RSSPothole on I-4 in Longwood Badly Damages Multiple Cars
An enormous pothole located in Longwood is believed to be responsible for multiple auto accidents, damaging up to thirty separate cars on the night of Tuesday, December 17th. Reports from troopers working with the Florida Highway Patrol indicated that they began to receive reports on the pothole close to 8:30 on Tuesday night after many vehicles hit the large crevasse and began to suffer from damage.
The pothole in question is believed to be located in the center lanes of westbound Interstate 4. I-4 has recently been in the news due to the I-4 Ultimate Project which is aimed at increasing traffic flow, safety for drivers, and accessibility to the surrounding metropolitan areas. Unfortunately, the I-4 Ultimate Project has also been in the news repeatedly due to construction-related deaths and car accidents. It is not clear at this time whether or not the pothole in Longwood is related to the I-4 construction project, but it is believed that the Florida Department of Transportation is currently in contact with the I-4 contractors in relation to the hole and the crashes.
A statement from the FDOT indicated that they were not really certain why the potholes formed in the first place. Bad weather was blamed, but there was no real justification for this move other than to possibly shift the blame from the government agencies tasked with ensuring that roadways are safe for motorists.
It is not known how long after receiving the initial reports of the pothole’s presence that troopers shut down the lane and began to investigate, but it is clear that between 25 and 30 cars were damaged in the meantime. At least one of these cars was so badly maimed by the pothole that it required a tow truck to leave the area.
After the lane was shut down, repair crews tended to the hole, deeming it properly fixed as of 6:00 on the morning of Wednesday, December 18th.
It is not believed that accidents between vehicles were reported in the area as a result of the pothole. It is not clear if any injuries were reported as having been sustained during the impact between the pothole and passing cars.
Sources:
James O. Cunningham
Since 1977, personal injury lawyer James Cunningham has provided effective legal advocacy to people who are injured through the negligent actions of another person or entity throughout the Central Florida area. He fights to obtain recoveries for his clients’ physical and emotional pain and suffering and pursues his clients’ personal injury cases with a commitment to excellence and impeccable preparation.
Mr. Cunningham is an excellent and knowledgeable attorney.