Florida boasts beautiful beaches, high tourism rates and, as a result, congested highways. In fact, the “sunshine state” is home to what many consider some of the deadliest highways in America, including I-4, I-95 and I-10. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 3,183 traffic fatalities in Florida in 2019 alone.
Common Causes Of Interstate And Highway Accidents
All motor vehicle accidents can be categorized as auto accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents or bus accidents. Because it can be more difficult for bus and truck drivers to see other vehicles in their blindspot, they have a much higher likelihood of being involved in traffic accidents. Additionally, the average motorist has a difficult time seeing smaller vehicles, such as motorcycles. This issue is amplified when there is a high speed limit, such as on an interstate or highway.
There are a variety of factors that can increase the likelihood of a car crash when traveling on an interstate or highway, including:
- Negligent driver: When drivers shift their focus from the road, it often results in an accident. This is especially true when traveling on a busy interstate with stop-and-go traffic. Some of the most common accident-causing activities include applying makeup, drinking, eating and texting.
- Poorly designed ramps: Sometimes the design of an on or off-ramp can make it difficult, and even dangerous, to enter or exit an interstate or highway.
- Driving under the influence: Drugs and alcohol interfere with your cognitive abilities, making it difficult to drive safely. Though drunk driving always has the potential to be fatal, it is especially deadly when traveling on a highway or interstate.
- Road construction: When roadways are under construction, it can easily cause confusion and lead to a wreck.
- Speeding: Even though most interstates and highways allow drivers to travel at high speeds, many motorists still exceed the speed limit. Driving at higher speeds makes it increasingly more difficult to control and/or stop a vehicle.
- Defective roads: Hazards on roads, like potholes or uneven pavement, increase the risk of accidents. This issue is made more dangerous on interstates and highways, and especially in inclement weather.
The Dangers Of Collisions On Interstates And Highways
Because vehicles are traveling at such a high rate of speed on an interstate or highway, crashes often lead to catastrophic injuries. The severity of the injury depends on the impact, but some of the most common types of physical damage include:
- Head injuries: Though seatbelts are extremely effective at minimizing the risk of fatalities and many serious injuries, they are sometimes ineffective at adequately protecting your head and limbs. That’s because seatbelts apply resistance to your torso, allowing your head and limbs to hit surfaces in the vehicle. For example, your head might hit the steering wheel, dashboard, window or windshield, which can shake your brain within your skull. This often results in a moderate to severe concussion or traumatic brain injury (TBI).
- Abdominal injuries: The force from a serious accident sometimes causes your internal organs to push into your bones. This can cause your internal organs, such as your lungs, heart and bowels, to bruise, swell or, in extreme cases, puncture, rupture or tear. Abdominal trauma of this nature can cause sepsis or internal bleeding, both of which are extremely dangerous and require immediate medical treatment.
- Chest injuries: Seatbelts forcefully stop your body from being thrown during an accident, dramatically reducing the risk of death. In a high-speed crash, such as on an interstate or highway, this force can result in significant damage to your chest. More specifically, it can cause a fracture to your collarbone and/or ribs.
- Broken bones: In an accident, it’s common for those involved to experience injuries to their limbs. When your limbs hit objects in the vehicle, it can cause bruises, lacerations and fractures.
- Neck and back injuries: Whiplash occurs when your neck is thrown forward during a wreck. This forceful movement can cause damage to your spinal cord, resulting in moderate to severe injuries that require time, pain management and, in some cases, surgery to heal properly. In some extreme cases, these types of injuries can cause serious nerve damage, which is why you should always seek medical care immediately after you’ve been involved in a car accident.
Aside from the physical effects of a highway or interstate accident, there’s often a significant amount of property damage involved, especially in more dangerous accidents, such as head-on collisions. When it comes to injury cases, it’s in your best interest to hire a personal injury lawyer. These professionals have the specialized experience and expertise to handle your car accident case, and they can help you get the compensation you deserve from your injury claims.
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Most Dangerous Interstate Highways In Florida
Florida is home to some of the most dangerous interstate highways in all of the nation. These interstate highways include:
- I-4: One study ranks Interstate 4 between Tampa and Daytona Beach the most dangerous highway in the U.S. This span of highway is 130 miles long with an average of over 1.2 deaths per mile.
- US 19: U.S. Route 19 runs approximately 264 miles along Florida’s west coast. According to a 5-year long study by Dateline, 254 deaths occurred on a stretch of Route 19 that runs between Pasco and Pinellas Counties. 100 of these deaths were pedestrian related.
- I-75: Atleast once every 9 days an incident occurs on Interstate 75 that completely shuts down one direction of the highway.
- I-10: One of the reasons Interstate 10 is so dangerous, is that there are no barriers to prevent accidents between traffic traveling in opposite directions.
- I-95: Interstate 95 which runs along the Atlantic coast is especially dangerous in Miami County, with over 100,000 car accidents happening over a 3-year period.
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Florin|Roebig: Interstate Highway Car Accident Attorneys
If you or a family member have been involved in an auto accident, let the law firm of Florin|Roebig help you submit your insurance claim and secure fair compensation, regardless of a hidden insurance policy disclaimer. We’ll perform a thorough case evaluation by assessing the details of your auto accident and reviewing your insurance policy.
Since their cases often include sensitive information, it’s imperative that accident victims are able to trust that their car accident lawyer is on their side. The personal injury attorneys at Florin|Roebig understand the importance of a strong attorney-client relationship, even during your free consultation. Call today to have a professional review your case and help you receive compensation for lost wages and medical bills.
