I-95 is an essential part of Florida’s infrastructure, connecting the state’s major cities from Jacksonville to Miami. The highway serves as a vital artery for transportation, allowing goods and services to move quickly and efficiently between different parts of the state. It also helps support tourism by providing a direct route to popular beach towns and attractions.
In addition, I-95 is an important artery for commuters who rely on it to get to work each day. Its importance cannot be overstated; without I-95, Florida would be a very different place. Along the way, it passes through many populous cities and towns, including:
- Jacksonville
- St. Augustine
- Daytona Beach
- Palm Coast
- Titusville
- Cocoa
- Melbourne
- Vero Beach
- Fort Pierce
- Port Saint Lucie
- West Palm Beach
- Lake Worth
- Boca Raton
- Deerfield Beach
- Hollywood
- Ft. Lauderdale
- Pompano Beach
- Miami
There are, of course, countless other localities that are touched by I-95. Unfortunately, the high traffic and dense population can create dangerous driving conditions that lead to serious accidents.
According to a longitudinal study about the efficacy of express lanes on I-95 published in 2017: “Comparing the crashes for the three years (2005-2007) before express lanes to the six years (2010-2015) after express lanes… crash rate increased from 1.81 to 2.23. The trend in the crash rate, similar to statewide trends, may be associated with distracted driving.”
Cause aside, one thing is for sure: I-95 is a dangerous roadway that many Floridians must contend with every day.
If you or a loved one have been involved in an accident on I-95, it is important to seek legal advice before moving forward with an insurance claim. 1-800-Injured is a lawyer and medical referral service that can put you in touch with a qualified I-95 truck accident lawyer who can help you navigate the complexities of a personal injury case. Don’t wait to get the legal representation and medical care that you need – contact 1-800-Injured today.
Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents
The following are just a few of the many causes of 18-wheeler accidents:
Driver Fatigue
It is common for truckers to spend long hours on the road and this can lead to driver fatigue, which can cause serious accidents. The FMCSA Hours of Service set strict limits for the amount of time a driver can spend behind the wheel in any given period of time, but these regulations do little to ensure that a driver is fully rested each day, only that they are not fatigued due to excessive driving.
Maintenance Issues
Trucks must be properly maintained to operate safely. If a truck has not been properly serviced, it can lead to serious accidents. These vehicles often haul a heavy load, and drive many more miles each year than the average passenger vehicle. As such, wear and tear happens faster than in a passenger vehicle, and ongoing and comprehensive maintenance must be prioritized.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving has become a major problem on the road and truckers are no exception. A truck driver that spends many days out of a year on the road, away from home, may be prone to distractions on their devices while keeping in touch with loved ones. This can be extremely dangerous, as a single moment of inattention can lead to catastrophic results.
Speeding
Driving too fast is one of the most common causes of accidents, including those involving 18-wheelers. A trucker who is behind schedule, or incentivized to maximize the number of deliveries they can make during their Hours of Service, may be tempted to speed to make up for lost time. Unfortunately, this can lead to serious accidents that may have been prevented had the driver followed regulations and not pushed their limits.
Improperly Loaded Cargo
Trucks must be properly loaded to ensure that the weight is evenly distributed. If a truck is overloaded or improperly packed, it can cause serious accidents. Depending on the shipping contract, the driver may be responsible for loading the freight, or it may be the responsibility of a third party. As you can imagine, this can complicate things as you and your attorney work to determine who is liable for the damages you have suffered.
Calculating Damages After a Truck Accident
Commercial truck drivers often have liability coverage with limits over $1 million, which is good news for people who have suffered catastrophic injuries or significant damages. However, getting this money will not be easy. As with any insurance company, the commercial insurer is focused on settling the claim for as little money as possible, which is why it’s important to have a qualified attorney by your side.
An experienced I-95 truck accident lawyer will be able to assess the full extent of your damages, including medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more so that you can get the compensation you need to move on with your life.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are typically easy to calculate and include medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future earnings, damage to property (such as a vehicle), and other out-of-pocket costs associated with the accident.
Since these are calculated on a 1:1 basis, they are often easier to argue and prove than other types of damages.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages include losses that cannot be easily quantified. These might include physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of consortium, disfigurement or scarring, and any other type of intangible harm.
Due to how abstract and subjective non-economic damages are, insurers are quick to challenge and dispute these types of claims. That’s why it is important to have a qualified attorney who can fight for your rights and make sure that you are fairly compensated for all the harm you have suffered.
Contact 1-800-Injured To Connect With an Attorney Today
If you have been injured in an 18-wheeler accident, it is important to seek legal advice from a qualified attorney with experience handling trucking accident cases. An experienced Florida truck accident lawyer will be able to fight for your rights and help you recover the compensation that you deserve.
At 1-800-Injured, we can connect you with legal representation that is qualified and capable of handling your case. Our service is free to use and there is no obligation to hire any attorney that we refer you to. Contact us today to get the support you deserve during this difficult time.
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