Woman Killed After Vehicle Collides With Parked Excavator on I-10 in Jacksonville

A 30-year-old woman was killed Monday afternoon after her vehicle struck a parked excavator along Interstate 10 in Jacksonville, according to the Florida Highway Patrol (FHP).

Troopers say the crash occurred around 2:18 p.m. on westbound I-10 just east of Lane Avenue. According to investigators, the woman was driving a sedan and attempting to merge into the right lane when she lost control of the vehicle. FHP reports that the sedan veered left toward the shoulder and collided with an excavator that had been parked there due to nearby construction.

After the impact, the vehicle came to rest in a travel lane. The driver died as a result of the crash. Authorities are continuing to investigate and have asked anyone with additional information or video to contact FHP.

Construction activity on major highways introduces heavy equipment, narrowed lanes, and unexpected traffic patterns. When a driver loses control near parked construction machinery, the consequences can be catastrophic.

Common contributing factors in work-zone crashes include:

• Sudden lane changes or merging maneuvers
• Reduced lane space
• Driver distraction
• Speed relative to traffic conditions
• Inadequate work-zone visibility or signage

Construction equipment parked near active travel lanes must comply with safety and positioning standards designed to protect motorists and workers alike.

Legal Considerations After a Fatal Work-Zone Crash

When a crash involves construction equipment or work-zone activity, investigators may examine whether safety regulations were followed. Depending on the circumstances, potential legal issues may include:

• Placement and visibility of parked equipment
• Compliance with traffic control plans
• Adequacy of warning signs or barriers
• Roadway design or temporary lane configurations

If negligence contributed to the crash, surviving family members may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim under Florida’s Wrongful Death Act (Fla. Stat. §§768.16–768.26). Recoverable damages can include funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and emotional suffering.

Florida applies a modified comparative negligence rule (§768.81), meaning liability may be shared among multiple parties based on each party’s conduct.

Law enforcement investigations focus on determining how the crash occurred and whether traffic laws were violated. They do not pursue civil compensation for families.

An independent legal investigation may review:

• Work-zone safety compliance
• Equipment placement and visibility
• Crash reconstruction evidence
• Witness statements
• Surveillance or traffic camera footage
• Insurance coverage

Preserving evidence quickly is especially important in construction-zone incidents, where conditions can change rapidly after the scene is cleared.

Representation for Families After Fatal Highway Crashes

At Flanagan & Bodenheimer Injury & Wrongful Death Law Firm, we represent families throughout Florida who have lost loved ones in serious highway and construction-zone crashes.

We understand the profound emotional and financial impact these tragedies bring. Our firm intentionally limits its caseload so clients work directly with experienced attorneys — not case managers — and we are prepared to investigate complex liability issues involving roadway work zones and heavy equipment.

Our firm can help by:

• Conducting an independent investigation
• Identifying potentially liable parties
• Preserving critical evidence
• Handling communications with insurers
• Pursuing full compensation under Florida law

There are no upfront costs. We only get paid if we recover compensation for you.

📞 If you lost a loved one in a highway construction crash in Jacksonville or anywhere in Florida, contact Flanagan & Bodenheimer for a free, confidential consultation.