Mark Roman | August 27, 2021 | Car Accidents
Several interstates travel through or around the Tampa Bay area. Interstate 4 has been named as one of the deadliest roads in the United States. It ranked number one for the number of fatalities based on fatalities per mile from 2010 through 2015.
Other dangerous interstates and highways around Tampa include:
- Interstate 275
- Interstate 75
- Leroy Semon Cross Expressway (FL 618)
- Veterans Expressway (FL 589)
- Dale Mabry Highway
Interstate highway accidents in Tampa can cause catastrophic injuries and wrongful deaths.
Why Are Interstate Highway Accidents Dangerous?
The speed limits on interstates and highways are higher than on other roads. Additionally, drivers are more likely to drive extremely fast on straight stretches of interstates. However, as speed increases, the risk of accidents and traumatic injuries increases.
Multi-vehicle accidents are common on interstates and highways. Vehicles traveling at fast speeds may be unable to stop before colliding with vehicles involved in a crash. Multi-vehicle accidents also have a high risk of catastrophic injuries.
Interstates are common locations for commercial truck accidents. Large truck accidents are extremely dangerous for passengers in other vehicles.
In 2019, there were 5,005 people killed in truck accidents. Seventy-one percent of those deaths were people in other vehicles. Likewise, 69 percent of the injuries caused by truck accidents were sustained by people in other vehicles.
Injuries and Damages Caused by Tampa Interstate Highway Accidents
Because of the factors involved in the collision, victims of interstate highway accidents can sustain traumatic injuries. In many cases, these injuries result in lifelong impairments and disabilities.
Common injuries caused by highway and interstate accidents include:
- Spinal cord and back injuries
- Neck and shoulder injuries
- Severe burns
- Paralysis
- Traumatic brain injury
- Internal organ damage
- Amputations and loss of limbs
- Fractures and broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries
Immediate medical treatment may be necessary to reduce the risk of death or permanent impairment. It is always best to be seen by a doctor as soon as possible after any crash. Prompt medical care can improve your chance of recovering fair compensation for damages.
Damages caused by an interstate highway accident may include:
- The cost of medical treatment and personal care
- Past and future loss of income and damages
- The cost of vocational, occupational, and physical therapy
- Reduction in future earning potential
- Loss of enjoyment of life and reduced quality of life
- Emotional distress and mental anguish
- Physical pain and suffering
- Other out-of-pocket expenses
The value of your economic and non-economic damages depends on numerous factors.
Careful documentation of damages and working with an experienced car accident lawyer could increase your chance of recovering maximum compensation for an interstate accident claim.
Common Causes of Interstate Highway Accidents
Speed is a common factor in many accidents that occur on interstates and highways. Other factors include distracted driving, impaired driving, and drowsy driving. Aggressive driving or road rage can also be a factor in the cause of a car crash on the interstate.
In addition to human errors and poor driving behavior, road conditions could also be a factor in the cause of an interstate crash.
Poorly maintained interstates and highways can result in potholes, cracks, and other road defects. Missing signs, lack of guardrails, and poorly designed interchanges can also contribute to the cause of an interstate crash.
The weather conditions may also be a factor in some interstate highway accidents. For example, heavy rain can cause roads to be slick. If drivers do not adjust their speed, they may lose control of their vehicle or be unable to stop before slamming into a car.
Who is Liable for Your Damages and Losses?
Under Florida personal injury laws, the at-fault driver can be held financially liable for damages. However, you must sustain serious injuries to be able to sue the other driver. Minor injuries are covered by your no-fault insurance (Personal Injury Protection).
For serious injuries, you can sue the parties who contributed to the cause of the automobile accident. Other motorists may be liable for damages. However, there could be other parties named in a lawsuit.
For example, there could be several parties liable for a truck accident. Potential parties might include:
- Truck drivers
- Trucking companies
- Parts and truck manufacturers
- Loaders and shippers
- Repair and maintenance facilities
A thorough investigation is required to determine all parties who contributed to the cause of an interstate highway accident. In some cases, a government agency could be partially liable for an interstate accident. Construction companies and contractors may also share in the liability for an interstate or highway accident if they narrowed the lanes too much or used confusing signage in a work zone.
Contact the Tampa Car Accident Law Firm of Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers for Help Today
For more information, please contact the legal team of Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers for a free initial consultation with a car accident lawyer in Tampa. We have five convenient locations in Florida: Clearwater, New Port Richey, and Tampa.
We serve throughout Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, Pasco County, and its surrounding areas:
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Clearwater Office
1811 N. Belcher Road, Suite I-1
Clearwater, FL 33765
(727) 787-2500
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Congress Ave Office
2360 Congress Avenue
Clearwater, FL 33763
(727) 591-5610
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – Tampa Office
6601 Memorial Hwy Suite 202
Tampa, FL 33615
(813) 686-7588
Roman Austin Personal Injury Lawyers – New Port Richey Office
2515 Seven Springs Blvd.
New Port Richey, FL, 34655
(727) 815-8442