Both highway construction companies and drivers have legal and moral obligations when they share the roadways. Construction workers have the responsibility to ensure that equipment is functioning properly and not out of control and that hazards are clearly marked with signs, cones or a flagger force. On the other hand, drivers must travel at safe speeds around these sites to reduce the risk of high-speed accidents and ensure that they are operating their vehicles by adhering to safety measures and paying attention to the road. Unfortunately, highway construction accidents do occur, and many lose their lives as the result of negligence or other factors.
If you or a loved one has sustained injuries in a construction accident, an experienced Florida highway construction accident lawyer can help you to seek the legal compensation to which you may be entitled. Even if you are not sure if you have a valid claim, it is vital to consult with an attorney to determine the next step in recovering damages for your injuries.
Prevalence of Injuries in Florida
In 2012, 130 fatal occupational injuries occurred at highway construction sites, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In 2011 and 2010, 122 people were killed and 106 individuals lost their lives in these accidents, respectively. According to the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse, there were 2,424 total fatalities in motor vehicle traffic crashes; 2,373 of these occurred outside of a work zone, but 51 deaths happened at a construction site.
Causes of Construction Accidents
The following factors may contribute to highway construction accidents:
- A construction company fails to anticipate severe or adverse weather and the effect of current conditions on the road and drivers’ abilities to maneuver their vehicles.
- A construction company fails to place signs or cones signifying an upcoming construction site as drivers are traveling at high speeds. Drivers may not have enough time to slow down to safer speeds.
- A construction company misplaces construction equipment or road markers.
- A construction company hires work out to independent contractors who do not adhere to federal safety regulations.
- A driver is distracted, speeding or driving under the influence and unable to slow down or maintain control of the vehicle at high speeds.
Steps to Take Following an Accident
If you find that someone needs medical attention, immediately administer first aid or call for help. Once the individual is stabilized and responders are on the way, contact your local police department so that they may create a police report for the incident. It is vital to be honest with law enforcement as this report may be the only official documentation you have of the incident. Also contact your insurance companies to inform them of the incident.
You may also consider consulting with a Florida highway construction accident lawyer to protect your legal rights. A Florida highway construction accident lawyer can consult with witnesses and investigate the scene to determine the chain of events that led to the accident and whom should be held responsible for your injuries. A Florida highway construction accident lawyer may also be able to:
- Assist you in filing for compensation for your injuries, lost income, vehicular damage and medical expenses
- Ensure that the insurance providers are handling your claims correctly without harassment or falsification of the facts
- Help you to file a wrongful death claim on behalf of a loved one killed in a construction accident
Injured? A Florida Highway Construction Accident Lawyer Can Help
If you or a loved one has sustained injuries in a highway construction accident, consider seeking legal counsel from a professional Florida highway construction accident lawyer. At Attorney Group for Florida, we can provide you with a free, no-obligation case evaluation and answer your questions or concerns to the best of our ability. We will connect you with an affiliated Florida highway construction accident lawyer who will handle your claim and work to help you seek the compensation to which you may be entitled.
