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Hillsborough County Deputy Nearly Killed in Multiple Vehicle Accident

September 16, 2010 - Tampa, FL - A Hillsborough County sheriff's deputy was in serious condition after her patrol car was struck by a crane truck on 56^th Street near Hillsborough Avenue.

WTSP10 News reported that Deborah Walker, 51, was traveling on 56^th Street on September 16 when her patrol car was t-boned by a 94,000 pound crane truck. The impact sent the cruiser into oncoming traffic on Hillsborough Avenue, where it caused several other vehicles to swerve and collide.

A chain-reaction crash resulted, which included a dump truck, van, SUV, and HART bus carrying 12 passengers, 5 of whom were injured. The most serious injuries were to Walker, who had to be cut from her patrol car after the vehicle ended up under the truck. The van involved flipped several times, witnesses said.

Investigating deputies said the driver of the crane truck said the brakes failed, citing an abandoned mattress being stuck in the under carriage of the truck as a possible reason. The investigation is paying close attention to the condition of the crane truck as possible evidence for the accident, as deputies are skeptical whether the initial crash was due to brake failure or the driver running a red light.

According to the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles' 2009 Traffic Crash Statistics Report, there were 197,214 traffic crashes resulting in injury and 2,563 fatalities as a result of vehicle accidents in Florida.

As a service to the residents of St. Petersburg, our firm will frequently publish blogs about local traffic accidents. We do this to raise awareness about the common types of motor vehicle accidents that occur in Florida that may result in serious injury or traffic fatalities.

Common accidents include, but are not limited to: 

• single-car accidents;
• hit-and-run accidents;
• accidents caused by hazardous road conditions; and
• accidents caused by aggressive or distracted drivers. 

If you have been named in this blog or you are the victim's family member or friend and would like the blog posting removed from our website, please feel free to contact us and we will promptly accommodate your request.

The Law Offices of William K. Saron serve the St. Petersburg and surrounding areas for their personal injury cases. Contact us today for help with your claim - 727-345-4566 or 866-836-4947.

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