Residents of Florida may feel like they are constantly driving through roadway work zones. Fixing the roads is beneficial for the drivers in our state, but while the construction is occurring it presents a dangerous condition for both the workers and the drivers. If you or a loved one has been injured in a work zone, one of our personal injury attorneys can assist you in seeking to recoup your medical bills, lost wages and other damages incurred.
A survey released by the Associated General Contractors of America(AGCA), 38% of highway construction works reported having a vehicle accidentally enter their work area. Further, almost 50% reported having this frightening experience occur three or more times in a single construction season.
Interestingly, the AGCA found that the occupants of the vehicles that crashed into work zones suffer a higher rate of injury than the workers. In fact, the drivers and passengers in automobiles were injured in nearly 50% of the work zone crashes. AGCA reports that the roadway workers were injured an estimated 18% of the time.
If you work in roadway construction zones, below are a few considerations for ways to protect yourself:
- Always wear a hard hat and bright or reflective clothing while at the job site
- Take measures to force the drivers to slow down
- Reroute the vehicles as far away from your work area as possible
- Use devices such as cones, barrels, lights or barriers to control the traffic and to clearly mark and safeguard the construction zones
- Stay within the boundaries of your work zone when there is traffic present
When you are driving through a work zone, you must take extra caution to ensure your own safety and the safety of the workers. For example, you should:
- Slow down to at least the posted speed limit
- Ignore any distractions and focus on the road
- Look for unexpected curves and bumps in the roadway
There are numerous parties that can be held liable when an accident occurs in a work zone. We will fully investigate the causes of the crash as well as all of the potentially liable parties which may include improper safety gear for workers, improper training of workers, driver negligence, and defective machinery.
Attorney Bryan Caulfield is different. He is a Board Certified Civil Trial Lawyer. Less than two percent of all civil trial lawyers in Florida have achieved the status of being Board Certified by the Florida Bar. This added credential shows that he is dedicated to providing clients with the highest level of legal service. He is a personal injury attorney in the Tampa Bay area who has the experience and skill to help clients move on with their lives. Contact our office today to schedule a free appointment.