The three most dangerous highways in Florida are reportedly Interstate 4, Interstate 95, and U.S. Route 1. These roads are dangerous because they are the sites of many fatal crashes. They all have high traffic volumes as throngs of vehicles travel across them daily.
Those involved in accidents on Florida’s highways can seek compensation for accident-related damages like medical bills and pain and suffering. A Fort Lauderdale car accident attorney from our team will work to secure the entire financial recovery your damages entitle you to.
Why Are Florida’s Highways So Dangerous?
Interstates 4 and 95, along with U.S. Route 1, are similar in that they:
- Connect at least two major cities (and in the case of I-4 and I-95, several major cities throughout multiple states)
- See tens of thousands of vehicles each day in their Florida stretches alone (and, frequently, hundreds of thousands of vehicles per day)
- Expose motorists and passengers to a high risk of injury and death due to high traffic volumes
Traffic density on these roads causes confusion and chaos. Even more problematic are drivers who speed, change lanes abruptly, tailgate, drive while distracted, and engage in other dangerous behaviors.
The truth is that accidents can happen on any Florida highway. Highways in the Sunshine State are particularly dangerous because:
Florida’s Population Is Large
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) calculated Florida’s 2022 population as 22,244,823. This placed Florida behind only California and Texas in terms of total population.
From the perspective of motorists and passengers, this immense (and growing) population is a problem because:
- The interstate highway system is nearly 70 years old: Many of the highways in Florida are part of the interstate highway network. President Dwight Eisenhower’s administration proposed this system as part of the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956. America’s (and Florida’s) population has grown immensely since then, meaning the highway network is not necessarily built to accommodate today’s population.
- It takes more effort to build a road than to move to Florida: It takes lots of money and substantial effort to build or expand roadways. It is far less costly or difficult for someone to move to Florida. Therefore, it is reasonable to believe Florida’s roadways are not equipped to handle a growing population.
- Highways are the primary means of travel: When traveling any significant distance throughout Florida, there is a significant likelihood you will use a highway. Rather than spending extra time driving on a less busy backroad, you (and your navigation app) may choose the highway. This means that massive amounts of motorists are traveling on a handful of roads in Florida—all at the same time.
Highway accidents are inevitable, especially considering how careless many motorists are. In large states like Florida, with more motorists on roads, the likelihood of highway accidents is higher than average.
Major Cities Are Located Along Florida’s Highways
Like most states, much of Florida’s population lives and works near a few major cities. Jacksonville, Tallahassee, Tampa, Orlando, Miami, and other large urban centers are connected via highway. Therefore, when individuals travel from one major Florida city to another, they are likely to take a highway.
Florida’s Dependence on Tourism Keeps Major Highways Packed
In addition to a large native population, Florida sees millions of tourists visit the state (and use its highways) each year. According to Florida’s governor’s office, the state saw more than 137 million tourists in 2022, the highest number in its history.
These tourists often use highways when traveling to and from:
- Disney World, Universal Studios, and other amusement parks
- The state’s beaches
- Cape Canaveral
- Florida’s many other tourist destinations
Tourists can get into motor vehicle accidents just as Florida residents can.
New Residents Keep Moving to Florida
Florida ranks among the fastest-growing states in the United States, meaning its highway system is as packed as ever. The data reflects the danger that comes with busy roadways. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) notes that Florida saw a notable uptick in traffic fatalities between 2020 and 2021.
If you or a loved one suffer injuries in a truck accident, SUV accident, motorcycle accident, or car accident on a Florida highway, you deserve to focus on recovery. A personal injury lawyer from our firm will pursue the financial recovery you deserve.
Find a Personal Injury Lawyer, Near Me
(855) 529-0269Our Personal Injury Attorney Will Seek Compensation for Your Florida Highway Accident
Common damages from highway accidents in Florida include:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Vehicle repairs
- Replacement of damaged property (like cell phones)
- Pain and suffering
This is only a brief overview of the damages that can result from motor vehicle accidents. Our attorney will evaluate each of your damages and seek fair compensation. If necessary, a Florida wrongful death lawyer from our firm will pursue justice for the loss of your loved one.
Our team will handle every aspect of your case, including:
- Gathering evidence from the highway accident (which should indicate who is at fault for the collision)
- Calculating the cost of your economic and non-economic damages
- Documenting your damages
- Handling all communications with insurance companies
- Negotiating a settlement with liable parties (or their insurers)
- Advising you in every aspect of the case
- Protecting your rights
Hiring legal representation will allow you to focus on your health and recovery. You can receive treatment and rest while we fight for the money you deserve. We have helped many accident victims in Florida secure the compensation they need while holding negligent drivers accountable. Whether you are a Florida resident or visitor, we can help you.
Had a Crash on a Dangerous Florida Highway? Call Today for a Free Consultation
When you hire an attorney from Chalik & Chalik Injury Lawyers, you work directly with partners Jason and Debi Chalik. We are a family-owned law firm, and it shows in our brand of personalized legal service.
Call us today for your free consultation. We encourage you to talk to us now, as we may have a brief window for filing your case.
Call or text Chalik & Chalik
(855) 529-0269