2 Workers Injured in Hillsborough Construction Accident

Q: What is the role of the Florida Highway Patrol in this investigation?

The FHP is responsible for investigating traffic crashes, especially those involving serious injuries or death, on state roads. Their investigation includes determining the cause of the crash, identifying cause, and issuing citations if traffic laws were violated.

Q: How do investigators determine if a work zone was properly marked?

Investigators examine several factors, including the placement and type of warning signs, the use of flashing lights or directional arrows, and the overall visibility of the work zone. They compare these observations against established safety guidelines and regulations for temporary traffic control zones.

Q: What information does a vehicle's event data recorder (EDR) provide in a crash like this?

An EDR, often called a "black box," can record data such as vehicle speed, brake application, steering input, and seatbelt use in the moments leading up to a crash. This information can help investigators reconstruct the sequence of events and understand driver actions.

Two workers construction accident on State Road 574, Hillsborough County, Florida

The crash occurred on State Road 574 near Bismark Palm Drive

Two Bradenton construction workers, ages 20 and 36, were seriously injured in a workplace accident on State Road 574 near Bismark Palm Drive in Hillsborough County, Florida, early April 15, according to the Highway Patrol.

A westbound GMC Yukon entered the active work zone and struck the rear of a Ford F-550 construction truck. The truck's caution lights and a flashing directional arrow were activated at the time of the impact.

Paramedics transported both workers to a local hospital for treatment of serious injuries. The 37-year-old Tampa man driving the SUV suffered minor injuries.

Troopers cited the SUV driver for careless driving after determining he attempted to overtake the work vehicle. The crash remains under investigation.

The crash on State Road 574 near Bismark Palm Drive, where a GMC Yukon entered an active work zone and struck a Ford F-550 construction truck, highlights the dangers faced by workers in roadside environments. The Florida Highway Patrol (FHP) noted the construction truck had its caution lights and a flashing directional arrow activated at the time of the impact.

National Legal Analyst Candice Bond, Managing Partner at Bond Legal. "I've seen families destroyed by lockout violations where a machine wasn't properly de-energized before maintenance. These are among the most common fatal accidents that investigators see on construction sites every year." While this incident did not involve a lockout violation, Bond's statement underscores the serious nature of workplace safety failures.

National Legal Analyst Stefano Formica, Of Counsel at Bond Legal. "Waking up in a hospital after a workplace injury is a frightening experience for any laborer. You should know that companies have just twenty-four hours to report any hospitalization to safety investigators after it happens." This reporting requirement helps ensure that workplace incidents are promptly reviewed by safety authorities.

The FHP cited the driver of the GMC Yukon for careless driving, indicating that the driver attempted to overtake the work vehicle. The investigation into the crash is ongoing.

What is the role of the Florida Highway Patrol in this investigation?

How do investigators determine if a work zone was properly marked?

What information does a vehicle's event data recorder (EDR) provide in a crash like this?

Florida personal injury framework

Florida follows a modified comparative fault (51% bar) system, effective 2023. The statute of limitations was reduced from 4 years to 2 years in 2023.

Damages include economic losses (medical expenses, lost wages) and non-economic losses (pain, suffering). Florida's PIP no-fault insurance covers initial medical costs up to $10,000 regardless of fault.