Struck by a Semi-Truck in a Port St. Lucie Construction Zone: Who Is to Blame?
Construction zones in Port St. Lucie cause all kinds of mayhem on the road. Drivers often fail to reduce their speeds when approaching these congested areas. Some become frustrated by the slowdowns, increasing the likelihood of reckless behavior. Semi-trucks pose a particularly serious threat in these work areas. If you were struck by a semi-truck in a construction zone, you might be wondering about your legal options.
Construction Zone Traffic Collision Statistics in Port St. Lucie
According to the National Safety Council (NSC), almost 40,000 people suffer serious injuries in construction zone crashes each year. Up to 1,000 people die annually due to these incidents. The NSC calls these collisions “work zone crashes” and they may be caused numerous factors including:
- Approaching a work zone
- Exiting a work zone
- Driving behaviors in work zones
- Commercial vehicles operating in work zones
- Poor controls in work zones
Semi-Truck Drivers Often Fail to Slow Down When Approaching Construction Zones
Many of these crashes occur because truck drivers fail to slow down when approaching construction zones. For example, a work zone may cause slow-moving congestion within a single lane. In some cases, traffic comes to a complete stop. A semi-truck driver may then approach the congestion at excessive speeds, spot the hazard too late, and engage the brakes without enough time to halt their momentum. A “chain-reaction” crash may occur on impact, causing the congested vehicles to impact one another in a line. Some of the worst mass casualty events in Florida’s history have occurred under these circumstances.
Semi-Trucks Often Operate Recklessly in Construction Zones
Although semi-trucks often transport cargo through construction zones, they may also operate within these areas. For example, a cement truck might move into the zone in order to deliver material to crews. A dump truck might also arrive to retrieve waste from the construction area. Often, these vehicles enter and exit the construction zone with little regard for other drivers. They may suddenly reverse into moving traffic without warning – or cut you off as they rush to deliver their materials.
Construction Zone Crashes May Involved Shared Negligence
Many drivers may share responsibility for the same construction zone accident. When exiting congested construction zones, drivers often recklessly increase their speeds in an attempt to “make up” for the delay they just experienced. This may cause various near-misses and reckless maneuvers – increasing the chances of collisions with trucks and other vehicles. Construction “flaggers” may mistakenly direct you into oncoming traffic as you attempt to move through the area. Often, it takes a legal professional to determine exactly what caused a construction zone crash.
Fight for a Fair Settlement with Your Port St. Lucie Truck Accident Lawyer
If you were struck by a semi-truck, you shouldn’t have to pay a single cent of your losses. With help from a qualified Port St. Lucie personal injury lawyer, you can pursue the compensation you need to cover medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, and any other damages you might have suffered. Reach out to Smith, Ball, Báez & Prather today to learn more about your legal options.
Source:
injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/motor-vehicle-safety-issues/work-zones/#:~:text=In%202022%2C%20891%20people%20were,boundaries%20of%20a%20work%20zone.
