Can North Port Construction Zone Crashes Be Blamed on the Contractor Instead of a Driver?
Corbin Sutter
Accident Lawyers
Across North Port and Port Charlotte, drivers are facing a daily challenge — construction zones everywhere. Between the Price Boulevard widening project, the Hillsborough Boulevard drainage and resurfacing work, and intersection upgrades near Kenilworth, Cochran, and Veterans Boulevard, nearly every route across town has been affected.With lanes shifting, sidewalks closed, and detours sending traffic through neighborhood streets, many residents are asking the same question:
If a crash happens in one of these construction zones, can the contractor — not the driver — be held responsible?
In short: Yes. Under Florida law, if unsafe road design, missing signage, or negligent construction management contributes to a crash, the contractor or local agency responsible for maintaining the site can be held legally liable.
Attorney Corbin Sutter of All Injuries Law Firm explains:
“After a construction-zone crash, people often blame themselves right away. But sometimes it isn’t the driver’s fault at all — it’s the way the road was set up. When a work zone is unsafe, our job is to uncover what really happened and make sure the right party is held accountable.”
At All Injuries Law Firm, this is part of what we call Victory for the Injured — standing up for everyday people when unsafe road conditions and negligent contractors put them in harm’s way.
When a Florida Road Contractor or Municipality Can Be Held Liable for a Construction Zone Crash
Under Florida Statute § 768.28, public agencies and their contractors have a duty to keep roadways reasonably safe. When they fail to meet FDOT or OSHA work-zone safety standards, the result can be confusion, collisions, and serious injuries.
• Fail to post adequate warning signs or detour markings
• Leave equipment or materials in active lanes
• Create unsafe drop-offs, poor drainage, or uneven surfaces
• Fail to protect cyclists or pedestrians during sidewalk closures
These are preventable hazards — and when they cause crashes, responsibility may shift away from drivers and toward the company or agency that created unsafe conditions.
All Injuries Law Firm’s attorneys have spent decades handling roadway-negligence cases throughout Charlotte and Sarasota Counties. Our local insight helps identify where construction-company safety obligations were ignored — and where our clients deserve justice.
How an Experienced North Port Construction Accident Attorney Proves Contractor Negligence
Construction-zone crashes often involve several parties, each trying to deflect blame. Proving negligence requires careful investigation, technical expertise, and persistence.
Led by Attorney Brian O. Sutter — Board Certified in Workers’ Compensation by the Florida Bar since 1990 — our team has more than 35 years of experience uncovering how unsafe work zones cause serious injuries
Call (941) 625-4878 or visit AllInjuriesLawFirm.com for a free case review today.
Port Charlotte Office: 2340 Tamiami Trail, Port Charlotte, FL 33952 Fort Myers Office: 5237 Summerlin Commons Blvd, Fort Myers, FL 33907
Frequently Asked Questions About Construction Zone Crashes in North Port & Southwest Florida
Who can be held responsible for a crash in a North Port construction zone?
If a crash happens because of unsafe work-zone conditions — such as missing signage, poor detour planning, or debris left in the roadway — the construction contractor, subcontractor, or government agency in charge may be liable under Florida Statute § 768.28.
Tip: Photograph the site immediately — repairs can erase crucial evidence.
Can both the driver and the contractor share fault for a Florida work-zone accident?
Yes. Florida’s comparative negligence system allows more than one party to share blame. A driver may still recover compensation even if partially at fault, though recovery is reduced by their percentage of responsibility. Attorney Insight: Proving shared liability often requires expert reconstruction and review of the contractor’s traffic-control plan.
What should I do immediately after a construction-zone accident?
• Call 911 and request a report noting the construction area • Get medical attention, even if injuries feel minor • Take photos/video of lane shifts, signs, debris, and blocked sidewalks • Contact an experienced North Port or Port Charlotte personal-injury attorney before speaking with insurers
Tip: Evidence can disappear within days as roadwork continues — act quickly to protect your claim.
What kinds of injuries are common in work-zone crashes?
Back and neck trauma, head injuries, fractures, and soft-tissue damage from sudden stops or lane changes are common. Our firm has recovered $1.5 million when debris from a work site caused a multi-vehicle collision.
How long do I have to file a claim for a construction-zone accident in Florida?
Under Florida Statute § 95.11(3)(a), you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal-injury claim. If a city or county contractor is involved, additional notice rules may apply. Pro Tip: Starting early helps your attorney obtain project records and safety-inspection reports before they’re archived or destroyed.Why choose All Injuries Law Firm for a construction-zone accident case?
For more than 35 years, All Injuries Law Firm has represented injured people across Port Charlotte, North Port, Sarasota, and Fort Myers:contentReference[oaicite:9]{index=9}. Our attorneys — Brian O. Sutter, Corbin Sutter, Bryan Greenberg, and Jenna Kakley — are recognized by Martindale-Hubbell, Super Lawyers, and the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.Tip: Victory for the Injured means restoring your peace of mind and holding negligent contractors accountable.
References
Florida Department of Transportation – Work Zone Safety
Florida Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles – Construction Zone Awareness
Occupational Safety & Health Administration – Roadway Work Zone Safety
Florida Statutes § 316.074 – Obedience to and Effect of Traffic Control Devices