Florida Woman Killed in Crash After Alligator Enters I-95
Nobody expects to hit an alligator while driving but this recently happened to a Florida resident. It led to a chain reaction crash, causing a fatality.
The accident happened on Interstate 95 in Brevard County on the evening of August 30. The victim was a 20-year-old woman who had recently accepted a civilian position with a Florida sheriff’s office. The woman joined the Indian River County Sheriff’s Office on July 20 as a civilian corrections assistant. Her father also worked as a deputy with the agency.
The accident happened as a 58-year-old man was traveling south on I-95. His vehicle struck an alligator that had entered the roadway.
A second driver, identified by family members as the 20-year-old woman, encountered the crash and swerved to avoid it. Her pickup truck overturned.
The woman was ejected from the vehicle and was subsequently struck by a third motorist. The third driver fled the scene and had not yet been located.
The Indian River County Sheriff’s Office announced the woman’s death in a social media post and expressed condolences to her family and loved ones. Anyone with information about the crash or the driver who fled the scene is asked to contact the Florida Highway Patrol.
How Common Are Car Accidents Involving Alligators?
Florida is home to an estimated 1.3 million alligators, which can be found throughout much of the state. While encounters between vehicles and alligators are relatively uncommon compared with other types of traffic crashes, motorists can encounter them on roads near lakes, canals, wetlands, rivers and other bodies of water.
Alligators may cross roads while moving between bodies of water or searching for food, mates or new territory. They can be particularly difficult to see at night, when visibility is already reduced.
A large alligator in the roadway can create a serious hazard. A collision with one can cause significant vehicle damage, while a driver who suddenly swerves to avoid an animal can lose control of the vehicle, leave the roadway, or collide with another motorist. Therefore, drivers should remain alert when traveling through areas where alligators are common, particularly at night and near waterways.
If an alligator or other large animal is spotted in the roadway, motorists should slow down when possible and maintain control of their vehicles. Sudden swerving can create additional dangers, particularly on high-speed roads such as interstates.
Drivers should also maintain a safe following distance. If another vehicle suddenly brakes or swerves because of an animal in the road, having additional space can allow for more time to react. If a collision occurs, motorists should move to a safe location when possible and contact law enforcement or emergency services.
Contact Us Today
Car accidents can be serious in nature, especially when large animals like alligators are involved. These reptiles are common in Florida and can cause a lot of damage.
In a crash? Whether or not animals were involved, a Bradenton car accident lawyer from Cahall Law Firm can assist you. These cases can be complex but we are here to help. Fill out the online form or call (941) 281-2019 to schedule a consultation.
Source:
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