Construction Worker Killed in I-75 Crash Involving Road Painting Crew: Legal Options for Families

A tragic crash on Interstate 75 early Saturday morning claimed the life of a construction worker after a truck towing a boat trailer collided with road maintenance vehicles. According to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP), the accident occurred just before 2 a.m. near mile marker 49, where a construction crew was working to paint divider lines.

The crew consisted of a line-painting vehicle and a Scorpion Road Construction Crash Truck positioned behind it to provide protection for workers in the zone. These crash trucks are designed to absorb impacts and shield workers from oncoming vehicles.

Troopers reported that the truck towing a boat trailer failed to slow down and struck the rear of the crash truck. The impact pushed the Scorpion vehicle into the line-painting truck ahead, resulting in a devastating chain reaction.

Tragically, the 64-year-old driver of the crash truck died at the scene. No additional injuries were reported among the crew, but the Florida Highway Patrol is continuing its investigation to determine liability and whether charges will be filed.

Work zones on Florida highways present unique dangers for both construction workers and drivers. According to the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT), construction zones require reduced speeds, heightened awareness, and compliance with warning signs and traffic control devices. Unfortunately, drivers who speed, drive distracted, or fail to yield put workers at extreme risk.

Statistics show that rear-end collisions are among the most common types of work zone crashes, often caused by drivers failing to slow down when approaching lane closures or construction vehicles.

In this case, the failure to yield to slower-moving construction vehicles was a primary factor in the fatal accident.

Legal Options for Families After a Fatal Work Zone Accident

The family of the deceased construction worker may have several legal options, depending on the circumstances of the crash.

Under the Florida Wrongful Death Act, surviving family members — such as a spouse, children, or parents — may seek damages for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support the worker provided
• Emotional pain and suffering
• Loss of companionship and guidance

Because the victim was working at the time of the crash, his family may also be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits. These benefits can help cover a portion of lost wages, funeral expenses, and survivor benefits. However, workers’ compensation does not provide compensation for pain and suffering, which is why families often pursue additional legal claims.

If the truck driver who caused the crash is found negligent — for example, by speeding, driving distracted, or failing to yield — the family may pursue a third-party claim against the driver and their insurance company.

If the truck was operated for a business purpose, the employer of the at-fault driver may also face liability under the doctrine of respondeat superior, which holds companies accountable for the negligence of employees acting within the scope of their employment.

Preventing Future Construction Zone Fatalities

This devastating incident underscores the need for drivers to exercise extreme caution when approaching work zones:

• Slow Down: Always reduce speed in marked construction areas.
• Stay Alert: Watch for workers, equipment, and lane changes.
• Avoid Distractions: Phones and other distractions can make it impossible to react in time.
• Follow Signs: FDOT places warning signs and flashing lights to protect workers — ignoring them can have deadly consequences.

Losing a loved one in a work zone crash is a devastating experience that no family should have to endure. Beyond the immediate grief, families are often left with financial uncertainty, funeral costs, and questions about accountability.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we have extensive experience handling cases involving construction accidents, trucking collisions, and wrongful death claims across Florida. We know how to navigate both workers’ compensation systems and civil liability claims to maximize recovery for grieving families.

If you lost a loved one in a construction zone crash on I-75 or any Florida roadway, call us at 305-638-4143 for a free, confidential consultation. We charge no fees unless we win compensation on your behalf.