Sunshine State roadways seem to be under construction constantly, with some towns exhibiting orange cones and concrete barriers for years on end. When we combine these complicated and interrupted traffic patterns with lots of tourists on the roads, stormy weather and reckless driving can result in dangerous driving conditions. A Florida construction work zone can be difficult for drivers to navigate- and can be downright hazardous for construction workers.

Motorists changing lanes, speeding, or colliding with safety barriers can cause catastrophic accidents that result in fatalities. The issue is magnified by the presence of large construction equipment that can easily cause injury. Those involved in construction work zone accidents (or victims of any driver negligence) should hire legal representation to help recover appropriate compensation.

Stay Alert in a Construction Work Zone

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) created National Work Zone Awareness Week over 10 years ago. It was a move to cultivate awareness in both drivers and construction workers as to the inherent danger to these areas. According to Florida accident data collected between 2015 and 2019, the state reported over 50,000 construction zone-related accidents, including 380 deaths and more than 2,400 serious injuries.

Did You Know? According to U.S. statistics, Florida experiences the second-highest number of roadwork-related fatalities and injuries each year. (Texas ranks first.)

- Automobiles were involved in 346 work-zone accidents that resulted in death
- Trucks were complicit in 247 work-zone fatalities
- Buses caused 3 fatal work zone accidents.
- 135 construction workers were killed during this time frame
- 707 motorists, passengers, or pedestrians were killed in this time frame

Safety Requirements in Florida Work Zones

Florida state and municipal departments – as well as maintenance companies and private contractors – are responsible for designing, installing, and maintaining safe construction zones. The published guidelines outline regulations for establishing the necessary work zone signs, barricades, flagging, and other safety protocols to keep everyone as safe as possible.

The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) also has employed a Work Zone Mobility and Safety Program to ensure safer speeds through construction work zones. The program guidelines are appropriate when the work zone has multiple lanes with speed limits of 55 or more, and involve a lane closure and workers on site.

Have You Been Injured in a Florida Construction Zone?

It is commonly assumed that an accident in a work zone is always the result of motorist negligence or error – but there are many instances of accidents caused by perilous driving conditions. Scenarios that may contribute to an accident include:

- - incorrect markings designating temporary lane boundaries
  - inadequate warning signage
  - poorly positioned or missing safety barriers
  - construction equipment blocking clear driving lanes
  - debris from the construction project left on the road
  - hazardous road surfaces (potholes, gravel)
  - impaired visibility

In other words, the responsibility for the construction work zone accident could fall on the work crew, the construction company, the environmental conditions, or the driver – or a combination of those variables. If you have been involved in a work zone accident and suffered an injury, the counsel of a personal injury attorney will be essential. The accident investigation is likely to be complicated and challenging to figure out. An attorney can assist in determining fault – and then use their experience to seek proper compensation and damages from the negligible party. You may also have some liability, so representation is vital.

Probinsky & Cole are personal injury attorneys with offices in Sarasota, Tampa and Orlando. If you have been involved in an accident involving serious injury or death, call us today to discuss your situation. We are here to help.