There’s always a lot of activity on I-75, no matter the hour. Commuters, tourists, and commercial trucks all travel through Southwest Florida’s Fort Myers region every day. When accidents occur, they can happen suddenly and with catastrophic consequences. Understanding your rights following I-75 car accidents near Fort Myers is crucial as injury claims, insurance issues, and fault assessments arise.
What Makes I-75 Near Fort Myers Dangerous
I-75 runs straight through Fort Myers and Lee County. Exits near the city include Colonial Blvd (SR 884), Daniels Parkway, and Alico Road. Lee County drivers and long-distance commuters mix at these busy interchanges with tourists and 18-wheelers. This creates a number of scenarios that make it particularly dangerous, including:
- Tourists are not familiar with local traffic patterns
- Drivers tend to switch lanes frequently before and after exits like Colonial Blvd and Daniels Pkwy
- High speeds and rush-hour congestion can cause delays
- Semi trucks and delivery vehicles use this highway daily
- Storms can roll in without much notice, especially if there is flooding
Drivers who get into accidents on I-75 near Fort Myers usually suffer more damage than if they crashed on a side street. Since most vehicles are traveling at higher speeds, they collide with greater force. Serious injury is always a possibility when big trucks are involved.
Serious Injuries in I-75 Car Accidents
In 2025, there were 13,492 crashes in Lee County, with some likely occurring on I-75. These crashes resulted in 8,730 injuries and 109 fatalities. Car accidents on I-75 often cause severe injuries that can change a person’s life. Some of these injuries may require months to heal, and some might never fully go away.
Damage to the head, neck, back, extremities, and internal organs is typical of car accidents. Victims can sustain traumatic brain injuries, potentially leading to paralysis, along with broken bones and internal bleeding. Whiplash and soft tissue damage are also common. In worst-case scenarios, someone could lose their life or sustain injuries that leave them permanently disabled.
Some injuries are not visible immediately after an accident. Make sure you see a doctor and keep a record of all your symptoms if you’re thinking about filing a car accident case.
Florida Car Accident Laws That Impact I-75 Accident Claims
Florida has several laws that can impact someone who wishes to file an accident claim. Florida law requires everyone to have no-fault car insurance coverage. Florida Statute 627.736 outlines the requirements for no-fault insurance. Under this law, you must file a claim with your insurance provider for medical costs even if someone else was at fault.
If two or more parties are found to be at fault for an accident in Florida, Florida Statute 768.81 applies. This law determines how much compensation you could recover based on the level of fault present. A Fort Myers car accident attorney can help you understand how state laws apply to your specific situation.
What To Do After a Car Accident on I-75
If you are involved in an accident on Interstate 75, you may feel confused. The actions that you take after a crash can help you protect yourself and your legal rights. After a crash, check to see if everyone involved is ok and call for help if needed. You should always seek medical treatment after an accident, even if you feel fine, since some injuries may not show symptoms until later.
Start by documenting your accident with photos and information from witnesses. Then, you should file a police report and notify your insurance company. It’s important to speak with your insurance company about the accident, but you should not provide a detailed statement. Talk to an attorney from The Caldarone Law Group, P.A. to protect your rights.
Hire a Car Accident Lawyer
Accidents on I-75 near Fort Myers can be caused by a number of different factors. When you decide to hire a car accident lawyer, you can have peace of mind knowing an experienced professional can investigate your crash. An attorney can look into the crash and determine who was at fault. A lawyer can also negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf.
The Lee County Justice Center serves Fort Myers and handles crashes that occur around the city. You can find the Lee County Justice Center at 1700 Monroe Street in Fort Myers, Florida, 33901.
FAQs
What Do You Do If You Get in a Car Accident in Florida?
If you are involved in a car accident in Florida, your first concern should be the safety of yourself and others. Call for medical assistance and police. Seek medical attention if you were injured, even if you think your injuries are minor. Exchange driver information with the other drivers involved. Take pictures of any damage and write down contact information for witnesses. Call your insurance company to report the accident.
How Do You Investigate a Car Accident?
Investigating a car accident often includes reading police reports, analyzing vehicle damage, and evaluating the accident scene. Examining skid marks, traffic camera footage, and witness statements may also be beneficial. Accident reconstruction professionals can also be employed if deemed necessary to help prove how the accident took place. If needed, physical evidence and timelines are used to determine who is at fault.
How Do I Look Up an Accident Report in Florida?
Accident reports in Florida are generally available through the Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles crash portal or through the responding law enforcement agency. You can search by crash date, location, or names of those involved. Reports are usually available after a few days and may carry a nominal fee.
Can You Still Recover Damages If You Were Partially at Fault for an Accident in Florida?
Yes, you can likely still recover damages if you were partially at fault for an accident in Florida. Florida utilizes a comparative fault system, allowing a person to recover if they are partially at fault for the accident. Their damages may be reduced by their percentage of fault, though. For this reason, trying to determine who is liable is crucial to any car accident case.
Contact The Caldarone Law Group, P.A. Today
Justin P. Caldarone understands how insurance companies evaluate claims. His experience prosecuting cases and defending insurance companies allows him to develop effective case strategies. The Caldarone Law Group, P.A., can assist you in your case. Contact us today for a consultation.
