Driver Killed, Construction Workers Injured in Crash on Howard Frankland Bridge

A deadly crash inside an active construction zone on the Howard Frankland Bridge claimed the life of a Georgia driver and injured three construction workers Monday night, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP). The collision underscores the extreme dangers present in work zones and the serious consequences of failing to follow traffic controls.

FHP reports that the crash occurred shortly before 10:00 p.m. as traffic traveled southbound on the Howard Frankland Bridge between Pinellas and Hillsborough counties.

According to investigators:

• A 37-year-old man from Musella, Georgia entered a closed lane within an active construction zone
• Troopers said the driver failed to yield to construction workers
• The vehicle crashed into a Ford F-550 being operated by a 45-year-old Tampa man who was working in the construction area
• The Georgia driver died as a result of the crash

The Ford F-550 was carrying two additional construction workers at the time of the collision. All three workers were transported to an area hospital with non-life-threatening injuries, FHP said.

Debris from the crash also struck a Nissan Titan driven by an 18-year-old man from Largo, who was not injured.

Construction zones are among the most hazardous areas on Florida roadways. Reduced lane widths, shifting traffic patterns, nighttime work, and heavy equipment create conditions where even minor driver errors can have deadly consequences.

Common factors in work zone crashes include:

• Failure to obey lane closures and traffic control devices
• Speeding through construction areas
• Distracted or inattentive driving
• Poor visibility, especially at night
• Driver fatigue

Florida law requires drivers to exercise heightened caution in construction zones, and violations can carry enhanced penalties.

In fatal construction zone crashes, investigators carefully evaluate:

• Whether traffic control devices were clearly marked and followed
• Driver speed and lane position
• Visibility and lighting conditions
• Compliance with posted construction zone warnings
• Statements from workers and witnesses
• Vehicle data and crash reconstruction findings

Depending on the circumstances, liability may extend beyond a single driver and could involve employers, contractors, or other responsible parties.

Legal Rights After a Fatal Work Zone Crash

When a crash results in death, surviving family members may be entitled to pursue a wrongful death claim under Florida law. Compensation may include:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of financial support and services
• Loss of companionship and protection
• Mental pain and suffering
• Medical expenses incurred before death

In addition, injured construction workers may have rights under workers’ compensation and potentially third-party claims, depending on how the crash occurred.

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families affected by catastrophic and fatal crashes across Florida, including serious incidents in construction and work zones.

We intentionally maintain a small caseload, allowing families direct access to experienced attorneys. Our firm acts quickly to:

• Conduct an independent investigation
• Preserve crash scene and vehicle evidence
• Analyze FHP reports and reconstruction findings
• Identify all potential sources of insurance coverage
• Coordinate with experts and investigators
• Handle all communications with insurers and opposing parties

Families never pay upfront fees. We only recover fees if we recover compensation.

If your loved one was killed in a crash on the Howard Frankland Bridge or another construction zone accident, you do not have to face this process alone.

📞 Contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm for a free, confidential consultation. We represent families throughout Pinellas County, Hillsborough County, and across Florida, and we are committed to helping families seek accountability, answers, and justice after tragic loss.