What Happens If I Get in an Accident Driving Through a Construction Zone in Florida?

 Posted on January 12, 2026 in Vehicle Accidents

Construction zones are everywhere across Florida in 2026. It’s exciting that the state is continuing to grow and improve its roads, but it can cause difficulties for drivers. What happens if you get into an accident while driving through one of these areas? The answer depends on who caused the accident and what went wrong.

Our Orlando car crash attorneys have experience with even the most complicated car accidents. Call us today if you are in an accident in 2026 and allow us to help. 

What Qualifies as a Road Construction Zone in Orlando, FL?

According to Florida Statute 316.003(112), a work zone area is any part of a highway or street where construction, repair, or maintenance work is being done. This includes not just the immediate construction area, but also the roads to it.

Construction zones on the road come with unique dangers. Lane closures force drivers to merge suddenly. Uneven pavement can cause you to lose control. Heavy machinery moves in and out of traffic. All of these factors make accidents much more likely. Between 2017 and 2021, Florida recorded over 53,000 work zone crashes resulting in more than 356 deaths.

What If a Construction Worker or Company Causes an Accident in a Florida Work Zone?

Not all construction zone accidents are the fault of drivers. Sometimes the construction company, workers, or government agencies are to blame for creating unsafe conditions.

When Government Entities or Construction Companies are Liable for Construction Zone Car Accidents

State and local governments oversee many construction projects. If a government agency does not put in proper traffic controls or ignores known hazards, it may share liability for accidents. 

Construction companies have a legal duty to maintain safe work zones. This includes posting clear warning signs, setting up barriers, and marking lane changes correctly. If a company fails to do these things and an accident happens as a result, the company can be held liable.

Common examples of construction company negligence include:

• Missing or confusing signage

• Bad barriers between work areas and traffic

• Debris or gravel on the roadway

• Improperly marked lane changes

• Equipment that is left too close to traffic lanes

If any of these conditions caused your accident, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against the construction company.

When Workers Are Liable for Construction Zone Car Accidents

Individual construction workers can also cause accidents. If a worker drives equipment dangerously, leaves tools too close to traffic, causes debris to fall into traffic, or does anything else that leads to an accident, they and their employer may be responsible for resulting injuries.

Equipment Manufacturers Can Be Liable for Construction Zone Car Accidents

Sometimes, construction zone accidents happen because of defective equipment. If a crane fails, scaffolding collapses, or safety barriers break apart, the manufacturers of that equipment may be held responsible through a product liability lawsuit.

Compensation You May Be Entitled To After a Car Crash in a Construction Zone

If you were injured in a construction zone accident that was not your fault, you may be entitled to payment for medical expenses, lost wages, damage to your vehicle, and future lost income if your injuries prevent you from returning to work. The amount depends on how much the accident affects your life.

Call an Orlando, FL Car Accident Lawyer Today

If you were injured because of unsafe construction conditions, careless workers, or another driver, you deserve compensation. If you caused a work zone accident, you should have a Winter Springs personal injury attorney walk you through your next steps.

At The Doan Law Firm, we understand how overwhelming it can be to deal with injuries, medical bills, and insurance companies after an accident. We are available 24/7 to take your call because we know accidents do not happen on a schedule. 

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. Contact us today at 407-289-0000 for a free consultation. Se habla español.

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