Fort Lauderdale Car Accidents on I-95: What Victims Should Know About Filing a Claim

Driving along Interstate 95 (I-95) in Fort Lauderdale can be unpredictable and dangerous. As one of the busiest highways in Florida, I-95 runs directly through the heart of Fort Lauderdale, connecting drivers to Miami, West Palm Beach, and beyond. While this thoroughfare is essential for commuters and travelers, it is also a hotspot for car accidents—many of them serious. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a crash on I-95, it’s important to understand your legal rights and the steps you can take to pursue compensation. A Fort Lauderdale accident lawyer can help guide you through the process.

Accidents on I-95 are common for several reasons, particularly within the Fort Lauderdale corridor:

• Heavy traffic volumes: I-95 is heavily traveled by commuters, tourists, and commercial trucks.
• Frequent lane changes and merges: With multiple on-ramps and exits, drivers often make sudden moves without signaling.
• Speeding: Despite posted limits, many drivers exceed safe speeds, especially during off-peak hours.
• Distracted driving: Texting, eating, and GPS use are frequent causes of rear-end collisions and side-swipes.
• Construction zones: I-95 is often undergoing repairs, creating lane closures and confusing detours.

These hazards often lead to multi-vehicle pileups, rollover accidents, and collisions involving motorcycles or large trucks.

If you’ve been involved in a car accident on I-95, taking immediate and strategic action is critical:

1. Call 911: Ensure emergency services respond and a police report is filed.
2. Seek medical attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, get evaluated—some conditions take hours or days to appear.
3. Document everything: Take photos of the crash, your injuries, and road conditions.
4. Exchange information: Get names, contact details, and insurance information from all involved drivers.
5. Speak to witnesses: Their statements may support your case.
6. Avoid speaking to insurers alone: Before giving a recorded statement or signing any documents, consult a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer.

Certain areas along I-95 in Fort Lauderdale have a higher frequency of collisions due to design flaws, high-speed merging traffic, and consistent congestion. Recognizing these danger zones can help drivers stay alert—and help victims build stronger claims by demonstrating known risk factors.

• I-595 Interchange: A major convergence point where traffic from the Port Everglades Expressway flows into I-95. High speeds and sudden lane changes make this area a frequent site for accidents.
• Broward Boulevard Exit: With heavy commuter use and vehicles rapidly switching lanes to reach downtown exits, rear-end crashes are common here.
• Cypress Creek Road and Commercial Boulevard Areas: These sections see a mix of commuter, local, and truck traffic, leading to a high rate of multi-vehicle accidents during peak hours.
• Construction Zones Near Oakland Park Boulevard: Shifting lanes, unclear signage, and reduced visibility contribute to confusion and collisions in this stretch.

If your crash occurred in one of these known danger zones, a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer can use this information to reinforce your claim and show that traffic design or chronic congestion played a role in your injury.

Florida is a no-fault state for car insurance, which means your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage pays for your medical expenses and lost wages—regardless of who caused the accident. However, if your injuries are considered “serious,” you may pursue additional compensation from the at-fault driver.

Examples of “serious injuries” include:

• Permanent disability
• Significant scarring or disfigurement
• Loss of bodily function
• Death (for wrongful death claims)

Proving the other driver’s negligence—such as reckless driving or DUI—can allow you to seek compensation beyond your PIP limits.

Filing a claim after a car crash in Fort Lauderdale, especially one involving multiple vehicles or severe injuries, can be complex. A Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer can:

• Investigate the accident: Collect evidence, obtain video footage, and analyze police reports.
• Negotiate with insurers: Insurance companies often offer low settlements—your attorney will fight for a fair payout.
• Calculate full damages: This includes current and future medical bills, lost income, emotional distress, and vehicle damage.
• Represent you in court: If negotiations fail, your case can be taken to trial to pursue full compensation.

Victims of I-95 crashes in Fort Lauderdale may be entitled to recover:

• Medical expenses: ER visits, surgeries, physical therapy, medications.
• Lost wages: For missed work and diminished future earnings.
• Pain and suffering: Emotional and physical distress caused by the accident.
• Property damage: Repairs or replacement for your vehicle.
• Punitive damages: In cases of extreme negligence, such as hit-and-runs or DUI.

In Florida, you generally have two years from the date of the car accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. If a government vehicle was involved, or special circumstances apply, deadlines may be shorter. Don’t delay—early legal action helps preserve evidence and strengthens your claim.

Recovering after a serious car crash on I-95 in Fort Lauderdale isn’t just about healing physically—it’s about protecting your financial future. You shouldn’t have to battle insurance companies while managing injuries and emotional trauma.

A Fort Lauderdale accident lawyer can handle the legal details while you focus on recovery. Whether you were rear-ended, sideswiped, or involved in a multi-vehicle pileup, you deserve justice and fair compensation.

Since 1963, Jerome Wolfson, Esq. and the team at Wolfson & Leon have proudly served accident victims across Florida:

• Miami
• Orlando
• Tampa
• Jacksonville
• Fort Lauderdale
• West Palm Beach
• Fort Myers
• Cape Coral
• Sarasota
• Clearwater
• Tallahassee

Let us help you get back on the road to recovery. Call (305) 285-1115 today, and our team will handle your case with the personal care and attention you deserve.