Orlando personal injury attorney, David R. Heil, has helped victims of car accidents, including those caused by distracted or impaired drivers on the interstate and expressway. Heil Law has compiled the following information to inform readers about these new I-4 Express lanes and how they may impact our community in the future.

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What you need to know about the new Orlando I-4 Express lanes

The FDOT is in the final stages of construction on the I-4 Express as part of the I-4 Ultimate overhaul. These lanes are a major construction project and are expected to open by the end of February 2022.

There are no physical toll booths as part of the I-4 Express but will cater to people with an E-Pass or SunPass. Tolls will start at around $3 and eventually, the FDOT will set tolls according to traffic volume.

The new express lanes will help manage congestion on the interstate and provide drivers with an option to access areas in Orlando. But as we mentioned, drivers will need to pay special attention to the express lanes and be sure to avoid any incidents that could lead to a car accident.

Tips to avoid car accidents on the new Orlando I-4 Express Lanes

Even though the new express lanes are designed to reduce car accidents in Florida, there are steps that everyone should take to ensure safe travel. Drivers can help protect themselves through the following:

• Stay awake: It sounds simple enough to stay awake on the road. But for those who drive long distances, it is important to remain alert and aware of your surroundings. If you start to feel tired while on the I-4 and the Express Lanes, find a safe place to exit and call for assistance if needed.
• Avoid distractions: If you are easily distracted on the road, consider putting your phone out of reach. Distractions can be dangerous when driving, especially on the express lanes. 
• Be aware of your speed: While these new lanes do help manage traffic flow, car accidents in Orlando will still happen. If you are going faster or slower than the flow of traffic, this will increase your risk of a collision.
• Never tailgate: Tailgating is never safe and can increase your chances of a rear-end collision. Maintain a safe distance from the vehicle in front of you. If you are stuck behind a vehicle for an extended period, try to switch lanes if it is safe to do so.
• Stay alert while merging: Make sure you pay close attention while merging onto the I-4 Express Lanes and adjust your speed to the natural flow of traffic. If you are unsure how to merge on or off the new I-4 Express Lanes, consider contacting FDOT for advice before your trip.
• Recognize emergency vehicles: FDOT created special rules and regulations for emergency vehicles on the new I-4 Express. If you encounter an emergency vehicle, move out of the way as quickly and safely as possible.

What should I do after an auto accident on the Orlando portion of I-4?

If you get into an accident on I-4, take care of yourself and your passengers first. You should also call for assistance and determine if there are any personal injuries or damages to your property. Here is what you can do after a collision in Orlando:

• Make sure everyone is unharmed: Even minor injuries can get worse without proper care. Call 911 immediately if someone is injured or begins to feel sick after the accident.
• Collect evidence: Remember to document the incident thoroughly. Take pictures of the damage to your vehicle and the other car involved. If there are witnesses, ask for their contact information so you can speak with them later.
• Call a law enforcement official: Police officers can also document the accident and file an official report. They can also assist with exchanging information with the other drivers involved.
• Contact an auto accident attorney: Contact Attorney David R. Heil in Orlando if you or a loved one are injured in an auto accident. Our experienced legal team will ensure your rights are protected.

What can a car accident attorney do?

Most drivers assume that insurance companies will provide them with everything they need after an accident. However, you could be left with major medical bills and out-of-pocket expenses that insurance companies will not pay for. An auto accident attorney can help ensure these additional costs are covered. Experienced Orlando Attorney, David R. Heil, would be honored to provide you with advice for your specific case during a consultation.

Do I need an Orlando car accident lawyer?

The I-4 Express lanes are a welcome addition to Orlando’s transportation options. However, accidents can still happen despite our best efforts. If you get involved in a car accident on the I-4 Express Lanes, contact David R. Heil, PA, to help ensure that you are compensated for your losses. Our goal is to help Orlando drivers receive the justice they deserve after a collision.

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You could go from being a well to do corporate exec to living on disability checks. No one likes or even wants this. So, why not just avoid it altogether. The first step to avoiding any accident is to know what the common causes of accidents are and then avoid them as much as possible.

Distracted Driving

This is responsible for at least 1.6 million crashes and over thirty-five thousand deaths annually. Distracted driving can be caused by phone calls – even if you are using a hands-free device – texting, having an animated conversation, looking for stuff in the dashboard, applying makeups, or trying to pick something off the floor off the car. As much as possible, avoid anything that will make you distracted when you’re driving your car.

Drowsy Driving

This happens when a driver has not had enough sleep. It is pretty common among long distance and professional drivers. Sleeping behind the wheels is clearly dangerous and should be avoided at all costs. If you are feeling tired, just pull over by the side of the road or get to a rest area or truck stop and grab a few hours of sleep. Pushing yourself when you are obviously tired, even with the help of caffeine, probably won’t help.

Tailgating

This is responsible for a significant number of rear-end collisions. Always makes sure that there’s enough distance between your car and the one in front of you. That way, if they brake suddenly or make any sudden turns, you’ll have enough time to react and avoid any accidents.

Excessive Speeding

This is the principal cause of car accidents on the highway and within the city. Cars speeding well over the limit on the highways and expressways in particular are often a common sight. If you or anyone notices a car speeding excessively, call 911 and report the car.

That way, they can have highway patrol officers on the lookout for such cars. Even if they get by you and you are not involved in any accident, they could get involved in an accident with another car. Drivers like that are accidents waiting to happen and are hazards to every road user.

Driving Under Influence

Driving drunk or under the influence of any drug is highly risky. It is one of the major causes of vehicular accidents all over the world. It’s clear that drugs and alcohol impair your judgment. In fact, it is often explicitly stated that you should not operate any heavy machinery (this includes even the smallest car models) whilst under any influence or taking any drugs that can impair your judgment. So, as much as possible, if you’ve been drinking or taking any drugs – antihistamines and antidepressants inclusive – leave the driving to someone else or get a cab.

Reckless and Careless Driving

When people drive carelessly and without regard for other road users, they are likely to cause an accident in the future. Tailgating, suddenly changing lanes and road rage are clear indicators of reckless driving. If you come in contact with people like that, best avoid them.

Usually people who drive recklessly are under the influence, are fleeing somewhere or something or have been involved in something criminal. So, you might want to call the police so they’ll pull the individual off the road.

Running Red Lights and Stop Signs

Running red lights and stop signs is clearly dangerous particularly when the road is busy. This is one of the quickest ways to get in an accident. So, no matter how much you need to get to where you are going, you should always stop wherever there’s a stop sign or red light. Running through will most likely get you T-boned.

Other major causes of vehicular accidents include rain and snow (which typically result in poor visibility and slippery roads), inexperienced teenagers and road users, sudden lane changes and driving at night.

Avoid all these as much as possible, and you’ll be safe. In the event of an accident that is no fault of yours’ get in touch with a vehicle accident and personal injury lawyer who will advise you on what you need to do to get maximum compensation.

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1. The statute of limitations varies by state. While most states have a time limitation of between one and two years to file a car accident claim, be aware that if you miss the deadline to file, you give up your right to file suit on that accident forever. An attorney will know the statute of limitations for the state where the accident occurred, and how soon you must act.

2. Other time constraints may include a specific period of time in which you have to file reports and notices. Again, the requirements vary by state. An experienced car accident attorney will know the law specific to your state and ensure you do not jeopardize your legal rights by missing an important date or failing to file a required document.

3. Your insurance company may or may not always advocate for your best interest when it comes to compensating you for damages. Even though you have insurance for protection, insurance companies try to keep their overhead low, which means they might not have your best interests at heart. Your attorney will always be your advocate, and will work to get you the compensation you deserve.

4. Potential damages may be available to you that you are unaware of. If you file a claim, you may be able to recover money you paid for medical bills and money you lost if you weren’t able to work. You and your family may even be able to receive compensation for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and even loss of companionship if you are severely injured. An attorney will know what compensation may be available to you.

5. Personal injury lawsuits are complex and have many legal elements, as trying to prove that someone breached their duty of care can be difficult, even with a police report and eye witness accounts that show the accident was someone else’s fault. An attorney knows the laws that govern personal injury matters. They will also know how to gather and evaluate evidence, interview witnesses, present your case to the courts and what case law to reference in support of your legal position.

6. Auto insurance policies and car accident laws vary widely across the country. In fact, whether or not you can sue after an auto accident depends on your jurisdiction. In some states there are only certain circumstances in which you can file a lawsuit, while in comparative negligence states, a person can sue even if the accident was partially their fault, and in contributory negligence jurisdictions, you cannot sue if you contributed in any way to causing an accident. A car accident lawyer will know the specific laws for your jurisdiction and how they apply to your case.

7. Most car accident personal injury cases end in settlements before ever going to trial because the defendant or his insurance company makes an offer to settle the case out of court. Without an attorney, you may accept an offer that has terms that fall far below what you actually deserve. Be warned, if you accept a settlement offer, you forego your right to sue. Your attorney can help you assess if the accepting the settlement is in your best interest or if you should continue your fight in court.

8. Filing a lawsuit is complicated and strictly guided regarding what is admissible in court as evidence, how the legal brief is to be prepared and how legal precedent cited. Without an attorney, you run the risk of preparing a legal brief or court filing that does not fulfill the courts guidelines. An auto accident attorney is already familiar with these requirements, and will guide you through every step of the filing process.

9. Proving a personal injury case in court is even more complex then preparing the document filings. From the discovery process, to evidence evaluation and presentation, to expert witnesses and cross-examinations, you need experience to be able to convince the court to rule on your behalf, especially if you are working to sway a jury to see your side. Also, your attorney will know how to conduct the legal research needed to support your case.

10. Having an attorney guide you through the legal process, ensuring documents are filed within deadlines, that evidence and research support your case, and making sure you don’t settle for less then what you deserve to be compensated is worth far more than the risk of trying to represent yourself and possibly losing your only chance to seek recovery for injuries caused by negligence of others.

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