In most instances, the main cause of a car crash at a toll booth is driver error. In addition, road conditions, the toll booth’s design, and mechanical failures can also lead to accidents.
If you have been in an accident at a toll booth, a toll booth car crash lawyer may be able to help. Our Fort Myers car accident lawyers can investigate your accident, file an insurance claim for compensation, and protect your rights.
Toll Booths in Fort Myers: How Technology Has Changed Conditions
For most drivers, manned toll booths are a thing of the past, but the physical structures still exist on some of our roads, bridges, and highways in Fort Myers. For example, the Sanibel Causeway, Cape Coral Bridge, and Midpoint Memorial Bridge all have toll booths.
Today, most tolls are collected using transponders or license plate recognition, and though most toll booths have been modified to accommodate the new technology and a smoother flow of traffic, accidents can and still occur at these structures.
According to the 2023 Florida Traffic Crash Facts Annual Report, there were 68 fatalities due to road conditions on the Turnpike and toll roads. In addition to that, there were 355 incapacitating injuries requiring hospitalization and 1,454 non-incapacitating injuries, such as bruising. In total, there were 20,889 crashes.
Driver Error Is Often the Cause of a Car Toll Booth Crash
As stated, most toll booths are not manned, and the physical structures may have changed, but driver error when approaching these facilities is still the common cause of accidents. Frequently, accidents occur due to the following negligent behaviors:
- Sudden stops: Due to inattention or inexperience with toll systems
- Distraction: Texting and driving, reading signs, or checking a map
- Speeding: Including any reckless driving, like weaving through traffic
- Fatigue: Such as a commercial driver exceeding their hours of service
Impatient driving is another frequent contributor, especially during high-traffic times. Drivers may try to switch lanes abruptly to reach a faster-moving toll lane, causing sideswipes or rear-end collisions.
Tourists unfamiliar with Florida toll roads may also brake suddenly or enter incorrect lanes, leading to last-second maneuvers that raise crash risk.
Road Conditions Leading to Car Crashes Into Toll Booth
The conditions on the road can also lead to car accidents at a toll booth. Examples include the following:
- Heavy traffic
- Poor weather
- Construction
- Poor road design or maintenance
Rain and fog can reduce visibility, especially at night, causing drivers to misjudge distances or fail to see lane dividers. Wet pavement can also lead to hydroplaning as vehicles slow abruptly.
Temporary detours or reconfigurations near toll plazas can further confuse drivers if signage is lacking or poorly placed. These issues can create bottlenecks, erratic behavior, or panic stops.
Faulty Auto Parts Could Also Contribute to Your Toll Booth Crash
It is also possible that your car accident occurred at the toll booth due to a mechanical failure, such as a tire blowout or brake failure. While in the tightly confined spaces of a toll booth, such failures could leave a driver with few options to maneuver their vehicle away from others.
Vehicle recalls related to braking systems, steering components, or transmission issues may also factor into toll booth crashes. These defects can reduce a driver’s control in close quarters, especially when slowing from highway speeds.
In such cases, the vehicle manufacturer or a repair shop that failed to properly service your car may bear partial liability.
Who May Be Liable in a Fort Myers Toll Booth Accident?
Determining liability requires an investigation into all contributing factors. The at-fault party could be:
- A negligent driver who was speeding, distracted, or aggressive
- A municipal or state agency responsible for toll plaza upkeep or signage
- A vehicle manufacturer for mechanical defects
- A contractor who performed faulty roadwork near the toll plaza
A Fort Myers car accident attorney can gather surveillance footage, police reports, and vehicle data to identify liability and pursue maximum compensation.
Common Injuries in Toll Booth Accidents
Despite being low-speed areas, toll booths are known for producing serious injuries due to sudden impacts and tight surroundings. These may include:
- Whiplash and soft tissue damage
- Head trauma or concussions from airbag deployment
- Broken bones from side-impact collisions
- Back or neck injuries requiring long-term care
Prompt medical evaluation is critical, not just for treatment but also for documenting the connection between the accident and your injuries.
Recovering Compensation After a Toll Booth Crash
If another party’s negligence caused your injuries, you may be entitled to damages for:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost income or earning potential
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Property damage
An experienced personal injury attorney will work to maximize your compensation by presenting strong evidence of your losses and advocating in negotiations or at trial.
Choose a Legal Team That Delivers Proven Results
At the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato, we know how complex toll booth accidents can become. We have secured multimillion-dollar settlements in traffic-related claims across Florida.
Our results include:
- $3.85 million in a truck rollover settlement
- $5.25 million in a wrongful death truck case
- $925,000 negligent security claim
We work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless we win. Let us investigate liability, preserve key evidence, and fight for the justice you deserve.
Call the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato Regarding Your Fort Myers Toll Booth Accident
If you have been in an accident at a toll booth in Fort Myers, our Fort Myers personal injury lawyers may be able to help. We provide legal representation on contingency, so you will pay nothing for our services until you recover compensation.
Call 844-643-7200 today and receive a free case consultation. Our legal team will listen patiently and explain your legal options for recovery.
