If you've been in a car accident on Interstate 95, you know how scary and stressful it can be. I-95 is one of the busiest highways in the country, stretching over 1,900 miles from Maine to Florida.
With so many cars on the road, accidents are unfortunately very common. Millions of car accidents happen in the US each year, and many occur on major highways like I-95.
Being in a serious car accident is a life-changing experience. You may be badly injured and facing huge medical bills. Your car may be totaled. You may be unable to work and struggling to pay your expenses. And dealing with the insurance companies can be a nightmare.
This is why it's so important to have an experienced car accident attorney on your side. A good lawyer will fight for your rights, deal with the insurance companies, and work to get you the compensation you deserve. If you've been in an accident on I-95, don't wait – call a car accident lawyer today.
Why Is I-95 So Dangerous?
Interstate 95 is notorious for being one of the most dangerous highways in the US. It's one of the oldest routes in the interstate system, and many sections need repair or improvements. Heavy traffic, high speeds, congestion, and construction make conditions ripe for accidents.
Some of the factors that make I-95 so dangerous include:
Heavy Traffic and Congestion
I-95 is one of the most heavily traveled highways in the US, especially in major metro areas like Washington DC, Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York, and Boston. Traffic jams and stop-and-go driving are common.
High Speed Limits
The speed limit for I-95 is 65-70 mph or higher. But many drivers go much faster than that, especially when traffic is light. Speeding is a factor in nearly 30 percent of all fatal crashes.
Frequent Lane Changes
With so many vehicles entering, exiting, and jockeying for position, there is a lot of lane-switching on I-95. This can easily lead to sideswipe crashes and multi-vehicle pileups.
Driver Distractions
Distracted driving is a huge problem on I-95 and other highways. Drivers talk on phones, text, use apps, eat, apply makeup, and do not pay attention to the road.
Impaired Driving
Drunk driving and drugged driving are also major issues, especially at night and on weekends. About 1/3 of all traffic deaths involve drunk drivers.
Bad Weather
Rain, snow, ice, and fog can all reduce visibility and make the highway slippery and hazardous. Accidents are more likely in bad weather.
Large Trucks
I-95 is a major trucking route, so there are many big commercial vehicles. When large semis are involved in crashes with passenger vehicles, the results are often devastating.
Road Construction
Construction always seems to be happening somewhere on I-95. Lane closures, detours, rough roads, and construction vehicles entering and exiting can all increase the risk of accidents.
Old, Obsolete Designs
Some stretches of I-95 were built in the 1950s and are no longer adequate for modern traffic loads. Dangerous on-ramps, off-ramps, and intersections are common.
Types of I-95 Accidents
With all these hazards, it's no surprise that many different types of car accidents happen on I-95. Some of the most common include:
Rear-End Collisions
This is the most frequent type of crash on I-95 and other highways. It happens when the vehicle in front stops or slows suddenly, and the vehicle behind doesn't stop in time. It's often due to tailgating, speeding, or distracted driving.
Sideswipe Crashes
This is when two vehicles traveling in the same direction collide. It often happens when one driver makes an unsafe lane change or drifts out of their lane. Damage is usually worse on the side of the vehicle that was struck.
Head-On Collisions
While less common than other types of crashes, head-on collisions are often fatal. They happen when a vehicle crosses the median or centerline and hits an oncoming vehicle. Driver impairment, falling asleep at the wheel, and vehicle malfunctions can cause a driver to veer into oncoming traffic.
Rollover Accidents
Top-heavy vehicles like SUVs and large trucks are prone to rolling over, especially if they strike an object, leave the road, or make a sharp turn at high speeds. Rollover crashes have a high fatality rate.
Multi-Vehicle Pileups
Sometimes, a crash involves many vehicles in a chain reaction. This can happen in heavy traffic, bad weather, or low-visibility conditions. Vehicles may be hit multiple times from different angles, and occupants can get trapped in the wreckage.
Truck Accidents
As mentioned, the large trucks that travel I-95 can cause catastrophic damage to smaller passenger vehicles. A fully loaded semi can weigh up to 80,000 lbs. Truck drivers are often fatigued and may have trouble stopping or maneuvering to avoid a crash.
Common Accident Injuries
The violent forces in a high-speed crash can cause devastating injuries, especially if a smaller car collides with a large truck. Victims may suffer traumatic damage to multiple parts of the body.
Some common car accident injuries include:
Head and Brain Injuries
Even if your head doesn't strike anything, the rapid acceleration-deceleration of a crash can cause the brain to slam against the inside of the skull. Concussions are common, and more severe impacts can cause traumatic brain injury, skull fractures, and lacerations. A head injury can affect cognitive function, memory, mood, sleep, and motor control. Brain damage may be permanent.
Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
The twisting forces in a crash can cause the spine to torque out of alignment. Discs may rupture, and vertebrae may fracture. In severe cases, the spinal cord may be bruised or torn, causing partial or total paralysis. Chronic pain and reduced mobility may require a lifetime of treatment.
Neck and Whiplash Injuries
The same forces that cause brain and spinal injuries can also damage the soft tissues of the neck. Whiplash is a common neck injury that occurs when the head is thrown forward and then snapped back. This overstretches the muscles and tendons. Neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and arm numbness or weakness may linger for months.
Chest Injuries
Blunt force trauma from the steering wheel or airbag can break ribs and damage internal organs. Victims may suffer a collapsed lung, ruptured spleen, or torn aorta. Internal bleeding can be life-threatening.
Abdominal Injuries
Lacerations to the liver, spleen, or kidneys are common. The bowels may also be perforated. These injuries can cause internal bleeding and may require emergency surgery.
Broken Bones
The impact of a crash can easily fracture bones. Legs, ankles, feet, arms, wrists, hands, and the collarbone are all vulnerable. Broken bones are very painful and may require surgery to place rods, pins, or plates. The victim may need a cast or brace and will likely be out of work for an extended period.
Facial Injuries
Broken facial bones, injuries to the eyes, and tooth loss can all occur in a crash. Facial lacerations are common from broken glass or impact with the dashboard or window. Disfigurement may require reconstructive surgery.
Soft Tissue Damage
Even if no bones are broken, the victim may suffer sprains, strains, and tears to muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These injuries can be very painful, limit mobility, and take a long time to heal. Physical therapy may be necessary.
Mental Health Effects
Car accidents are traumatic events that can impact mental health. Victims are at increased risk for anxiety, depression, and PTSD. Treatment may be necessary for mental health issues in addition to physical injuries.
Compensation for I-95 Accident Injuries
If you've suffered an injury in an accident on I-95 caused by another driver's negligence, carelessness, or wrongdoing, you shouldn't have to bear the costs alone. A car accident attorney can pursue compensation for:
- Medical expenses: Including ambulance transport, emergency room treatment, hospitalization, surgery, doctor's visits, medication, medical equipment, and rehabilitation
- Future medical costs: If your injuries require ongoing or long-term care, you need compensation to cover those future expenses
- Lost income: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek reimbursement for the paychecks you miss as well as compensation for any vacation days, sick leave, or other benefits you use during your recovery
- Reduced future earning capacity: If you suffer a permanent disability that affects the type of work you can do, or the hours you can work in the future, you can pursue compensation for your reduced lifetime earning capacity
- Pain and suffering: The physical pain and emotional anguish of a serious injury can be immense; a lawyer will know how to document your suffering to get you compensation
- Scarring and disfigurement: If your injuries cause permanent visible scars or change your appearance, you deserve payment for the emotional impact
- Other costs: Such as repairing or replacing your damaged vehicle, transportation to medical appointments, help with household services, and any other crash-related expenses
The amount of compensation will depend on factors like the severity of your injuries, the length of your recovery, whether you can return to your previous job, and your total losses. An attorney can give you a better idea of the value of your case.
Wrongful Death in I-95 Accidents
Tragically, some I-95 accidents are fatal. If you lost a loved one in a crash caused by someone else's negligence, no amount of money can bring them back. But a wrongful death claim can provide the financial support your family needs in the midst of your grief.
An attorney can seek compensation for:
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical bills from the loved one's final care
- The deceased's lost future income and benefits
- Loss of the loved one's services and support
- Loss of care, companionship, guidance, and consortium
- The family's mental anguish
- The deceased's pain and suffering before death
Punitive damages may also be available if the at-fault party's actions were reckless or intentional. While a legal case can't ease your grief, it can hold the responsible party accountable and provide resources to help your family adjust to life without your loved one.
Why You Need an Attorney After an I-95 Accident
Trying to handle an accident claim on your own is a huge mistake. Insurance companies are not on your side. Their goal is to pay you as little as possible.
They may pressure you to accept a lowball settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries and losses. Or they may unfairly blame you for the crash to avoid paying anything at all.
You need an experienced car accident lawyer to protect your rights. A good attorney will:
- Thoroughly investigate your accident to determine how it happened and who is at fault
- Identify all possible sources of insurance compensation
- Gather evidence to build a strong case, including witness statements, photos and videos, police reports, medical records and bills, expert testimony, and accident reconstruction if needed
- Handle all communication with the insurance companies so you can focus on your recovery
- Negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement that addresses all your losses
- Take your case to trial if the insurance company won't make a reasonable offer
- Keep you informed and answer your questions every step of the way
Most importantly, a car accident attorney works on contingency, which means there are no upfront costs to get started, and you pay nothing unless and until they win money for you. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain by getting an experienced car accident lawyer on your side.
Contact a Florida Car Accident Lawyer After an Accident on I-95
Being in a serious accident on I-95 is a traumatic experience that can impact all aspects of your life. You may be facing a long road to recovery while worrying about paying your bills and supporting your family.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury in an I-95 crash caused by someone else's negligence, don't wait to get the legal help you need. Call an experienced personal injury lawyer today for a free consultation.
While things might seem uncertain in the days following a crash, they can become much clearer once you have the right legal advice. Seek the right representation at no upfront cost today.