Interstate 4 passes through several major cities in Florida, including Tampa, Orlando, Daytona Beach, and Lakeland. Along its route, I-4 has two auxiliary routes that provide access to other parts of the state. The east–west route is known as State Road 408 (the East–West Expressway) and connects Orlando with downtown Tampa. The north–south route is called State Road 417 (the Central Florida GreeneWay) and runs from Sanford to Apopka.
I-4 is the main east–west route through Central Florida and is heavily traveled during rush hour times, as well as holidays and vacation dates. That is because it provides access to some of the Orlando area’s major attractions, such as Walt Disney World Resort, Universal Studios Florida, and SeaWorld Orlando. On the northern end of its route, I-4 also provides access to Daytona International Speedway and the Kennedy Space Center.
Anyone who lives near I-4 knows that it can be treacherous to travel on. While locals are quick to blame tourists, the reality is that anyone can make an error that can lead to a serious accident — even commercial truck drivers who use this important route at all hours of the day. Poorly maintained roads, busy traffic, solar glare, and driver distraction can all contribute to accidents on the highway.
Have You Been Hurt In a Crash That Someone Else Caused?
1-800-Injured is a lawyer and medical referral service that connects victims with experienced legal representation. If you have been injured on the interstate, contact 1-800-Injured to be connected with a local law firm for a free consultation.
The sooner you work with a lawyer, the better your chances of a successful outcome, whether as a settlement or in a Florida court. Don’t wait! Call 1-800-Injured and get help fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Where Does I-4 Pass Through?
Many smaller towns are also near I-4, but the following are some of the largest cities connected by this important roadway. Whether you are a resident of these towns or simply passing through, the important thing is that you get legal support as you work to get compensation for the damages you’ve suffered.
- Daytona Beach
- Deltona
- DeBary
- Sanford
- Lake Mary
- Orlando
- Kissimmee
- Celebration
- Davenport
- Haines City
- Lakeland
Again, there are many other towns along I-4, but these are the major cities. Contact 1-800-Injured if you have been injured in a truck accident on Interstate 4 and need legal help. Call now to be connected with a local attorney who can assist you with your case.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents on I-4 in Florida
The following list of accident causes is not meant to be comprehensive but is meant to give you an idea of some of the most common ways that people cause accidents through negligence, malice, or recklessness.
Distracted Driving
Distraction from cell phones, loud music, and other activities can cause drivers to take their eyes off the road and lead to serious accidents. Often, people think that their peripheral vision is enough to keep them safe while texting or talking on the phone. Still, as with so many other things, people are naturally inclined to overestimate their ability to rely on peripheral vision and a distracted mind to react in time to avoid a crash.
Many people immediately think about smartphone use when they hear distracted driving these days, which is certainly a major issue. However, it is important to note that anything that takes your focus away from the primary task of driving can lead to an accident.
Speeding
Exceeding the posted speed limit or driving too fast for the conditions can increase the chances of an accident. Truck drivers are often held to tight delivery schedules, which may encourage them to ignore the speed limit. This is dangerous in a vehicle of any size, but a speeding 18-wheeler hauling a heavy load is a recipe for disaster.
High speeds lead to less control over the vehicle and, unfortunately, an increased impact during a collision, which increases the risk of fatal injuries. Speed limits are in place for a reason – obey them!
Poor Weather Conditions
Rainy weather, strong winds, or fog can make it difficult for drivers to maintain control of their vehicles and increase the chance of an accident occurring. Nobody can control the weather, and many truck drivers may not have a choice but to head out onto the roads during adverse weather conditions. However, we have control over how we operate our vehicles in these conditions.
Alcohol or Other Drug Use
Driving under the influence of alcohol or other drugs increases reaction time and impairs judgment, leading to more accidents on Florida roads and highways. The legal blood alcohol concentration limit for a CDL driver is 0.04% — half the legal limit of an adult operating a passenger vehicle —, but there are many other drugs that do not show up in this test.
While cannabis is still only legal for medical patients in Florida, it is a common intoxicant that many people treat as “safer” than alcohol, and while this may be true in certain instances, driving while under the influence of cannabis or cannabis-infused products is just as dangerous as drunk driving.
Vehicle Malfunction
Faulty brakes, worn-out tires, or other mechanical issues can lead to dangerous truck accidents that could have otherwise been prevented with regular maintenance checks.
A vehicle malfunction can make it a bit trickier to determine fault, because something like a tire blowout could be the fault of the driver for not maintaining safe tire pressure, it could be the trucking company’s fault for failing to adhere to maintenance schedules, or it may even be the tire manufacturer or another company involved in the tire production.
No matter the reason, it is important to remember that all drivers have a responsibility to keep their vehicles safe and maintained. If an accident was caused by a vehicle malfunction, then there may be other parties who can share in fault for the crash. An attorney can help you determine the best course of action in these cases.
Contact 1-800-Injured To Request a Free Case Evaluation Today
If you or a loved one have been injured in a truck accident, then call 1-800-Injured today to be connected with an experienced Florida truck accident lawyer. While we work on getting you in touch with a proven law firm in your area, you can stay focused on recovering from your injuries and returning to your life before the accident.