In recent years, Florida has been ranked as one of the worst states in the nation when it comes to highway traffic. According to data released via navigation app TomTom's traffic index, Miami is ranked 6th nationwide for major traffic collisions and congestion.
But it's not only the congested traffic and the reckless driving. An aspect that is often overlooked when taking into account what may cause car accidents is driving through roadway construction areas. As a motorist in South Florida, you are all too aware that work zones are a regular presence on our roadways and highways. Although indispensable and useful to maintain and improve road traffic, construction is also perilous for drivers, pedestrians, and workers.
Some of the most catastrophic, and sometimes fatal, vehicle accidents occur in work areas. Depending on the circumstances, many different parties may be responsible for an unsafe environment. Our car accident attorney at The Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary represents Miami residents and other parties who have been hurt in a personal injury accident in a construction zone in:
- Miami-Dade County
- Monroe County
- Broward County
- Fort Lauderdale
- Palm Beach County
We are dedicated to assisting individuals who have been injured and asserting their legal rights against those responsible for the bodily injuries sustained.
What Are the Leading Causes of Road Construction Zone Automobile Accidents in Miami?
Construction zone accidents are common on Florida's highways or roads. Work zones are often dangerous for drivers who have to navigate through confusing lane changes as well as signs and objects. Many factors can contribute to motor vehicle accidents in work zones, including:
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Inadequate or faulty signs and warnings
We typically see driving accidents that take place on roads where the signs are not posted appropriately. The road signs are legally required, and the companies that handle the roadworks are responsible for them.
Many times these signs are missing. For example, drivers frequently see no signs indicating whether they should turn right or left as the lane they are in is ending because the road is under construction. Situations like this create confusion which often leads to car accidents.
The company who is in charge of the works should correctly place cones to direct drivers. If the signs are not present, there should at least be someone at the construction site in charge of guiding drivers. Road construction workers also have the duty of keeping people safe and avoiding accidents.
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Injuries caused by hazards in the roadway
What if, while you're driving down the expressway, all of a sudden, a temporary light fixture falls and lands on the roof of your car? One of our clients was injured in a similar car accident. As a result, he suffered a closed wound concussion with dizziness and debilitating headaches.
Objects falling, flying, or lying in the roadway may be unavoidable in work areas. Damage may include serious injury, leading you to question whether your car insurance policy will cover the medical bills and other medical expenses and other costs and you may need legal help figuring out what to do after being hit by or hitting an object in the road.
Here are some of the other frequent errors that increase the risk of car accidents in the vicinity of construction areas, putting both drivers and workers in danger:
- Marking the rails incorrectly
- Leaving the road bumps unmarked
- Leaving uneven or broken areas in the pavement
- Failing to provide guardrails
- Failing to train traffic controllers properly
- Leaving unnecessary signs or markings on the roads
Medical Bills and Recovery After a Car Accident Caused by Road Construction Zone Mistakes
Our client who suffered injuries as a result of the car accident caused by a temporary light fixture had to cover medical bills for:
- The hospital emergency room
- CT Scans and MRI Imaging tests
- Various consultations with neurologists or follow-ups
- Other medical costs
His recovery process took over a year, with some continuing side effects remaining.
When you have been injured due to someone else's negligent behavior, you should not be held responsible to pay out-of-pocket the cost of the medical attention and medical treatment, costs that will accumulate.
If you were hurt in a car crash and you don't know what to do, it is important to contact an experienced motor vehicle crash attorney for legal advice and legal representation.
The same rules don't always apply to road construction accidents as those our law sets for other types of car crashes. Public involvement in such projects, specialized work zone laws, and negligence standards can quickly complicate the legal action seeking fair compensation for serious injuries.
Sometimes it may be easier to prove liability using the additional safety laws in place in construction zones. Other times, however, especially when a government is named as a defendant, filing injury claims can be complicated and time-consuming, a situation that sometimes is intended to deter litigation even when a government is partially liable for your severe injuries.
If you or a loved one was injured in a construction zone vehicle crash in do not hesitate to contact The Law Offices of Sean M. Cleary for a free initial consultation for your car accident.
How Can a Miami Auto Accident Lawyer Help You After a Work Zone Car Accident?
If you get injured in a road construction car accident in Florida, you may file an injury claim to recover money for damages and pain and suffering. This can be a complicated claims process due to the possibility that another party may be responsible for the accident.
Clients highly recommend Sean M. Cleary, a professional, experienced, dedicated, and compassionate injury attorney who can sift through and litigate these claims.
After consulting with an accident reconstructionist, as well as other experts, which may be necessary to determine liability, Sean will fight to recover the maximum compensation you are entitled to.