How Frequent Are Accidents on I95?

It’s not uncommon to hear about deadly or massive car accidents on the local news or online on I-95. According to auto accident lawyers, among the reasons why this highway has among the highest car accident rates in the state is due to high traffic volume and congestion, speeding, and reckless driving, distracted driving and fatigued driving, or impaired driving, among other reasons.

The Deadliest Mile in America

According to the Sun-Sentinel, Florida’s I-95 highway isn’t covered by enough troopers, as in Broward County, there is only one trooper per 26,000 cars, while in St. Johns County, one trooper is assigned for 12,000 cars.

In many instances, accidents on the I-95 in Florida accounted for more than a third of all fatal car accidents on I-95, even though 80% of this highway lies outside the state. In 2018, about one car accident fatality occurred every three days, amounting to over 100 deaths.

A research conducted by the Miami New Times concluded that a one-mile section of I-95 in Fort Lauderdale can be considered the deadliest mile in the nation as the number of fatal crashes that occurred here was 50 times greater than on other average highway miles in America. This conclusion was reached after analyzing two decades of car accident data.

Throughout the length of I-95, it is estimated that 200 car accidents occur each year. Nonetheless, the most dangerous mile stretch lies between I-595 and State Road 84 in Broward County, as the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles revealed. In 2021 alone, there were 41,376 crashes in this county, which resulted in 24,000 injured and 263 fatalities.

Why I-95 Is So Dangerous

Among the reasons why South Florida’s I-95 highway stretch is so prone to car accidents is related to tourists, as the highway is located very close to the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood Airport.

Tourists unfamiliar with the area and also operating rental vehicles are the most susceptible to car accidents in this region, as well as seasonal residents, who are travelers who come to the region once a year and are also unfamiliar with local traffic patterns, lanes, and other traffic rules.

The vibrant nightlife and beach parties in areas such as Miami and Fort Lauderdale are also highly attractive to locals, tourists, and visitors alike. Unfortunately, this often results in an increased potential of intoxicated drivers on the road, further contributing to the high accident rates on I-95.

What To Do If You Are in a Crash on I-95 in South Florida

If you are involved in a car crash on I-95 in South Florida, you must call authorities to the scene, especially if you are injured. No matter how fine you feel, you should seek medical attention to assess your injuries.

Depending on your state, you should take photos or videos of the accident scene and your injuries to preserve evidence and write down witness contact information and that of the driver you collided with, along with their insurance information. Report your accident to your insurance provider and contact a car accident lawyer to pursue a claim against the other party if your injuries and other damages cannot be covered by insurance. An attorney can help you seek proper compensation for your injuries and other losses.