I75 Car vs Alligator Crash Leaves Woman, Gator Injured

While driving along Florida’s Interstate 75 a female driver suddenly saw a nine foot alligator cross in front of her. With no time to react, she hit the gator, causing the 34 year old driver to lose control of her vehicle. Her SUV flipped over multiple times before coming to a rest on its side. Luckily, she only sustained minor injuries, including bruises and a cut under her right eye. According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the alligator’s injuries were more serious.

Speaking to an Orlando news team, the driver recalled that she thought the alligator was a fox as it was moving so fast. A representative of the FHP added that crashes involving alligators were rare along this particular stretch of Interstate 75.

Granted, in the case at hand the injured driver cannot sue the alligator for negligently crossing the interstate and causing her injuries. But she should still be entitled to compensation, both for her minor injuries and for the damage done to her car. This of course is assuming that she has insurance.

The key lesson to take away from this rather unusual incident is that after any accident – no matter how minor or whether or not it is the result of man or beast – is one should always, without exception, seek immediate medical attention. This is because many automobile accident related injuries don’t manifest themselves for days – even weeks – after the actual crash. For example, symptoms of whiplash usually take some time before being felt. By immediately seeking medical treatment, you essentially create an official record of the accident and potential injuries. That way, if weeks later you develop pain in your neck or back and seek compensation for it from your insurance carrier, they cannot argue that the injury was the result of another activity and not the motor vehicle accident.

If you or a loved one have been involved in an Orlando motor vehicle accident, you have the legal right to seek compensation. To learn more, contact the Law Offices of James O. Cunningham, P.A. today and schedule your free initial consultation.

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.