Florida law enforcement and other officials take extra precautions to prevent car accidents near construction zones, as dangerous traffic crashes are more likely in work sites than other settings. However, despite these warnings, statistics demonstrate that auto collisions can still occur due to various negligent factors. Victims injured in a construction zone accident face an uphill battle in obtaining compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If you were hurt in an area around an Ocala, FL construction site, talk to a skilled car accident attorney and review some key information on how these cases work.
Statistics on Crashes in Florida Construction Zones
Through its Work Zone Management Program, the U.S. Department of Transportation tracks these types of traffic incidents. A report covering such crashes from 2008-2015 reveals some alarming statistics:
- In 2015, around 96,000 accidents occurred in construction zones, which is an increase of 7.8 percent compared to 2014. Still, this figure represents a rise of 42 percent over 2013 numbers, when there was a total of 67,887 work zone crashes.
- In 2015, there was a daily average of 70 construction zone wrecks that harmed at least one victim. That same year, there were 12 fatal collisions per week, on average.
- Approximately one-quarter of all construction area auto collisions cause at least one injury, while .07 percent involve at least one fatality.
Causes of Car Accidents in Work Zones
Many factors contribute to the high incidence of traffic crashes in work zones, and many of them are the result of motorist negligence. However, carelessness in construction planning and management may also lead to collisions, such as:
- Failure to allow safe lanes for motorists navigating through the zone;
- Failure to establish a proper transition zone for cars entering and leaving the construction site;
- Not posting proper signage for motorists within the zone;
- Improper cutting off of turn lanes or ramps;
- Leaving construction equipment in unsafe areas
- Allowing unsafe surfaces, bumps, and pavement drop offs; and,
- Many other factors.
Increased Complexity on Liability
There are multiple considerations when factors other than motorist negligence lead to accidents along construction sites. Identifying the exact cause of the crash is a challenge, since so many variable conditions are present in work zones. Plus, you must identify the party that was responsible for the primary factor in the collision, as it could be:
- A general contractor;
- Subcontractors; and,
- A government body, especially in the case of public construction projects and roadways;
Of course, these entities also carry insurance coverages for accidents, so there may also be several insurance companies involved in a claim.
Legal Advice from a Knowledgeable Auto Crash Lawyer
Instead of taking on the overwhelming task of pursuing a claim on your own after suffering injuries in a construction zone accident, rely on an experienced car accident attorney. Our auto collision lawyers at Piccin & Glynn, Attorneys at Law, will take care of the difficult details, allowing you to focus on returning to health. Please call our Ocala, FL office at 352-558-8480 to schedule a free consultation about your case.
Resource:
ops.fhwa.dot.gov/wz/resources/facts_stats/safety.htm