Side swiped by a 18 wheeler. - Toyota Tundra Forums : Tundra Solutions Forum

romanspapa · #1 (**permalink**) 10-09-2006, 09:32 PM

I read the story of the lug nuts breaking and the wheels coming off the camper and looked at the damage. We live in Tampa,Fl and in July we hooked up our 27' travel trailer to our 2005 Tundra 4 door for a trip to the Smokies. We take our grandchildren every year. At the last exit in Florida we got off for fuel. Then we got on the entrance ramp to head north again and when we got to the straight part of the merge lane(beginnig part) and I looked into my left mirror the mirror disappeared as a 18 wheeler swerved in my lane and went down the side of my travel trailer. I was able to maintain control of my vehicle as I went right and braked. The only damage to my Tundra was the truck took off my left exteded mirror as it was a strap on. My left side truck mirror turned backwards but was un damaged. The 18 wheeler traveled 1 mile before he stopped. I called FHP and the trooper charged me with the accident as the trucker said that I came into his lane(Bald Face Lie). Well I took it to court and won the case and my insurance company was glad. I will try to include some pictures. Always look out when merging into traffic. If you are in the right then fight the traffic citation as your chances of winning are great.

MOREPOWER · #2 (**permalink**) 10-09-2006, 10:01 PM

Sucks FHP automatically believes the trucker, good for you.

RitcheyRch · #3 (**permalink**) 10-09-2006, 10:05 PM

Oh man that sucks.

lelandstanford · #4 (**permalink**) 10-10-2006, 10:05 AM

Glad it was just a minor damage and no injury.

I assume the lane you were on was for merging in only not combination of entrance/exit lane?

How did your insurance prove it was the 18 wheeler coming to your lane?