Most drivers think of the typical accident as occurring between two cars at an intersection or a minor fender bender, but sometimes, accidents are caused by road conditions and construction zones. Accidents that occur within construction zones are at a higher risk for injury and economic damages, as well as causing harm to bystanders such as the construction workers themselves.
What Are Construction Zone Accidents?
Construction zones are fairly common on highways and in urban areas. They are usually marked by orange road signs that say “work conditions ahead” or something similar. They are notorious for slowing traffic down through modified speed limits, though sometimes it’s just distraction that slows down traffic. Common examples of construction zone accidents include:
- Vehicular Collision: An accident between two or more cars, motorcycles, or trucks. These are fairly typical and similar to other collisions outside construction zones.
- Pedestrian Accidents: Workers or pedestrians in construction zones can be hit by vehicles when drivers fail to adhere to reduced speed limits or are not vigilant.
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- Rear-End Collisions: These occur when drivers fail to notice slowed or stopped traffic within construction zones, leading to crashes with the vehicles ahead.
- Equipment Malfunction: This is an accident caused by or involving construction equipment or machinery such as a bulldozer, cement truck, or crane. These can be especially damaging as machinery is large and often dangerous.
Understanding the common types of accidents in construction zones is important for both drivers and construction workers. By being aware of these potential hazards, drivers can take extra precautions while navigating through these areas and avoid causing accidents.
Causes of Construction Zone Accidents
Construction zone accidents can be caused by a multitude of factors, often including:
- Distractions from Construction Zones: Construction zones themselves can become a source of distraction for drivers. Bright lights, unexpected noises, and the presence of construction workers and equipment can divert attention from the road.
- Worker Errors: Inadequate training and failure to operate machinery properly can cause damage and accidents. In other cases, flaggers may cause a collision by giving mixed signals to oncoming traffic.
- Weather Conditions: Rain, fog, or snow can exacerbate the dangers in construction zones, making it harder for drivers to navigate safely.
Failure to address and mitigate these hazards in construction zones can result in serious accidents, with significant consequences for liability and safety.
How a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
When an accident occurs within a construction zone, the subsequent investigation and filing of claims can get complicated and can easily be mismanaged. A personal injury lawyer in Louisville will be able to determine if you have a valid case and work to represent your issues until that case is complete. In most cases, a personal injury lawyer will assist in:
- Case Evaluation: A lawyer will help determine whether you have a case to pursue.
- Evidence Collection: Your personal injury lawyer will identify and collect various types of evidence such as the police report, medical reports, and expert testimony on your behalf.
- Identifying Liable Parties: Especially in construction zone accidents, determining liability can become quite complicated. A lawyer will assist you in identifying which party to pursue damages against.
- Negotiations: Your legal representative will help to calculate the damages you are owed and negotiate on your behalf with insurance agencies and other liable parties.
If you or anyone you know has been impacted by an accident in a construction zone, contact a Louisville accident lawyer now for a free consultation. Our team is prepared to guide you through the claims process and represent your needs fairly and accurately.