Accidents can occur anywhere but are more likely to happen on highways with high traffic. Florida’s I-95 stretch is a major highway that has become notorious for its high accident rate. It’s one of the most dangerous places in the country to drive. This article explains why car accidents are so frequent on I-95 and guide what to do after a Florida car accident.
Why Accidents Are So Common on Florida’s I-95?
Florida’s I-95 section covers 382 miles. This makes it the main link for all large cities on the coast. I-95 is known for its many accidents, but also for the serious crashes which are more likely to cause fatalities or catastrophic injuries.
The following are some of the most common causes:
- The sheer volume of vehicles on the road: There are sections of I-95 that can have up to 12 lanes, increasing the likelihood of an accident.
- Large trucks are common on I-95: They can be a hazard to smaller vehicles because of their weight and size.
- Unsafe Driving: Traffic violations such as speeding, distracted, or drunk driving can have catastrophic consequences.
- Lane switching aggressively: “Lane diving” is a unique problem that occurs on I-95. It is illegal to switch between express and general lanes. The express lanes were introduced as a safety measure. However, this misuse of the lanes leads to even more accidents.
What to Do After a Florida Car Accident on I-95?
Knowing what to do in such a situation can protect your safety, and help you prepare for a more successful recovery when you file a claim. Remember that everything you do following an accident is important later in the legal process.
Following an accident on I-95, here are some critical steps that you need to take:
Call 911 and Get Out of Danger’s Way
It’s important to get out of traffic flow if you are in a dangerous position after crashing on the highway. This could mean moving the car or yourself to a safe location like the side or shoulder of the road or standing behind a guardrail. If you don’t want to use your hazard light to warn other drivers, wait until emergency services arrive in your vehicle and turn on the hazard lights.
Reporting an Accident to the Police
Florida law requires that drivers file a police accident report for every car accident resulting in injuries, deaths, or damages of at least $500. To comply with the law, you should call the police immediately. An official record will be useful when filing a claim for insurance or pursuing personal injury litigation.
You can create serious problems for yourself if you do not call the police at the scene. This could be because you feel it is unnecessary, or the other party has asked you to refrain from doing so. It can, for example, give the impression that the collision was not serious, or allow the driver at fault to give an inconsistent account of the accident which is no longer easily disproven.
Exchange Information With Other Drivers
You can use your smartphone to take pictures and videos of the accident scene if you are not in immediate danger or have no serious injuries. When a car crash occurs, it’s easy to forget details. Having pictures, videos, and written notes is a great way to remember important information.
Document information such as:
- Position of vehicles
- Damage visible on each vehicle
- Evidence such as skid marks on the road
- If you have any contact information, your lawyer can call them to collect a formal declaration.
- Take notes with what you can remember about the events leading up to the accident
Florida law requires that you exchange insurance information with other drivers involved in an accident. Although most accidents are settled under the system of fault, you will need to provide these details to make a claim.
Get Medical Treatment
After a car crash, the most important thing is to assess yourself and other people involved for injuries. This will ensure that everyone gets appropriate medical attention. You should still see a doctor, even if you do not feel injured. This is best done the same day or within 48 hours.
Victims of Florida car accidents are required by law to consult a physician within 14 days after the accident to receive any benefits. This can be through their Personal Injury Protection (PIP), or a personal injury claim. After these 14 days, claimants are unable to receive compensation.
Inform Your Insurance Company about the No-Fault System
In Florida’s no-fault insurance system, filing a PIP claim is your first option for receiving compensation for damages, and it could be the only one available to you, regardless of the person who caused the accident. Inform your insurer as soon as you can after the accident, as most policies have deadlines that policyholders must meet.
You should expect your insurance company to either dispute or undervalue the damages you have suffered. That’s just how they operate.
Document Damages
Financial ripple effects from a serious auto accident can be extremely wide-ranging. It is important to keep detailed records of these expenses to help claimants receive the maximum compensation. You should create a file that includes all of your medical bills, the estimates for replacing or repairing your vehicle, as well as documentation on lost income. You should include any other direct costs incurred as a result of the accident. For example, if you rented a car, or used home health care, these expenses must be included in your claim.
Summing Up!
If you are involved in a Florida car accident while driving down Florida’s I-95 and need help navigating the claims process, a knowledgeable attorney can be the difference between having your damages covered by your insurance company or being on your own.
The right legal team like Jenkins Law will be there to help you through the entire process, whether it is reconstructing events that led up to the accident, substantiating damages, or taking care of all the paperwork. Your attorney will negotiate the best settlement with insurance companies or escalate your claim into a personal injury suit.
