Tampa’s I-275: A Dangerous Highway with a High Risk of Car Accidents
Interstate 275 is one of the most heavily traveled highways in the Tampa Bay area. It connects commuters, tourists, and commercial drivers to key destinations, including I-75, I-4, the University of South Florida, Tampa General Hospital, downtown Tampa, and major entertainment venues.
Unfortunately, with this level of activity comes serious risk. I-275 is no stranger to congestion, aggressive driving, and preventable collisions that leave drivers and passengers with life-altering injuries.
If you or someone you love was hurt in a crash on I-275 caused by a negligent driver, you may be entitled to financial compensation. At Applebaum Accident & Injury Group, we’re here to help you get the care, answers, and justice you deserve.
Why Accidents Happen on I-275
Despite improvements in traffic management and construction, many crashes on I-275 stem from human error—also known as driver negligence. Below are the most common causes of these dangerous and costly collisions.
Speeding
Speed limits vary throughout I-275, ranging from 50 to 70 mph depending on location. Still, drivers are legally obligated to slow down during poor weather, heavy traffic, or road hazards. When drivers ignore these conditions, it leads to:
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Loss of control
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Less time to react to stopped traffic
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Increased stopping distance
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Greater impact force—resulting in more severe injuries
Speeding remains one of the top causes of fatal accidents across the U.S.
Distracted Driving
Every week, Florida sees over 1,000 crashes caused by distracted drivers. These distractions fall into three categories:
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Manual: taking hands off the wheel (e.g., texting, eating)
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Visual: taking eyes off the road (e.g., looking at a phone or GPS)
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Cognitive: taking focus off driving (e.g., daydreaming, arguing)
Texting while driving is especially dangerous because it combines all three.
Impaired Driving
Tampa continues to see hundreds of alcohol- and drug-related crashes each year—many of them fatal. Impaired drivers have reduced coordination, slower reaction times, and poor judgment. In the worst cases, impaired motorists enter I-275 in the wrong direction, leading to deadly head-on collisions.
Failure to Yield
Merging onto I-275, switching lanes, or navigating exits all require drivers to yield the right-of-way. When they don’t, sideswipe and rear-end crashes are common. High speeds often turn these avoidable accidents into multi-car pileups.
Tailgating
Following too closely (tailgating) is one of the most common causes of rear-end collisions. I-275’s stop-and-go traffic and sudden slowdowns only make this problem worse. Some researchers are now studying traffic behavior on I-275 to explore ways to reduce congestion—and accidents.
Aggressive Driving
Aggressive driving often includes:
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Speeding
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Weaving through traffic
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Brake-checking
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Blocking other drivers from merging
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Road rage
These behaviors increase the risk of serious collisions, especially in dense traffic. According to AAA, 80% of drivers admit to aggressive driving at least once in the past month.
What to Do After a Crash on I-275
Being involved in a highway accident is overwhelming and chaotic. The moments afterward can be confusing, but the steps you take can have a big impact on your recovery and your legal case.
Get Medical Care Right Away
Even if your injuries seem minor, get evaluated by a doctor as soon as possible. Some serious injuries—like internal bleeding, whiplash, or brain trauma—may not be obvious at the scene.
Under Florida law, you must seek medical treatment within 14 days of your crash to qualify for coverage under your personal injury protection (PIP) policy. If you wait too long, you could lose access to essential benefits.
Understand Your Rights Under Florida’s No-Fault Law
Florida requires all drivers to carry PIP coverage, which pays for initial medical expenses and lost wages—up to your policy limit—regardless of who caused the accident.
However, if your injuries are serious or your damages exceed that limit, you may be entitled to pursue a personal injury claim against the at-fault driver. This can include compensation for:
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Medical bills
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Lost income
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Pain and suffering
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Long-term care and rehabilitation
Contact a Tampa Car Accident Attorney You Can Trust
At Applebaum Accident & Injury Group, we fight for crash victims across the Tampa area. If someone else’s negligence caused your injuries on I-275, we’ll handle the legal process while you focus on healing.
Our legal team can:
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File your PIP claim and ensure your benefits are protected
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Investigate the crash and determine fault
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Negotiate directly with insurance companies
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File a personal injury lawsuit if needed
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Seek maximum compensation for your losses
Time is limited. In Florida, you typically have two years from the date of the crash to file a personal injury lawsuit. Don’t wait.
Call Applebaum Accident & Injury Group Today
You don’t have to deal with the insurance companies or legal system alone. Our experienced team is here to support you every step of the way—with aggressive representation and compassionate care.
Call us (855-Call-Paul). Let us help you rebuild your life after a crash on I-275.
