What Should You Do if Your Loved One Was Involved in a Fatal Accident on I-95 Today in Florida?
Finding out that your loved one has died as a result of a fatal accident on Interstate 95 in Florida today is nothing short of devastating. Unfortunately, this roadway is one of the most dangerous in the country. Each year, countless people are killed as a result of accidents that take place on this busy interstate. Even though the roadway sees a significant amount of fatal accidents, dealing with one that impacts your family is not something that you can prepare for.
After the loss of a loved one, your family will undoubtedly face overwhelming consequences. Knowing what to do during this difficult time is crucial. Remember that there are legal options available to you. Understanding who may be responsible for the accident can help guide you through the process of filing a claim. Whether it was due to negligence on the part of another driver, poor road conditions, or other factors, determining liability is crucial in seeking justice for your loved one.
Unfortunately, several locations on Interstate 95 have been identified as particularly dangerous due to the high rate of fatalities that have been reported over the years.
Most Dangerous Spots on Interstate 95 in Florida
Although a fatal crash can take place anywhere on Interstate 95, there are several locations that tend to be more dangerous. In particular, the 3.85-mile stretch of the Interstate 95 express lanes near the Little River area in Miami Dade tends to be the single most deadly stretch of the interstate in Florida. In just one year, more than 27 people died as a result of accidents in this location.
Another area on the interstate where it is common to see a fatal crash is the one-mile section of Interstate 95 located in Fort Lauderdale. Between 2000 and 2019, 24 deaths were reported in this area. Regardless of whether you are driving near Orlando, Johns County, or another area along the interstate, there is no way to guarantee that you will make it home safely.
If your loved one lost their life in a crash on Interstate 95, law enforcement will conduct an investigation to determine what took place.
Fatal Car Accident Investigation
After a person loses their life in a motor vehicle accident on Interstate 95 in Florida, state law Section 316.065, Florida Statutes, indicates that any driver involved in the crash must notify law enforcement immediately. This is generally done right from the scene by calling 911 for emergency assistance.
Law enforcement will respond to the accident and secure the roadway. As emergency crews work to remove the damaged vehicles and treat injured victims, law enforcement officers will begin the investigation process.
The Florida Highway Patrol is in charge of fatal crash investigations that occur on all highways in the state of Florida. If a local police department does not exist, FHP must investigate the traffic accidents that occur on local roads that are within city limits.
During the investigation process, law enforcement officers are generally looking for various details surrounding the crash in order to determine how it occurred. Authorities will gather as much information as possible while creating a report. The report will include information like:
- The time, date, and location where the accident occurred
- The weather conditions at the location when the accident occurred
- Names, insurance, and contact information of everyone involved in the crash
- Names and contact information for anyone that witnessed the crash
- Information pertaining to the injuries that victims suffered during the accident
- Damages to all of the involved vehicles
- If any alcohol or drugs contributed to the accident
- If traffic congestion played a role
- A sketch of the accident scene
- The approximate speeds of all vehicles involved
It is important to note that law enforcement officers do not always have the ability to draw a final conclusion regarding what caused a deadly crash to take place. There are also instances where the findings of the police report are not 100% accurate. This makes it critically important for your family to hire an attorney who is able to work with experts who can reconstruct the crash and investigate it for you to determine if negligence was a factor.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Florida?
In Florida, a wrongful death lawsuit can be filed after a fatal crash in Florida. The laws surrounding this type of legal action are defined under Fla. Stat. § 768.18. In general, there are several parties who have the legal right to file a wrongful death claim after someone loses their life in a traffic accident. These parties include any survivors of the decedent. State law defines a survivor as:
- The surviving spouse of the deceased victim
- The surviving children of the deceased victim
- The surviving parents of the deceased victim
In addition, any blood relative or adoptive sisters or brothers have the right to file a claim against the responsible party so long as they were wholly or partly dependent upon the deceased victim for services or support prior to their passing.
The state of Florida also establishes laws regarding the right of children who were born out of wedlock. In general, a child that is born to a mother has the right to file a claim against a responsible party. However, the only way the child born out of wedlock to a father has the right to file a claim is if the father recognizes the responsibility for the support of the child.
After determining if you are an entitled party, your lawyer will help you get the lawsuit filed and represent you throughout the entire process.
How Do I File a Wrongful Death Lawsuit After My Loved One Dies in a Crash on I-95 in Florida?
Filing a wrongful death case after the loss of a loved one can be a difficult task. However, it is an important step toward getting justice for your loved one. In order to file a claim, you will need to have strong evidence to present against the defendant. There are several types of evidence and documents that you will need to support your case. This can include:
- Medical records
- Police reports
- Witness statements
In general, any documents or information that is relevant to the accident can help when it comes to strengthening your claim after losing a loved one in an Interstate 95 accident in Florida. After collecting all necessary documents, you should contact the insurance company of the at-fault party or parties involved in the accident. Be prepared to provide them with all the details of the incident and any supporting evidence you have gathered.
It is crucial to remember that insurance companies do not generally have your best interest in mind. Instead, they are primarily concerned with minimizing their own liability. As a result, they may try to offer you a low settlement or deny your claim altogether. If this happens, hiring an experienced attorney that is well-versed in handling wrongful death claims can greatly benefit your case.
An attorney can guide you through the complex legal process of filing a wrongful death case and help ensure that your rights and best interests are protected. Your attorney will be able to negotiate on your behalf with insurance companies and fight for fair compensation for your losses and damages. You must remember that filing a wrongful death claim takes time, so it is important to be patient throughout the process. Your focus should be on grieving and healing while leaving legal matters in your attorney’s hands. It is important that your attorney keeps your family updated throughout the legal process so you always know what is going on with your case.
By filing a claim with proper guidance from an attorney equipped with knowledge of our state’s laws specifically related to wrongful death cases stemming from car accidents on I-95 today in Florida, you take proactive steps towards seeking justice for the unexpected loss of your loved one.
Getting Justice After the Loss of a Loved One in an Interstate 95 Accident in Florida Today
Losing a loved one is incredibly painful, and taking legal action can be confusing and stressful, especially if you have never filed a wrongful death claim before. However, the right attorney will provide vital support to ensure that you are able to pursue your rights and obtain fair compensation for your loss.
At i95accidentalerts.com, we understand the importance of finding an experienced attorney who embodies empathy and has an impressive track record when it comes to handling wrongful death claims in Florida. We can help connect you with attorneys who have extensive experience and knowledge in this field so that you can have peace of mind during such a difficult time, knowing that someone is advocating on your behalf toward obtaining justice for yourself and your family. Contact us today if you have lost a loved one as a result of their involvement in an Interstate 95 car accident so that we can help you get started on your path toward justice.