A motor vehicle accident can occur anywhere and at any time due to the negligence of drivers, poor weather conditions or a mechanical fault. While this statement is true, vehicle accidents are more common on highly congested highways or where vehicles travel at higher speeds. If you live in Florida, it’s important for you to know the most dangerous highways of the state. The two highways in Florida that are more dangerous than others include Interstate 95 and Turnpike.
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Interstate 95
The Interstate 95 is one of the most dangerous highways in Florida. 60 percent of the highway is mostly under heavy traffic congestion. Not only is the I-95 used by thousands of small cars, but large commercial trucks also use the highway making it more dangerous for everyone on the road. From 2004 to 2008, the Interstate 95’s rate for the fatal accident was 1.73 per mile in the state of Florida.
Florida Turnpike
Florida Turnpike is also called the Ronald Reagan Turnpike. Vacationers, fast drivers, and road debris make Florida turnpike somewhat dangerous for traveling.
Why Accidents Occur at Interstate 95 and Florida Turnpike
The Interstate 95 and Florida Turnpike aren’t inherently dangerous themselves. However, the actions and behaviors of drives who utilize these highways make them dangerous and increase the likelihood of accidents. Drivers may get away with unsafe driving if they are not on a busy road. However, they are more likely to hit someone if they on a busy highway.
This is the reason why so many accidents occur at I-95 and Turnpike. The roads cannot be blamed for the accident when the drivers themselves aren’t careful while traveling through them. Some of the common causes of accidents on I-95 and Turnpike include:
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is one of the major causes of road accidents. It’s also the main reason for accidents on I-95 and Turnpike. When people text, check emails or use social media websites while driving on the busy I-95 and Turnpike roads, they put their safety and safety of others at risk. Sometimes people talk to other passengers or eat while driving. This also increases the likelihood of fatal accidents at busy highways.
Aggressive Driving
Driving aggressive is always dangerous, but doing so on a busy highway increases the risk of accident tenfold. Honking, tailgating, changing lanes without signaling, speeding and other behaviors are all dangerous and can cause a serious accident.
Not Following Rules and Regulations
Sometimes people who travel through the I-95 and Turnpike are in a hurry to reach their workplace or home. When they are in a hurry, they tend to break the traffic rules which increase the probability of an accident.
What to Do In Case of an Accident on I-95 or Turnpike?
If you are involved in an accident on I-95 or Turnpike, immediately call emergency services. If your vehicle is operable, move it to the side of the road and wait for the police and ambulance to arrive. If possible, check on the passengers of the other vehicle and make sure they are safe. Once the police arrive, tell them the details of the accident and what happened.
However, don’t say anything about who was at fault. Take photographs of the accident site, your vehicle, the other vehicle and the conditions of the road. These photographs may be required by your insurance company when you make a claim for compensation. When you get home, call your insurance company and report the accident. You are entitled for compensation by your insurance company. If the insurance company denies compensation, you can file a lawsuit against them and take the case to the court.
Injuries in an Accident on I-95 or Turnpike
If you are injured in an accident on I-95 or Turnpike that occurred because of the negligence of the other driver, you can file a personal injury lawsuit against that driver. By filing the lawsuit, you may be able to receive compensation for medical bills, pain, and suffering and lost wages resulting from your injuries. Photographs of the accident site, witness testimonies, and the police report will be required as evidence in a personal injury lawsuit.
Through this evidence, you’ll be required to prove that the accident on I-95 or Turnpike occurred because of the negligence of the other driver. If you’re able to successfully prove this, you’ll be compensated for your damages.
Death in an Accident on I-95 or Turnpike
If a loved one dies in an accident on I-95 or Turnpike, you can file a wrongful death lawsuit against the driver responsible for the accident. The lawsuit will help you get compensated for lost future wages, pain and suffering, loss of companionship and support, medical expenses and funeral expenses. Similar to a personal injury lawsuit, wrongful death claim also requires evidence to prove that the accident occurred because of the defendant’s fault. A wrongful death attorney can help you collect all the evidence required for a wrongful death lawsuit.
Conclusion
The Interstate 95 and Florida Turnpike are one of the most dangerous highways in Florida. When you are driving through these roads, be extra cautious. Accidents on Interstate 95 and Turnpike mostly occur because of distracted driving, aggressive driving and not following traffic rules. If you suffer an injury as a result of an accident on Interstate 95 or Florida Turnpike, file a personal injury lawsuit to get compensated for your damages.
If your loved dies in an accident on I-95 or Turnpike because of someone else’s fault, file a wrongful death lawsuit to get compensated for the damages. When you need to file a lawsuit, hire an experienced accident attorney to represent you at the court as well as collect the evidence required for the case.
