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Brevard County Deputy Killed in Semi-Truck Accident

By Orlando Personal Injury Attorney on February 18, 2018

A sheriff’s deputy was killed over the weekend when his police cruiser was crashed into by a semi-truck that had suffered a serious tire blowout, causing it to swerve into the adjacent lane and into the officer’s vehicle.

At approximately 5:10 a.m. Saturday morning, Titusville resident Deputy Kevin Stanton, 32, was travelling southbound on Interstate 95 near State Road 50 when the fatal accident occurred. According to reports by the Florida Highway Patrol, 26-year-old Smith Jr., the truck driver, lost control of his rig when it sustained a catastrophic tire tread separation to the front left tire, causing the tread itself to become wrapped around the truck’s axle.

Brevard County Sheriff Wayne Ivey and additional colleagues were wearing black bands around their badges after hearing about the loss of their friend. “He (Stanton) was an amazing young man,” he stated. “He was very passionate about the job and I can tell you our entire command team, our hearts are broken this morning. We lost one of our family.”

As a veteran field training officer, Stanton dedicated eleven years of service to the Brevard County community and received many awards & accolades throughout his career, including a nomination for a Life Saving Award.

It is currently unclear as to the specific reason for this particular tire blowout, as the investigation is ongoing. Our deepest condolences go out to everyone involved in this tragic accident.

There are several different ways that inadequate tires have contributed to the causation of semi-truck accidents. They include:

Retreads/Recaps – This is a process in which the old, original tire is refitted with new tread. This is a risky cost-saving effort employed by semi-truck companies and is illegal in some states.
Excessive Wear & Tear – Overused and under-maintained tires.
Manufacturer’s Defects – A tire that has been recalled by its manufacturer is typically replaced for free, and should be dealt with immediately.

For over forty years, Orlando semi-truck accident attorney James O. Cunningham has been fighting for the rights of victims and families of those that have been injured. To schedule a free initial consultation, please contact us today at 877-FL-INJURY.

James O. Cunningham

James O. Cunningham Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.