Interstate 275, or I-275, is a 60-mile long highway serving the Tampa Bay area in Florida. Because I drive on 275 at least twice daily, I am very familiar with the route. 275 southernmost stretch begins in Palmetto. By heading north, it then crosses over the Sunshine Skyway Bridge, past a toll, and then into St. Petersburg. After traveling through a lengthy stretch in St. Petersburg, the road crosses Tampa Bay via the Howard Frankland Bridge. 275 then passes through Tampa where it connects with I-4 or I-75.
The speed limit on 275 all throughout St. Petersburg is 65mph. The speed limit slows to 55mph on the Tampa side of the Howard Frankland Bridge.
Traffic is a constant battle on I-275 and there are multiple serious accidents daily on this road. Anyone familiar with the interstate is aware of how historically bad traffic always is on the Tampa side. It seems that there is always stop and go traffic heading into Tampa and heavy traffic during the afternoon/evening rush out leaving Tampa.
But, over the last few years, traffic has also increased in the St. Petersburg side of the road. It seems that the road can no longer handle the volume of traffic coming in and out of St. Petersburg. There are now regular traffic jams all along the stretch from the 5th Ave. N. exit to the 54th Ave. N exit in both directions. This was never the case until approximately 2016.
Why Are There so Many Auto Accidents on I-275?
Simply put, there are too many cars on I-275. When you add tractor-trailers, commercial trucks, landscape trailers, and heavy equipment carriers to the road, traffic can be a nightmare. With the number of exits and entrances to 275, the congestion around each of these areas magnifies the problems. During certain peak times of the day, traffic swells. Also, during peak tourist seasons, there are always more cars on the road. It seems like there is a never-ending and always escalating problem which is causing truck accidents and car accidents.
What Do I Do After an Auto Accident on I-275?
After an auto accident on 275, you must seek medical attention quickly. If you need emergency care, it is advised that you go to the hospital. I also advise my clients that hospitals are preferred over walk-in or urgent care clinics. But, if you have not sought emergency medical care, you need to find a medical provider as soon as possible. For every day that you do not seek treatment, the insurance company will devalue your claim.
You also should always contact law enforcement after an accident. Most crashes on 275 are serious enough that the police are called. But, if you have any questions, call them. I can’t tell you how many times I am contacted weekly by people who did not call the police and regret that decision because the other person’s insurance company doesn’t care.
Finally, while you need to report the claim to your own insurance company, you have no obligation to speak to the other insurance company. The other company will likely try to ask you about your injuries. If you say anything inconsistent from that interview to the time you submit your claim, they will use that against you. Therefore, I always advise clients to let your own lawyer handle the communication with the other insurance company.
Speak to an Auto Accident Lawyer
Our team of lawyers has handled every type of auto accident case that has occurred on 275. From rollovers to rear-end collisions, we have seen it all. While we always hope that you do not find yourself in a situation where you are seriously injured, in reality, very serious crashes occur daily. When so many vehicles are moving at such high speeds, it is inevitable that something tragic may happen. If you or a loved one has been involved in a serious auto accident on 275, please contact us for a free consultation. Time is of the essence to prepare your accident claim and to maximize the settlement of your claim.
