1-855-722-2552Statistics show that highway construction zone accidents caused over 4,700 fatalities across the United States and in the last five years have injured around 200,000 people. Additionally, around 85% of these people killed are motorists, not construction workers.
In Florida, it seems that every time you turn around there is another street or highway that is being torn up with road construction. Constructions zones can be dangerous areas for motorists; it is no uncommon for crashes to occur in these areas. Construction zone collisions can leave individuals with serious injuries and extensive property damage.
If you are a family member has been injured in a construction zone collision, you may be able to pursue legal action against the negligent party. Contact an experienced Florida auto accident attorney today to learn about the legal rights available to injury victims.
To find out if you are eligible to file a personal injury lawsuit , fill out the Free Case Review form on this page.
Causes of Construction Zone Collisions
Injuries and fatalities associated with construction zone accidents could be reduced if more motorists were aware of about the dangers of these collisions. Some contributing factors of construction zone collisions include exceeding the speed limit, disregarding road signs, caution signals or traffic directions and distracted driving.
Excessively Speeding in Construction Zones
Exceeding the posted speed limit in a construction area is the most common factor in construction zone collisions. Usually, the traffic in a construction in zone is stop-and-go and construction often leaves the workers vulnerable to passing cars. The speed limits in construction zones are meant to keep drivers and workers safe.
Drivers that are caught speeding in a construction zone can be fined double the amount of a normal speeding infraction.
Disregarding Construction Signs, Traffic Directions or Caution Signals
An impatient driver or a distracted motorist who disobeys traffic signs, cautionary signals or traffic directors are at an increased risk of being involved in a crash. The temporary construction signs are meant to warn or direct drivers about the road conditions or the impending detours. The purpose of these signs is to keep both drivers and construction workers safe.
Inattentiveness to Construction Workers and Machinery
Inattentive drivers are a serious threat to workers. At times, constructions zones will have slow-moving construction vehicles that work on the side of the road. Occasionally, they can move into a driver’s path, so it’s imperative for motorists to be on guard while driving in a construction zone. Additionally, most construction zone vehicles have blind spots that make it difficult for operators to the see the road. Constructions machines can be difficult to maneuver, which makes it hard for operators to stop suddenly, if a dangerous situation occurs.
Merging Issues
Motorists that merge at high speeds or merge late cause many construction zone collisions. Generally, the width of the lanes and the number of lanes available are reduced in construction zones. Drivers that operate their vehicles in a negligent manner while merging in traffic are at an increased risk of being in a side-impact or rear-end crash.
Types of Construction Zone Injuries
In many cases, these causes of construction zone collisions will often lead to injuries, especially depending on the speed at which the individual was traveling. Typically, the higher the speed of the accident, the more serious the resulting injuries will be, not to mention all of the obstacles that could cause harm on these construction sites.
Some common types of injuries in construction zones include:
- Whiplash injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Loss of limb
- Lacerations
- Internal injuries
- Head injuries
- Concussion injuries
- Burn injuries
- Back and neck injuries
If you have been involved in any type of car crash, it is imperative that you seek medical attention immediately. This is not only for your safety, but these documents can also be used to formulate a strong case in the court of law.
Statistics on Construction Zone Accidents
Listed below are some national statistics on construction zone accidents:
- Every year, auto accidents that involve dangerous pavement-edge drop-offs cause 160 fatalities and 11,000 injuries.
- In the past five years, construction zone collisions have killed 4,700 people and injured another 200,000.
- Almost 85 percent of the fatalities in construction zone collisions were drivers, not construction workers.
- There were 162 large trucks and buses that were involved in construction zone accidents in 2009.
Contact a Florida Attorney
If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction zone accident, you may be eligible for legal and financial recourse. Accidents victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and property damage. Contact an auto accident attorney at Gordon & Partners for a free legal consultation. During your initial consultation, an attorney will advise you on the best legal remedy to purse.
our attorneys have the experience and resources to effectively handle all types of motor vehicle accidents. We have helped numerous clients receive compensation for their losses.
Gordon & Partners is available to assist injury victims in Broward, Palm Beach, Martin and St. Lucie counties.
A few additional specific locations we serve include:
- Palm Beach Gardens
- Juno Beach
- Jupiter
- Riviera Beach
- Lake Park
- Wellington
- West Palm Beach
- Royal Palm Beach
For additional information on how our South Florida auto accident attorneys can help you seek justice, or to schedule a free case review, we encourage you to contact our firm at 1 (855) 722-2552 today. We will then gather information about your case and connect you with an experienced auto accident attorney ready to handle your specific case.
To receive a no-obligation, legal consultation, complete the contact form on the right.
