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Negligent drivers are not the only cause of car accidents. Victims of automobile accidents often do not realize that improper highway designs and conditions may have played a role in the accident, or even caused it. Governments can be held accountable for creating defective, hazardous roadways.
Interstate 95 in south Florida is designated “ground zero” for highway scarring—a term used to describe shallow cavities in the pavement that can unsettle drivers and create hazards. The cavities are not deep potholes, only about an inch deep, but they can be dangerous because drivers of cars, trucks, and motorcycles often swerve to avoid them.
The Florida Department of Transportation is aware of the interstate’s scars and has recently completed a repair project that placed patches along the northbound lanes between Gateway Boulevard and Hypoluxo Road. The department admits there is a chance more cavities will form on other spots of the highway, but experts have no firm explanation for their formation.
The best theory for highway scarring is a combination of factors. It is believed the asphalt temperature may have been too low prior to pouring, causing the surface to be rougher, and irregular surfaces tend to deteriorate quicker. Also, the interstate was paved between midnight and 3 a.m. when temperatures were coolest, again increasing the likelihood that the asphalt mixture was too cool to be poured.
The Department of Transportation is planning to apply a new surface to parts of I-95 in the area in a few years. But until then, motorists should keep an eye out for more of these south Florida potholes.
At Hoskins, Turco, Lloyd & Lloyd, our lawyers review every motor vehicle accident case to determine whether you have a case against the government. If you do, we will fight to get you the compensation you need to cover your medical bills, pain and suffering, lost wages, and other expenses. With more than 30 years of experience on our side, we know how to succeed in these challenging cases.
For a free personal injury appointment at any of our law offices in Port St. Lucie, Vero Beach, Fort Pierce, or Okeechobee, contact us:
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