Car Accidents in Florida Construction Zones: Who’s Liable and What to Do Next

Florida’s roads are undergoing a massive transformation. With major infrastructure projects like Miami’s Signature Bridge, the I-10 Widening in Jacksonville, and the Gateway Expressway in Tampa, construction zones are everywhere. While these projects aim to improve traffic flow, they also increase the risk of car accidents due to lane shifts, detours, and reduced visibility.

In Florida, construction work zone crashes are a growing concern:

• 53,000+ work zone crashes occurred in Florida between 2017-2021.
• 356 fatalities and 1,904 severe injuries resulted from construction zone accidents.
• Speeding, distracted driving, and confusing signage are leading causes of crashes in these areas.
  

If you or a loved one has been involved in a construction zone accident in Florida, understanding liability, legal rights, and the next steps can be crucial in securing compensation. A Miami car accident lawyer can help.

What Makes Construction Zones So Dangerous?

Construction zones disrupt normal traffic flow, often creating sudden hazards that increase the likelihood of accidents. Some of the most common risks include:

1. Narrow Lanes & Sudden Lane Shifts

• Reduced lane widths increase the risk of side-swipe collisions.
• Detours confuse drivers, leading to last-minute lane changes and crashes.

On I-95 in Miami, construction near the Signature Bridge project led to tight lane restrictions in early 2024, increasing the risk of rear-end collisions.

2. Speeding & Reduced Visibility

• Many drivers fail to slow down, despite posted work zone speed limits.
• Temporary barriers, cones, and equipment obstruct visibility.

A driver on I-4 near Orlando failed to see a stopped vehicle due to construction barriers, leading to a chain-reaction crash.

3. Construction Vehicle Hazards

• Large trucks entering/exiting construction sites can cause accidents.
• Uneven pavement and debris damage vehicles or cause loss of control.

Who Is Liable for a Construction Zone Car Accident in Florida?

Determining who is responsible for a work zone crash can be complicated because multiple parties may be at fault:

1. The Driver

• If a driver was speeding, distracted, or reckless, they may be fully or partially liable.
• Florida follows a modified comparative negligence rule—if you’re found more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages.

2. The Construction Company

• If the work zone had poor signage, unsafe detours, or lacked barriers, the construction company may be liable.
• A lawsuit in Tampa held a construction company responsible after misplaced cones led to a head-on collision.

3. The Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) or Local Government

• Government entities may be liable if they fail to implement proper traffic controls in a work zone.
• Filing claims against a government entity has strict deadlines—usually six months in Florida.

4. Vehicle or Equipment Manufacturers

• If a construction truck had brake failure, or roadwork left dangerous debris, the manufacturer could be at fault.

Steps to Take After a Construction Zone Crash

If you’re involved in an accident in a Florida work zone, taking immediate action can protect your rights and strengthen your claim.

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

• Even if injuries seem minor, get checked out.
• Delaying treatment can weaken your injury claim.

2. Document the Scene

• Take photos/videos of:
  ✔️ The accident site
  ✔️ Road conditions, construction barriers, or missing signs
  ✔️ Vehicle damage & visible injuries

3. Call the Police & Get an Accident Report

• A police report is crucial evidence in determining liability.
• Request a copy of the report for your insurance and legal claim.

4. Gather Witness Information

• If construction workers, pedestrians, or other drivers saw the crash, get their names and contact details.

5. Contact a Florida Car Accident Lawyer

• DO NOT accept a quick settlement from insurance without legal guidance.
• A Miami construction zone accident lawyer can investigate the case and fight for full compensation.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

If you’ve been injured in a Florida work zone accident, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:

✔ Medical Bills: Emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, medications
✔ Lost Wages: Compensation for missed work
✔ Property Damage: Repairs or replacement of your vehicle
✔ Pain & Suffering: Emotional distress and reduced quality of life
✔ Wrongful Death Damages: Funeral costs and financial support for family members

Note: Insurance companies often try to undervalue construction zone accident claims. An experienced Miami car accident lawyer can help maximize your settlement.

How a Florida Car Accident Lawyer Can Help

Navigating a work zone crash claim is complex. A lawyer can:

✔ Investigate road conditions, signage, and construction company liability
✔ File claims against negligent construction firms or government agencies
✔ Fight insurance companies that try to reduce your payout
✔ Ensure you receive full compensation for injuries, lost wages, and damages

FREE Consultation Available

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Florida construction zone accident, don’t wait. Since 1963, Jerome Wolfson, Esq. – Wolfson & Leon has proudly served accident victims across Florida:

• Miami
• Orlando
• Tampa
• Jacksonville
• Fort Lauderdale
• West Palm Beach
• Fort Myers
• Cape Coral
• Sarasota
• Clearwater
• Tallahassee

Let us help you get back on the road to recovery. Call (305) 285-1115 today, and our team will handle your case with the personal care and attention your case requires.