Two Separate Crashes Close Down Both Directions of I-75 in Pasco

Wesley Chapel, Florida.— On a Friday night, two separate accidents caused both directions of Interstate 75 to close in Pasco County along the North Suncoast. One of the accidents involved a fiery crash that split a car in two. The other was an overturned semitrailer. These incidents led to major traffic disruptions in the area.

Later that evening, another crash occurred. This car crash resulted in a pedestrian fatality. Around 10:30 p.m., authorities responded by closing all eastbound lanes of Interstate 4 at Hillsborough County Line Road. This closure impacted traffic through the area for several hours.

First Accident

The first car crash took place on I-75 at approximately 5:40 p.m. A 2008 Honda Civic lost control and crossed the median into oncoming traffic. According to the Florida Highway Patrol, the car collided with two northbound vehicles: a Chevy pickup truck and a Ford Ranger. The impact split the Honda in two, causing it to catch fire.

A woman driving the Civic suffered a severe head injury and was airlifted to St. Joseph’s Hospital. Her condition was not available as of Friday evening. The 25-year-old driver of the pickup sustained serious injuries and was taken to Florida Hospital Zephyrhills, while a 46-year-old woman from Largo, driving the Ranger, received treatment for minor injuries at the scene.

Second Accident

Because of the debris and the emergency response from the earlier accident caused traffic to back up on the highway’s southbound side. This congestion contributed to a second car crash. A car suddenly changed lanes in front of a semi-trailer, leading the 40-year-old truck driver to brake abruptly. As a result, he lost control of the vehicle.

The truck veered onto the grass shoulder, collided with a guardrail, jackknifed, and rolled onto its left side before stopping on the median. Fortunately, the truck driver escaped unharmed.

The accidents resulted in the closure of the interstate’s northbound lanes from State Road 56 to State Road 54 in Pasco County and the southbound lanes from State Road 50 in Hernando County to State Road 56.

How Long Did the Crash Cause Southbound I-75 to Close?

A car crash closed the southbound lanes of I-75 for approximately four to five hours.

Did You Suffer From a Traumatic Brain Injury?

Every 21 seconds, someone in the United States suffers a traumatic brain injury or TBI for shorter. Annually, 1.5 million Americans experience a TBI, and 50,000 of those injuries are fatal.

Currently, an estimated 5.3 million Americans live with disabilities caused by TBIs. These injuries can drastically change a person’s thinking, behavior, and emotions, often transforming their lives and those of their loved ones in an instant. 

A TBI from a car accident can be extremely challenging. It occurs when the brain is damaged by sudden extreme force. Symptoms may include concussions, seizures, headaches, dizziness, difficulty concentrating, memory loss, and sometimes anxiety and depression. 

A mild TBI might only cause a brief loss of consciousness, while a severe TBI can result in a coma or amnesia. Severe TBIs often lead to paralysis, seizures, impaired speech, and sensory losses, significantly impacting the victim and their family.

TBI victims may be unable to work or perform daily activities due to their injury. The Pasco County Injury Attorneys at Whittel and Melton understand the many hardships and challenges faced by TBI victims. 

We will investigate your case, collaborate with medical professionals to assess your injuries, and consult with experts to determine fault. We recognize the long-term consequences and costs of brain trauma and are dedicated to ensuring you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries. 

If you or a loved one has suffered a traumatic brain injury due to a motor vehicle accident in Wesley Chapel, contact the Pasco Auto Accident Injury Lawyers online or call 727-847-2299.