crash to determine who was at fault; however, it is important to note under Florida Law a vehicle making a left hand turn over traffic with the right of way has a duty to do so in a safe manner and to yield to oncoming traffic, which the Publix driver failed to do.
Publix expressed condolences for the deceased driver and extended sympathies to their family, friends, and loved ones. In a statement, the company reiterated its commitment to safe driving practices for all delivery personnel and has cooperated fully with the ongoing investigation, but this does not mean they are accepting responsibility or fault. In all likelihood, they are not and the only way the deceased victim and his family will get justice is by pursuing the matter in Court with the help of an experienced Publix Personal Injury Accident Lawyer.
Unfortunately, accidents involving Publix tractor-trailers happen more often than you would think. Three days before this crash, on November 8, another Publix tractor-trailer was involved in a collision in Miami involving three other vehicles, including two pickup trucks. Three people were hospitalized after the crash, which occurred at the intersection of Northwest 37th Avenue and Northwest 7th Street, close to the Magic City Casino, according to the Miami Police.
Notably, collisions with trucks are responsible for serious injuries, as they are about twenty times heavier than the average passenger vehicle. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Association, over 4,000 people lost their lives in commercial truck accidents in the United States in 2022.
Statistics collected by The Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles likewise show the devastating consequences of crashes involving cars, trucks and tractor trailers. In 2022, there were 397,620 crashes with 3,552 fatalities and 252,169 injuries. In 2023, there were 359,098 crashes in Florida with 3,412 fatalities and 252,270 injuries. For the period January 1, 2024, through November 7, 2024 show that during this ten-month period, there were 316,812 crashes resulting in 2,446 fatalities and 204,405 injuries.
If you or a loved one have been hurt in a crash with a tractor-trailer, 18-wheeler, or other commercial vehicle whether owned/operated by Publix Supermarkets, The Datny Law Firm in Boca Raton, Wellington, Winter Park – Orlando, Florida can help. We have extensive experience prosecuting claims against Publix as well as other trucking and transportation companies throughout the State of Florida. Do not go it alone and risk getting taken advantage of by Publix’ inhouse claims adjusters or by their overzealous defense lawyers. We will protect you from them so you can focus on healing. Consultations are FREE and there is no fee unless we get you a recovery. To speak directly with our Publix Injury Lawyer and Trucking Accident Attorney David B. Datny call 561-221-7474 or click the chat box at the bottom of the screen.