Experts In This Article
- Michael T. Gibson, Esq., Lead Attorney & President at Michael T. Gibson, P.A., Auto Justice Attorney, Catastrophic Injuries Expert and Licensed for 17 years
- Todd Curtin Esq., Partner & Lead Trial Attorney at Michael T. Gibson, P.A., Auto Justice Attorney and Licensed for 8 years
- Amit Jhalli, Esq. Attorney at Michael T. Gibson, P.A., Auto Justice Attorney, Personal Injury Pre-suit Investigation & Brain Injury Expert and Licensed for 9 years
Property Damage Due to I-4 Construction
Florida drivers know the struggle in dealing with the ongoing construction and dangerous road conditions on I-4. Interstate 4 and the construction on this highway have been a cause for concern for Central Florida drivers since the construction began in 2015. Now drivers who have suffered property damage due to this construction are finding that getting compensation for their property damage is easier said than done.
The construction, called the I-4 Ultimate Project, officially started in early 2015. Since that time through June 2018, 475 damages claims have been filed from motorists who reported damage to their vehicles from the construction. Of these 475 claims, only 66 of the, roughly 15 percent, have been reimbursed. Of these 66 claims, the average payment to the claimants is $736 per claim. Of these claims, the largest share of them, approximately 275, are for damage from construction debris. Sixteen of these 275 claims were paid an average of $345 per claim. Ten of these claims are still pending investigation. A large portion of them were denied by the company in charge of rebuilding the interstate, SGL Constructors.
The construction was planned to be completed in early 2021, but SGL Constructors have now asked for an additional eight months and $100 million more to finish the project. Since the project started, officials have stated that this construction has been the most challenging construction in Florida history.
I-4 is already overcrowded with traffic, and the construction has made the road conditions treacherous. It is estimated that anywhere from 150,000 cars drive through this traffic daily. Drivers have been recommended to avoid the construction area, but for many drivers, this avoidance is simply not possible.
The type of claims being made vary depending on the damage done to the vehicles. Many of the damage claims were made for drivers who collided with construction barrels or cones that were improperly placed. These cones may look harmless, but hitting them at the right speed, they can cause serious damage. Some drivers have reported that the barrels or cones were not put safely in lanes, crossed into lanes were traffic was flowing, and no warning was given that the cones or barrels were coming up to approaching drivers. However, when these claims have been made, many of them have been denied due to lack of evidence. SGL Constructors has responded that the items were properly placed but were disturbed due to another driver or other unforeseen condition.
Other claims have been made after drivers have slammed into the concrete barriers lining the interstate. As cars are traveling at a high speed, moving in and out of temporary lanes lined by concrete barriers, one misstep can result in a deadly crash. These barriers can cause a great deal of property damage, as well as personal injury to the driver or passengers in the vehicle.
If a driver is hit by debris or another object, these barriers also give the driver very little room to move if he or she needs to adjust lanes. This problem has also led to additional crashes and property damage.
Involved in an Auto Accident Due to I-4 Construction? Hire an experienced Orlando Auto Accident Attorney.
If you or a loved one have been a victim of a car accident or sustained damage to your vehicle due to the I-4 Ultimate Project, it is important you contact an experienced Orlando auto accident attorney to help you file a claim. The law firm of Michael T. Gibson, P.A. is dedicated to protecting the rights of those involved in automobile accidents and will fight aggressively on your behalf to obtain the compensation you deserve following an accident. We can help you obtain compensation for medical bills, future medical treatment, property damage, loss of wages, pain and suffering, etc. Feel free to fill out our quick contact form on our website to discuss your legal options in greater detail. Our office is open daily from 8AM – 5PM. We are also available by phone 24 Hours a Day, 7 days a week at 407-422-4529
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