Traffic Crashes in Road Construction Zones

September 1, 2020

Traffic Crashes in Road Construction Zones

In many parts of the United States, it’s either winter or road construction season. Road construction zones are hazardous. Motorists, their passengers and construction workers are injured or killed in accidents in those zones every year. Nearly all of those accidents are completely preventable, and the overwhelming majority of them are caused by carelessness and negligence.

It’s Suddenly an Unfamiliar Road

Road construction and maintenance are necessary nuisances that every driver encounters. Although temporary inconveniences, they often make getting to and from locations more convenient in the long term while decreasing risk and danger. Adding to the inconvenience of road construction and maintenance in progress is the complex maze of signs, lane changes, barrels, barriers, closed lanes, flaggers, other workers, trucks and heavy equipment. Even roads that you’ve driven for years become confusing and dangerous, especially if everybody is in a hurry and drivers don’t reduce their speeds. If you were seriously injured in a construction zone crash that was caused by somebody else who was careless and negligent, you’re going to be in need of a dedicated and experienced car accident attorney.

Common Causes of Construction Zone Accidents

Construction workers need not be present or engaged in any activities for an accident to be considered a construction zone accident. So long as the zone exists, and it is appropriately and sufficiently marked, a construction zone crash can occur at any time when a driver is traveling from the beginning of the zone to where it ends. Here are a few common causes of construction zone accidents:

A hazardous zone route design that confuses drivers and requires them to make unsafe maneuvers.

Poor maintenance of that route.

The failure to place or the improper placement of appropriate signage, including detour signs.

Placing of signs, barrels, barricades or cones too close to traffic traveling through the zone.

Requiring the operation of trucks or heavy equipment too close to where traffic is traveling through the zone.

Poor lighting conditions.

Vehicles traveling through the construction zone at unsafe rates of speed that rear-end vehicles driving safely ahead of them.

Drivers who are operating their vehicles too quickly for traffic or weather conditions.

Drivers who are under the influence of alcohol, drugs or a combination of the two.

Drivers who are distracted by phone calls, texting or using infotainment centers.

Determining Liability in Road Construction Accidents

More than one person might be held liable in a construction zone accident. What comes to issue is that a person claiming injury might be dealing with a federal, state or local government entity, one or more contractors and private individuals. In their attempts to avoid liability, expect everybody to be pointing their finger at everybody else while you’re caught in the middle. That’s why consulting and retaining a seasoned and successful car accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident is of the utmost importance in protecting your rights.  He or she will know how to get the immediate attention of all responsible parties.

Construction zone accident cases are extremely complicated. Don’t even try to take the first step yourself. You’re likely to harm rather than help any case that you might have. If you were injured in a construction zone accident, make a call or send an email to a qualified and respected car accident lawyer as soon as possible after your accident. Most car accident lawyers offer free consultations and case evaluations. Nearly all of them take accident cases on a contingency fee basis without requiring any up-front payments. Making that contact will be the best thing that you can do to protect and invoke your rights.

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