Grossman Yaffa Cohen Files Negligence Lawsuit Following Serious Bicycle Crash Involving Unmarked Utility Trailer in Naples

Grossman Yaffa Cohen (GYC) has filed a personal injury lawsuit alleging that a utility contractor’s failure to maintain a safe roadway and provide adequate warnings resulted in a serious bicycle crash in Naples, Florida.

The lawsuit, filed in Collier County Circuit Court, alleges negligence by a utility contractor responsible for performing underground utility installation and repair work along a public roadway.

According to the complaint, a cyclist in Naples, sustained devastating injuries when he encountered an unmarked trailer blocking the roadway. The lawsuit alleges that the trailer was left without adequate warning signs, traffic cones, barricades, or other safety measures to alert approaching cyclists to the obstruction.

The impact threw the cyclist from his bicycle, resulting in severe injuries. The complaint alleges that the injuries are permanent and ongoing, causing physical pain, emotional suffering, medical expenses, and limitations on his ability to lead a normal life.

The lawsuit further alleges that the utility contractor failed to follow applicable roadway safety requirements, including temporary traffic control standards established by the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) and the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD). These standards are designed to protect motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians traveling through or near active construction and utility work zones.

Among the allegations are failures to properly mark the work zone, provide advance warning signs, establish safe passage for cyclists, and adequately supervise personnel responsible for roadway safety.

The complaint also includes a loss of consortium claim brought by the injured cyclist’s spouse, alleging that the injuries have affected their marital relationship and companionship.

The case is being handled by William “Billy” Mulligan, and Jeff Davis, both partners at Grossman Yaffa Cohen.

The lawsuit underscores the importance of roadway safety and the responsibility of contractors performing work in public rights-of-way to take reasonable precautions to protect cyclists and other roadway users. These concerns are particularly significant in bicycle accident cases, where an unexpected roadway obstruction can result in serious injuries.