The South Florida portion of Interstate 95 is one of the busiest in the country. High speeds, the fact that it’s a major shipping corridor, and its position as one of the top routes tourists take to the many attractions in Florida all combine to create a perfect storm for a deadly car wreck. Understanding the dangers along I-95 can help you practice defensive driving and avoid a collision. And, if the unthinkable happens and you are struck by an intoxicated, distracted, or reckless driver, a West Palm Beach car accident lawyer from Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath is ready to help, providing personalized legal advice and tenacious advocacy to help ensure your interests are protected.
Recent incidents highlight the dangers of I-95
| A multi-vehicle collision on I-95 in Oakland Park early Friday, January 10, resulted in the death of a woman and injuries to two others.
The incident began with an initial crash involving several vehicles. While a man and a woman were standing outside their vehicles discussing the accident, a secondary collision occurred, leading to the woman being struck by another vehicle. She was transported to Broward Health North, where she later died. The crash led to the closure of all northbound lanes between Oakland Park Boulevard and Commercial Boulevard for nearly five and a half hours, causing significant traffic delays. |
| On December 21, 2024, at approximately 4:10 a.m., a dark blue BMW sedan rear-ended a gold Nissan sedan on southbound I-95 near Northwest 79th Street in Miami-Dade County. The impact caused the Nissan to travel several hundred feet before stopping in the outside lanes, where it became fully engulfed in flames, resulting in the driver’s death at the scene. The driver of the BMW fled on foot and is currently sought by authorities.
The victim was identified as 39-year-old Alissa “Lisa” Taylor, a devoted mother to her 10-year-old son, Malik, and a Metrorail worker known for her friendly demeanor. Her family is urging the responsible driver to come forward and is seeking justice for her untimely death. CBS NEWS The collision caused significant damage to the roadway, necessitating repairs and temporary closures. |
| On January 11, 2025, at approximately 2 a.m., a motorcyclist was fatally injured in a crash on northbound I-95 near Griffin Road in Dania Beach.
The accident led to the closure of several northbound lanes for multiple hours. The Florida Highway Patrol is investigating the incident, and the victim’s identity has not yet been released. |
Common hazards for traffic accidents on I-95 Florida
I-95 near West Palm Beach is a high-risk area due to daily heavy traffic, frequent lane changes, and stop-start patterns, increasing the likelihood of rear-end collisions. Construction zones exacerbate these dangers with lane closures and debris. Aggressive driving and road rage incidents, sparked by traffic frustrations, further heighten crash risks and can make post-crash situations volatile.
Additionally, tropical storms and hurricanes amplify these challenges, making the area especially hazardous during severe weather. Drivers are urged to stay alert and avoid driving in dangerous weather conditions.
What should I do if I’ve been in an accident on I-95 in West Palm Beach?
After a car crash, prioritize your safety by calling emergency services immediately. EMS can diagnose hidden injuries, while police create an official accident report crucial for insurance claims and legal cases. If possible, move your vehicle to the roadside to prevent further accidents. While waiting, assess your injuries for 911, exchange contact and insurance information with the other driver, and document the scene with photos or videos for evidence.
What are my legal options after a traffic accident on I-95 in Florida?
Florida is a no-fault state for car accidents. It requires all drivers to carry Personal Injury Protection (PIP), which pays for damages sustained in a collision no matter whose fault the accident is. Your insurance company will cover your medical expenses, but if your injury exceeds your PIP coverage cap, then you have the right to file a fault-based claim against the other driver and demand full compensation for all your losses, material and non-material.
If you need to pursue a claim for compensatory damages because your losses were so high, an experienced Florida car accident attorney can help you build a solid case justifying your demands for a fair settlement. At Lytal, Reiter, Smith, Ivey & Fronrath, we have extensive experience handling contentious car accident claims, and we understand how to build a strong case if your PIP coverage isn’t enough to cover all your losses. Contact us at (561) 655-1990 if you’ve been hurt in a traffic accident on Florida’s I-95.
