A Tampa car accident attorney explains why these highways are so dangerous
Two highways in Hillsborough County, Florida – Interstate 75 and US Route 41 – are among the top 10 most dangerous roads in the United States, according to a recent car accident study conducted by Value Penguin.
So how bad is the problem in Hillsborough County? Why do accidents happen so often on these two highways? And what options are available to crash victims? Below, you can find out more about the common causes of auto accidents on both highways and how to stay safe.
How common are crashes on I-75 and US-41?
Car accident fatalities occur on many roads and highways in Hillsborough County, which includes Tampa. In the past 5 years, 205 people on average have died each year in motor vehicle accidents in Hillsborough County, according to statistics compiled by the Florida Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles (FLHSMV).
And while accidents can happen anywhere at any time, Interstate 75 and US Route 41 regularly have serious or fatal accidents in this part of Florida, according to the analysis conducted by Value Penguin.
In particular, the 35-mile-long section of US Route 41 in Hillsborough County was ranked the 7th most dangerous road in the country. During a recent 5-year period, there were 80 car accident fatalities on this stretch of highway.
As for I-75, the 32-mile-long section of the highway was ranked the 9th most dangerous road nationwide. During the same, recent 5-year-period, there were 60 crash fatalities on this part of I-75, according to Value Penguin.
Why do accidents happen on these highways?
Like many highways, speeding is often a factor in accidents on I-75, US Route 41, and other roads in Hillsborough County. On average, 26 people have been killed each year in car accidents in the county due to speeding drivers, according to statistics compiled by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTSA).
Other common causes include:
- Driving the wrong way on the highway. This often occurs at night, when tired, distracted, or drunk drivers get disoriented and enter a highway going the wrong way and cause a devastating head-on collision.
- Tired drivers who fall asleep at the wheel, often resulting in a high-speed crash involving one or more cars on the highway.
- Distracted drivers who are not paying attention behind the wheel. This often includes people texting while driving, which is against the law in Florida.
- Drivers under the influence of alcohol, which impairs their ability to think clearly and drive safely.
No matter what the circumstances are involving your crash, make sure you take steps to protect your interests. Contact the Florida Highway Patrol or whoever has jurisdiction over your accident so they can investigate. Then talk to an experienced car accident attorney right away.
a lawyer can help you maximize the value of your claim
There are many reasons why you should hire an attorney if you or a loved one has been hurt in a crash caused by another driver in Tampa or another part of Hillsborough County. Sometimes, it’s because the other driver might try to blame you for causing the accident. Other times, the at-fault driver’s insurance company will do everything they can to minimize your claim because your injuries and other accident-related expenses represent a threat to their bottom line.
At Armando Personal Injury Law, we know what's at stake for you and your loved ones, and we don't take that for granted. That’s why we want to help. Our attorneys can launch a thorough investigation into your crash, calculate the total value of your losses, and build a compelling case for compensation.
We know what to do because we’ve been doing this work for years. Insurance companies take us seriously and often negotiate a fair settlement offer in good faith. If they refuse to do so, we have the ability to file a lawsuit or take other legal action against them on your behalf.
Get the law firm that gets results. Contact us today for a free consultation with an experienced car accident lawyer who knows Hillsborough County. Our office is located in Tampa on East 5th Avenue.