Florida is one of the most active road construction states in the country. With billions of dollars in ongoing highway, bridge, and infrastructure projects — from I-95 widening to Turnpike improvements to local road repaving — construction zones are everywhere.

They are also extremely dangerous. Narrowed lanes, reduced speed limits, sudden lane shifts, missing barriers, and distracted or speeding drivers create a deadly combination. If you were injured in a Florida construction zone accident, multiple parties may be liable — and the claims process is more complex than a standard car crash.

Construction zone crashes differ from ordinary car accidents in several important ways:

Multiple potentially liable parties. In addition to the at-fault driver, the general contractor, subcontractors, the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), or a local government entity may share responsibility for inadequate signage, missing barriers, or dangerous road conditions.

Enhanced penalties for at-fault drivers. Florida law doubles fines for moving violations in active construction zones when workers are present. This enhanced duty of care strengthens your negligence claim.

Complex evidence. Construction zone crashes involve traffic control plans, contractor safety records, FDOT project files, and work zone inspection logs — evidence that requires prompt legal action to obtain.

Government immunity issues. Claims against FDOT or local governments are subject to the Florida Tort Claims Act, which requires pre-suit notice and has specific procedural requirements.

• Speeding through reduced-speed work zones
• Distracted driving — drivers focused on phones instead of changing lane configurations
• Sudden lane merges and closures without adequate warning
• Missing or inadequate traffic control devices (cones, barriers, signs)
• Poor lighting in nighttime construction zones
• Debris and loose materials on the roadway
• Rear-end crashes when traffic slows suddenly
• Workers struck by vehicles that enter the work zone

The at-fault driver. Any driver who speeds, drives distracted, or fails to follow construction zone traffic control is liable for resulting injuries.

The general contractor. Construction companies have a duty to maintain safe work zones, including proper signage, barriers, flaggers, and traffic control plans. Failure to comply with FDOT standards or MUTCD (Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices) requirements creates liability.

Subcontractors. Subcontractors responsible for specific work zone safety elements (traffic control, flagging, barrier placement) can be independently liable.

FDOT or local government. If the government entity that designed or approved the traffic control plan did so negligently, it may share liability — subject to sovereign immunity limits under the Florida Tort Claims Act.

Equipment manufacturers. If defective construction equipment contributed to the crash, product liability claims may apply.

Construction zone crashes often involve high-speed rear-end collisions, sideswipes in narrowed lanes, and crashes with fixed objects (barriers, equipment). Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injury
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones and crush injuries
• Internal bleeding
• Burns (in crashes involving fuel or equipment)
• Wrongful death

1. Call 911 — get law enforcement and medical help immediately
2. Document the scene — photograph lane markings, signs, barriers, debris, and your vehicle
3. Note the contractor's name — look for signage identifying the construction company
4. Get witness information — other drivers, workers, and flaggers may have seen what happened
5. Seek medical attention — even if you feel okay
6. Call Juan Cordero Lawyers — construction zone cases require immediate investigation before evidence is altered or destroyed

Personal injury claims must be filed within 2 years of the accident. Claims against government entities (FDOT, county, city) require a pre-suit notice within 3 years but have additional procedural steps that must be completed before filing suit. Contact us immediately.

Yes, but government claims in Florida are subject to the Florida Tort Claims Act. There is a $200,000 per-person cap on government liability (unless the legislature approves a claims bill for larger amounts). Pre-suit notice must be filed within 3 years. We handle these claims and know the procedural requirements.

This is a common defense. We investigate independently — reviewing the traffic control plan, FDOT inspection records, and contractor safety logs to determine whether the work zone met legal standards. Often, both the driver and the contractor share fault.

Construction workers injured by passing vehicles have both workers' compensation claims (against their employer) and personal injury claims (against the at-fault driver). You can pursue both simultaneously. Contact us to understand all your options.

Injured in a Florida construction zone accident? Call Juan Cordero Lawyers at 305-525-8957 — available 24/7. We investigate all liable parties. No fee unless we win.