Florida Laws Protecting Road Workers
Roads in the Sunshine State are constantly under construction, whether for repairs, improvements, or expansion. This makes driver awareness in work zones critical to ensuring the safety of workers and other motorists.
Yet despite laws enacted to try and keep everyone safe, accidents in work zones frequently happen. If you’ve been involved in a work zone accident, understanding the relevant laws, potential penalties, and recovery options can help you navigate this challenging situation. Have a conversation with a skilled Boca Raton personal injury lawyer to move forward informed.
Penalties for Causing Work Zone Accidents
Florida law takes the safety of road workers seriously. Under state regulations, drivers are required to slow down, obey posted signs, and exercise extra caution in construction zones. Many of these areas will display reduced speed limits, which are strictly enforced by law enforcement officers.
Speeding in a construction zone can result in fines being doubled, even if workers are not present at the time of the violation. Additionally, any violation of traffic laws in a work zone can result in points on your driver’s license, increased insurance rates, and steep fines. In severe cases, where reckless driving leads to injury or death, criminal charges may also be filed.
After an injury in a work zone accident, whether as a driver or a worker, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries. This often includes medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and in some cases, compensation for pain and suffering.
Proving negligence is key. A Florida attorney can help investigate the circumstances of the crash, gather evidence, and determine who is at fault. This may include reviewing traffic camera footage, interviewing witnesses, and examining accident reports.
In some cases, multiple parties may be held liable for a work zone accident. For example, if poor signage or a dangerous road setup contributed to the crash, the company overseeing the construction project or a government entity may also share responsibility.
Protecting Your Rights
If you or a loved one were injured in a Florida work zone accident, it’s crucial to act quickly. Florida has strict deadlines for filing personal injury claims, and delays can jeopardize your ability to recover compensation. By working with a knowledgeable Boca Raton personal injury lawyer, you can ensure that your rights are protected. Your attorney will accurately value your claim and pursue the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Whether you were hurt while working on the roads or were involved in an accident while driving through a construction site, understanding Florida’s laws and holding negligent drivers accountable can help make our roads safer for everyone.
Do you believe another should be held responsible for your accident-related expenses? High costs are often incurred when work zone accident injuries are sustained in Delray Beach, Deerfield Beach, or Pompano Beach. The injury lawyers at Leifer & Ramirez are available to guide you through the recovery process. You do not have to move through insurance negotiations on your own, lean on the knowledge of legal experts. Call 561-660-9421.
