Most drivers think of the typical accident between two cars at an intersection or as a minor fender bender.
Still, sometimes, road conditions and construction zones cause accidents.
Accidents within construction zones are more likely to result in injury, economic damages, and harm to bystanders, such as the construction workers themselves.
What Are Construction Zone Accidents?
Construction zones are relatively 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 the 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 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.
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.
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 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 lawyer can determine if you have a valid case and work to represent your interests until that case is complete.
Case Evaluation: A lawyer will help determine whether you have a case to pursue.
Evidence Collection: Your 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: Determining liability can become complicated in construction zone accidents. A lawyer will assist you in identifying which party to pursue damages against.
Negotiations: Your attorney will help to calculate the damages you are owed and negotiate on your behalf with insurance companies and other liable parties.
If you have been impacted by an accident in a construction zone, contact a lawyer now for a free consultation.
Our team is prepared to guide you through the claims process and represent your needs.
Call 502-888-8888.