The Florida turnpike sees hundreds of car accidents every year, some of which are fatal. High speeds, lack of guardrails, wrong-way driving, and other factors lead to serious motor vehicle accidents that result in personal injury and property damage.
If you or a loved one have experienced a car crash on the Florida turnpike, you may be able to file a compensation claim. To find out more about your legal options, call the law offices of Floin|Roebig today to schedule a free case consultation.
Accident Statistics for Florida
The following are the 2023 accident statistics for the state of Florida.
- In 2023, Florida’s roads saw the occurrence of 394,921 accidents.
- From these accidents, 252,261 injuries were sustained.
- There were also 3,399 deaths that transpired as a result of an accident.
- Hit-and-run accidents accounted for 105,012 of these reported accidents.
- 9,540 of the accidents involved motorcycles.
- 10,294 of the total reported accidents involved pedestrians.
Common Causes Of Florida Turnpike Accidents
Many factors lead to highway or turnpike accidents, and a lot of these are caused by someone’s negligence, or failure to exercise the proper amount of care for other motorists.
The following are some of the most common causes of Florida turnpike accidents:
Ramp Design Defects
Sometimes, ramps do not provide an adequate distance for a person to speed up to enter the adjoining highway or have other design flaws. On ramps and off ramps that are not long enough, or which have dangerous curves, can lead to serious accidents.
Poor ramp design could be an example of negligence on the part of the local or federal government entity that designed the road and could lead to a turnpike accident injury claim.
Median And Guardrail Issues
When medians or guardrails are not designed properly, or a turnpike or highway does not have these necessary structures, a car crash can result. In fact, Florida turnpike accidents due to lack of guardrails have decreased in recent years.
New guardrails were implemented in 2008 and 2009, leading to less than half the fatal accidents involving guardrails or lack of guardrails from previous years.
Medians are important for keeping cars from colliding on busy highways and turnpikes for any number of reasons, such as swerving into oncoming traffic. Roadways that lack medians and see heavy traffic are more likely to become home to high car accident rates.
Issues With Shoulder Design Or Shoulder Damage
Shoulders of the turnpike serve as a place for vehicles to pull over when drivers or passengers experience emergencies or car maintenance troubles. When shoulders are not designed properly, are not wide enough for cars to park, or are not flat enough to prevent rolling, these factors can contribute to an accident.
If the transition from road to shoulder (known as the lip of the road) is not smooth enough, a car exiting to the shoulder may experience a rollover accident. Car accident victims who get into an accident due to poor shoulder design may have the legal right to file a Florida turnpike injury claim.
Sign Issues
The purpose of signs on any roadway is to warn drivers of oncoming obstacles, speed limit changes, lane changes, and other roadway factors that may affect their travel. Not having proper warning of such factors means a driver may not be able to react in time to maneuver their vehicle or make necessary driving adjustments.
In order for turnpike signs to work, they must be posted in the right place, visible both during the day and at night, and kept in good condition at all times. Failure to maintain signs or place signs in the right spot or within enough space to warn drivers of oncoming obstacles can contribute to turnpike accidents.
Types Of Florida Turnpike Accidents
The Florida turnpike, which spans 312 total miles from Florida City to Westwood, sees high numbers of accidents every year. Though fatal accidents are on a downward trend, serious injuries and fatalities (including wrongful death) still occur on this stretch of highway each year.
Some of the most common types of Florida turnpike accidents include:
- auto accidents
- motorcycle accidents
- truck accidents
- semi-truck accidents
- SUV accidents
- rear-end collisions
- head-on collisions
- wrong-way driving accidents
- multiple-vehicle accidents
- hit and runs
- drunk driving accidents
Regardless of the type of car accident you experience, a Florida turnpike car accident attorney can help you seek compensation and hold the responsible party accountable for the accident.
Common Places Where Turnpike Accident Occur
- Miami-Dade County: The Florida Turnpike in Miami-Dade County is heavily trafficked, especially near major interchanges such as the Golden Glades Interchange. The high volume of vehicles, including commercial trucks, increases the likelihood of serious accidents. Congestion and aggressive driving are common issues in this area. Florin|Roebig’s Approach: Florin|Roebig would gather evidence such as traffic camera footage, police reports, and eyewitness statements. They would work with accident reconstruction experts to establish fault and identify contributing factors such as traffic congestion and aggressive driving. In a past case involving a high-traffic area, Florin|Roebig successfully demonstrated negligence and secured a substantial settlement by meticulously analyzing traffic patterns and driver behaviors.
- Orlando Area (Central Florida): The section of the Florida Turnpike near Orlando, particularly around the interchange with Interstate 4, is notorious for heavy traffic and frequent accidents. This area sees a mix of local commuters and tourists, leading to a high risk of collisions. Florin|Roebig’s Approach: The firm would collect evidence from traffic cameras, police reports, and witness testimonies. They would collaborate with traffic safety experts to analyze the road conditions and traffic patterns. Florin|Roebig’s comprehensive approach has previously secured favorable outcomes in similar cases by proving how specific road conditions and driver errors contributed to the accident.
- Palm Beach County: The Florida Turnpike in Palm Beach County experiences significant traffic, especially near major exits such as the interchange with Interstate 95. The high-speed limits and frequent lane changes increase the risk of accidents. Florin|Roebig’s Approach: Florin|Roebig would gather maintenance logs, incident reports, and expert testimonies from traffic safety analysts. They would investigate whether poor road maintenance or faulty traffic management contributed to the accident. In past cases involving high-speed roadways, the firm has successfully demonstrated negligence by presenting detailed evidence of inadequate road conditions and traffic management failures.
- Broward County: Broward County’s stretch of the Florida Turnpike, especially near the Fort Lauderdale area, is a high-traffic zone with frequent accidents. The mix of local traffic and long-distance travelers often leads to severe collisions. Florin|Roebig’s Approach: The firm would investigate the accident by collecting evidence such as surveillance footage, police reports, and maintenance records. They would work with accident reconstruction experts to establish the sequence of events and identify any negligence. Florin|Roebig’s strategic use of expert analysis and comprehensive evidence collection has been instrumental in securing high settlements for clients in similar cases.
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The Car Accident Claim-Filing Process
Car accident victims in Florida are entitled to seek compensation if they have been injured or have received damage to their property during the accident. In legal and insurance terms, this is known as a car accident claim, which accident victims can file to receive damages that can be economic or non-economic.
Misconceptions surrounding car accident claims can include the following:
- Auto accident attorneys are not necessary if you have insurance
- Accident claims can only be filed by victims with serious injuries
- The insurance company of the at-fault driver will cover all expenses
- You can take as long as you need to file a car accident claim
- Car accident lawyers are too costly for accident victims to hire
- Accident victims have to take whatever settlement they are offered
- The only way to receive compensation is by filing a car accident lawsuit
“Car accident victims have a lot on their minds in the days and weeks following an accident. One way to keep the stress to a minimum is by hiring a car accident attorney to help you manage and file your accident claim,” says Chad K. Florin, an esteemed attorney of Florin|Roebig.
When you are ready to file a claim, the following are steps you can take:
- Gather evidence for your car accident claim by recording and photographing everything you can while at the scene.
- Review your insurance policy when you have a moment and ensure you understand what it will and will not cover.
- Contact a Florin|Roebig accident attorney when readying to file your accident claim and schedule a free consultation.
- Get a copy of the police report before you contact your insurance representative.
- Call your insurance representative to initiate the claims process so you can receive your settlement quickly.
Florida Laws For Car Accident Cases
Florida residents should be mindful of numerous auto accident laws. Two of these laws are the most consequential to understand: the statute of limitations for personal injury claims and the law surrounding fault.
First, drivers should know that Florida is a no-fault state. Every documented Florida motorist must have personal injury protection insurance (PIP) to cover medical costs and property damage, regardless of who caused the accident.
Secondly, citizens of Florida should know that the statute of limitations for auto accident claims in Florida is four years. The statute of limitations is the amount of time you have to bring your accident claim against the at-fault party. File your claim by this deadline to guarantee your right to file.
Fault and Liability in Car Accident Cases
Negligence transpires when a driver does anything that directly causes an accident. This is another noteworthy legal term that auto accident victims will become acquainted with.
Factors that can decide fault in auto accidents include:
- The negligence of one or all drivers
- A driver under the influence of a substance
- Condition of the streets when the car accident happened
- The weather conditions at the time of the accident
- Whether or not a car malfunction occurred
Sometimes, someone can be at fault for an accident but not liable for it. For instance, if a car malfunctions because the brakes were faulty due to a manufacturing error, causing the vehicle to brake improperly, the motorist would be at fault but may not be liable for the accident.
In this scenario, the motorist may be at fault, but the brake manufacturing company will be held strictly liable.
“Car accident laws surrounding fault and the statute of limitations can be very complicated if you haven’t had legal training. If you find yourself lost in legal terms, hiring a car accident attorney can be very helpful,” explains Chad K. Florin.
Consideration Of Negligence, Degree Of Fault
With insurance, negligence is any conduct or action that directly results in injury, damage to property, or other momentous consequences.
Types of negligence in claims that accident victims file include:
- Gross negligence happens when a driver disregards other drivers’ well-being and does not respect traffic laws.
- Comparative negligence transpires when each person is given a percentage of fault and granted damages accordingly.
- The Contributory negligence system says a claim cannot be filed to pursue compensation if a person is found to be even 1% at fault for the accident.
A car accident rarely occurs due to just one driver’s negligence; therefore, in most cases, courts allocate at least some of the fault to each driver.
Essential information to know about fault in car accidents:
- You may still be able to pursue damages in no-fault states.
- Your percentage of fault may lessen your settlement amount.
- In some states, fault can block you from pursuing damages.
What To Do After A Car Accident
If you or a loved one has been involved in an accident on the Florida Turnpike, the following are crucial actions you should take immediately.
1. Seek Medical Care
You must call 911 as soon as you have gotten to a safe place. The 911 operator will dispatch an ambulance and police officials to the car accident scene to guarantee everyone’s safety. Emergency medical technicians will inspect everyone in the accident to make sure they are not seriously injured.
2. Collect Contact Information
Important information you need to collect includes:
- The names of everyone involved in the auto accident
- Phone numbers for everyone who was involved in the accident
- Driver License numbers of the motorists who were involved
- Insurance policy and provider information for all drivers
- The license plate numbers for the cars involved
3. Call The Police
In Florida, if you or a family member have been in a car accident that has resulted in injury or damage to property, you are required by law to report it to the police. The police will generate a report that benefits your insurance provider and car accident lawyer.
4. Get Photos Or Videos
Accident victims should begin taking pictures and recording videos of the accident scene when possible. Important things you should try to get photos of:
- Traffic flow
- Injuries
- Vehicle damage
- Weather conditions
- Record witness statements
5. Report The Accident To Your Insurance Company
After the accident, victims need to call their insurance provider to inform them of the accident. The sooner accident victims begin the claim-filing process, the sooner their claim can be processed, and their compensation check can be issued and mailed.
6. Contact A Florin|Roebig Car Accident Lawyer
It is not unusual for car accident victims to face problems when trying to get a settlement from their insurance company. Insurance corporations are notorious for doing whatever they can to save money, including denying rightful claims. Hiring a Florin|Roebig accident attorney can help make sure your claim is treated lawfully.
Ways The Accident Can Impact Your Life
Accident victims will know that the accident will have far-reaching impacts can touch many parts of their lives.
Different ways an accident can affect your life include:
- The loss of your employment
- The loss of your ability to make money
- The cost of your pain and suffering
- The loss of your autonomy
- Losing your spouse or partner
- Adjusting your house to accommodate your injuries/disability
- The loss of your transportation
- The development of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
How Florin|Roebig Can Help With Your Car Accident Claim
After an auto accident, deciding which car accident lawyer to hire to handle your claim is a significant decision that should be made with care. The lawyers of Florin|Roebig have won over $1 billion for clients and have been representing them with understanding for forty years.
Benefits that you can gain by hiring a Florin|Roebig auto accident lawyer include:
Car Accident Case Experience
Florin | Roebig’s auto accident lawyers have been representing victims in and out of court for four decades. Our attorneys have witnessed everything insurance companies are willing to do to save money, so they are prepared to champion your claim.
A Strong Personal Injury Claim
Our long history of successfully representing many auto accident victims, including winning over $1 billion for our clients, means that the Florin|Roebig team of lawyers understands what it takes to build a powerful, winning claim. From the evidence you collect to how carefully you fill out your paperwork, our lawyers know how to make a solid auto accident claim.
Negotiating A Fair Settlement
Normally, auto accident claims can be taken care of quickly and efficiently outside the court system. However, your Florin|Roebig attorney is prepared to present your claim to a judge when your insurance does not cooperate, or you cannot get the at-fault party to pay your damages.
Practical Advice for After a Car Accident
Anyone who has been involved in a car crash knows how common it is to be shocked and unsure of what to do next. The following are practical steps to take in the aftermath of a car accident:
- Get medical attention immediately by contacting 911 to guarantee a medical team is sent to check everyone out.
- Collect evidence immediately by taking photos and recording videos.
- Contact your insurance provider so they can start your claim immediately.
- Protect your legal rights by employing a Florin|Roebig lawyer to guarantee you avoid expensive mistakes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average settlement for a car accident in Florida?
The average settlement for car accident settlements is between $20,000 and $30,000. However, the amount of a settlement can be raised or lowered depending on a number of different factors, such as the severity of injuries.
How long does it take to settle a car accident lawsuit in Florida?
Generally, car accident lawsuits can be settled within four to six weeks, barring any major factors like a severe, disabling injury.
What percentage does a lawyer get in a settlement case in Florida?
Car accident lawyers are generally paid 25% to 40% of the total compensation awarded to the car accident victim.
We Are Nationally Awarded Lawyers
How to Get Help from Florin|Roebig Attorneys
If you or someone you love have been in an auto accident on the Florida Turnpike and are ready to hire the best auto accident attorneys in Florida, the following are the best ways to reach our offices.
- Call our phone number 24/7
- Our website, florinroebig.com.
- Questions can be emailed to [email protected]
We serve many areas throughout Florida, including:
- West Palm Beach
- Orlando
- Fort Lauderdale
- Broward
- Miami-Dade
- South Florida
If you have been in an auto accident on Florida’s turnpike, you may need compensation to cover any personal injury or property damage caused by the accident. The law offices of Florin|Roebig can help you file a personal injury claim to retrieve damages.
Our car accident lawyers have over 40 years of experience helping Florida locals with auto accident cases and have an impressive track record. Call our offices today to schedule a free consultation to review your claim.
