Miami Construction Zone Car Crashes

Construction zones are dangerous for everyone near them. Workers on the site, drivers passing through, pedestrians and passengers: all can face severe – and potentially permanent – injuries from accidents which occur there.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident within a construction zone, you have legal rights which must be vigorously defended. The Miami car accident lawyers at Gerson & Schwartz hold negligent drivers responsible for their unsafe conduct and protect their clients’ rights to receive fair compensation for their injuries. Trust our experienced, professional team to handle your case with the utmost professionalism and care.

Speed: Florida law requires drivers not to go faster than is reasonable or prudent for current conditions. Construction zones are such a condition which can make it unsafe to drive at the posted speed limit. Workers present in the roadway, trucks entering and exiting, temporary signage, and other hazards all make speed particularly dangerous in a construction zone. A driver who does not slow down for a construction zone can be found negligent in a civil lawsuit, and can also be guilty of a traffic violation under Florida Statutes, Title Thirteen § 316.183(1).

Hidden Hazards: Construction zones create many roadway obstructions and hazards which may not be visible to drivers. This can include loose debris, equipment in the roadway, exposed utility lines, potholes, workers without reflective safety gear, and many other unseen obstacles. By slowing down and carefully monitoring their surroundings, drivers can allow themselves the best chances of avoiding such obstacles.

Unclear Traffic Controls: While most construction zones are marked with appropriate signage, it can still be difficult for drivers to determine where they are supposed to be. This is especially problematic when construction traffic is diverted into permanent lanes in the opposite direction, or when traffic moving in opposite directions is separated only by temporary pylons. Drivers must pay careful attention to the flow of traffic. Drivers should also not blindly follow the car ahead of them without making sure that vehicle is, in fact, following the correct diverted path for construction traffic. Continuously monitor surrounding traffic in all directions while you are passing through any construction zone.

Improper Merging: Merging lanes in a construction zone can be short and unexpected. It is up to individual drivers to pay attention to signs and allow plenty of time and space to react to all changes in traffic control. Signal your movements well in advance, and be prepared for unexpected movements from other drivers.

Distracted Driving: Distracting driving has reached epidemic proportions in the United States, and legislation aimed at combating cell phone use and texting has done little to curb the problem. When drivers are distracted in construction zones, they are often unaware of the changing conditions around them and can easily hit other cars or veer into oncoming traffic. Importantly, cell phones are not the only source of driver distraction that can cause serious accidents – things like grooming, eating, drinking, talking to passengers, or looking at directions on a map or GPS device can also take a driver’s attention off of the road for a dangerous amount of time. Fortunately, in most cases, people who are hurt by distracted drivers are able to recover compensation for their losses.

For over forty-six years, injury victims across Miami and Fort Lauderdale have trusted the Miami personal injury attorneys of Gerson & Schwartz to protect their legal rights. Our lawyers fight hard to ensure that accident victims are fully and fairly compensated for their injuries. Call our office today at (305) 371-6000 to schedule your free consultation. You can also email any questions about your case to: info@gslawusa.com. Our friendly, professional staff and personalized service will help you through this difficult time. Se Habla Español