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In a 2013 report by the Federal Highway Administration, statistics indicated that 67,523 motor vehicle accidents occurred in construction work zones across the country, and Florida ranks third for the most motor vehicle accidents related to construction work zones.  The problem is so widespread that the Florida Department of Transportation has developed a Work Zone Safety campaign to encourage drivers to exercise extra caution around construction zones.

Construction zones lie at the center of many motor vehicle accident cases, as they present serious dangers for drivers on adjacent roadways.  Too often, construction zones are poorly managed, and maintained with little regard for the safety of nearby drivers. 

Improper signage, obstruction of vision, and lacking implementations of correct safety protocol – construction companies have numerous safety responsibilities, but it is all too common for these responsibilities to be exercised in a haphazard, piecemeal manner.

Risks Posed to Drivers

For a clearer understanding of the unique dangers posed by construction zones, let’s consider each in turn.  The Federal Highway Administration notes the following issues:

Narrowing roadways and rear-end collisions.

Road- and highway-adjacent construction zones can interfere with the normal flow of traffic.  Some construction zones limit access to the roadway by taking up a lane, thus forcing traffic to funnel into narrow spaces.  This funneling effect can result in horizontal collisions.

In general, the slowdown of traffic near construction zones – when combined with negligent or reckless drivers – can cause further harm.  Drivers that are ill-prepared for the decreased speed of traffic by the construction zone may force serious rear-end collisions if there is not enough time to come to a complete stop.

Loose debris and other hazards.

Construction zones are a source of all manner of building materials and debris.  Loose debris may unexpectedly find its way onto adjacent roadways, which can pose a significant risk to inattentive drivers.

Obstructed vision.

Scaffolding, barriers, equipment, signs, and more – construction zone implements can obstruct the normal vision of drivers, making it more difficult to navigate adjacent roadways.  Drivers should take a more defensive stance when moving past construction zones, so that they can better react to unexpected traffic coming in from obstructed viewing angles.

Potential Motor Vehicle Accident Claims

If you find yourself involving in a motor vehicle accident near a construction zone, you may be able to assert a personal injury claim against the construction company that is responsible for the construction zone itself, depending on the factual circumstances surrounding your case.

Construction zones that are negligently implemented, managed, and maintained may legitimize a claim against the construction company.  For example, if the loose debris from the construction zone found its way onto an adjacent highway, and the debris was not removed (and no warning sign or barriers were implemented to guide traffic around the debris), then it may be possible to find the construction company liable for negligently failing to warn of the hazard.

As construction zone personal injury claims can be quite complicated, and may involve multiple claims and defendants, it is important that you consult with an experienced personal injury attorney like Randall Spivey to handle your case.

If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident at or near a construction zone, contact a skilled Port Charlotte personal injury attorney at Spivey Law Firm, Personal Injury Attorneys, P.A., for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your legal rights and options.