Work Zone and Construction Site Accidents in Tampa: Proving Fault

Construction is unavoidable in Tampa. Whether you’re navigating I-4, crawling through traffic on I-275, or driving on State Road 60, you’re likely to run into a construction worksite that slows you down, changes the flow of traffic, and leaves you running behind. Construction zones are incredibly dangerous, both for those who work on the construction sites and those who are driving through them. Figuring out who’s at fault when an accident happens is rarely simple, which is why so many people turn to MattLaw car accident lawyers in Tampa.

If you’ve been injured in a work zone accident in the Tampa area, having the right legal representation is critical. Call MattLaw Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers today to set up a consultation with our team.

Unique challenges of work zones in Tampa

Tampa has seen substantial growth in recent years, and the region’s highway system has struggled to keep up. The city was recently named one of the fastest-growing economies in the country, and that means heavy traffic. This traffic puts a strain on the roads, demanding more upkeep and the creation of new lanes where possible. Unfortunately, this leads to travel stress and delays for Tampa residents. U.S. 92, U.S. 41, State Road 60, I-275, and I-4 have seen more than their fair share of construction work. That means sudden lane shifts, reduced shoulders, narrower lanes, unpredictable stopping patterns, limited visibility, construction vehicles entering and exiting work zones, and roads clogged with irritated drivers. In this scenario, even one missing sign, misplaced cone, or difficult-to-understand traffic flow could lead to disaster.

Common causes of work zone accidents in Tampa

Proving fault is a big part of getting the compensation you deserve after an accident, and figuring out why an accident occurred can get you one step closer to proving liability. Common causes of work zone collisions include:

• Driver negligence: Many work zone accidents involve some degree of driver negligence, and construction zone crashes are no different. Drivers who zip through these areas distracted, while experiencing road rage, or while impaired put everyone at risk.
• Unsafe work zones: Work zones have to be set up in specific ways to keep construction workers and drivers safe. Work areas demand sufficient lighting, easy-to-read signs, barriers that are placed correctly, and a system that ensures construction vehicles don’t enter traffic without spotters. When debris is left in the roadway, construction vehicles pull out right in front of vehicles, or lane shift markings are unclear, liability may fall on the construction company or contractors.
• Government contractor negligence: Whether a project is overseen by the state of Florida, Tampa, or Hillsborough County, the general contractor has an obligation to address known hazards, enforce safety standards and oversee subcontractors.

How fault is proven in work zone accidents

When you can successfully prove liability in a collision, you have a much stronger chance of getting the compensation you deserve. Unfortunately, these collisions are rarely cut-and-dry. There are often multiple responsible parties, and figuring out who pays comes down to the details of each crash.

Driver behavior is one factor that will be heavily investigated after a crash. Attorneys may look at cell phone records, and black box data to determine if a driver was distracted or otherwise negligent while behind the wheel. A growing number of vehicles have dashcams. Dashcam footage may also be obtainable through subpoena or discovery, if it exists, and it can potentially provide insight into how a driver was operating prior to a collision.

Work zone setup will also come into play during an investigation. Your car accident attorney may look at the construction zone’s work plans, see who signed off on the work plan, determine whether or not barriers and signage were safely placed, and find out if complaints were made about the work zone. This investigation may also uncover construction crew negligence, such as construction trucks backing into the roadway without proper clearance, workers obstructing traffic with their equipment setup, and flaggers giving incorrect guidance or direction to drivers.

What your attorney finds at every stage of their investigation may change the course of your claim.

Preserving evidence

Take photographs of the scene of the crash and the area.  These photographs may be the only evidence you will have to prove the negligence of the road contractors. The scene may change in just a few hours.

Recovering fair compensation

The type and amount of compensation you are ultimately able to receive depends on a wide range of factors. Once your attorney determines liability, they know who to pursue for compensation. No matter how much your damages are, though, you’re limited by their insurance plan. If a driver carries only the minimum insurance required under Florida law, that could leave you with expenses to cover on your own. This is why carrying Uninsured Motorist Insurance Coverage is so important to protect you and your family.

If a construction company is to blame, you’re likely looking at a much larger insurance policy and a greater chance of recovering what you truly deserve. However, note that insurance companies fight hard to avoid paying what victims deserve. That’s why having an aggressive and experienced Board Certified Civil Trial attorney is crucial.

Injured in a work zone accident? Let’s talk

The team at MattLaw Car Accident & Personal Injury Lawyers is here to help you sort out your next steps after a work zone accident in Tampa. Schedule a consultation now by calling us today or contacting us online.