Dealing With Road Construction: Avoiding Accidents
Road work can be frustrating for drivers. There are often delays and detours to deal with. Switching lanes, slowing down, and traveling in different directions can be frustrating and confusing for even the most experienced driver. Because of this, accidents in work zones are not uncommon.
Work zones are indeed dangerous. In 2023, work zone crashes caused 898 fatalities. Another 40,170 people were injured in these crashes. Of the 898 fatalities, 568 were in construction zones, 53 were in maintenance zones, 10 were in a utility zone, and 267 were in work zones of an unknown type
Workers can also be victims of construction accidents. The most common injury reported by road construction workers is being hit by a moving vehicle. Other common causes for work zone injuries include falls, electrocution, crush Injuries, and accidents involving heavy machinery.
Why Do Road Construction Zones Increase Accidents?
Road construction zones demand extra attention, but many drivers fail to adjust, leading to rear-end collisions, sideswipes, and even fatal crashes. The increased accident risk is due to factors such as:
- Sudden lane shifts or closures that confuse drivers.
- Reduced speed limits that may not be followed or clearly marked.
- Poor or missing signage.
- Narrow lanes that leave little room for error.
- Construction vehicles or workers entering traffic unexpectedly.
- Distracted or impatient drivers rushing through work zones.
Road Construction Accident Liability
Liability in a road construction accident depends on who acted negligently and what directly caused the crash. Several parties may be held accountable:
- Construction companies. They may be liable for poor signage or traffic control, unsafe equipment placement, debris or tools left in the road, and failure to follow safety regulations. If the construction zone wasn’t properly marked or managed, injured parties may sue the contractor or subcontractor.
- Government entities. Local or state governments are responsible for approving safe traffic plans, inspecting work zones, and maintaining road conditions. If a city or state agency failed to monitor or approve a safe setup, they may share liability. However, keep in mind that special notice requirements often apply.
- Third-party drivers. Other drivers can cause accidents by speeding through work zones, ignoring signs or flaggers, or driving distracted or under the influence. In these cases, the negligent driver may be sued just like in any car accident.
- Equipment manufacturers. If a crash is linked to faulty construction equipment or defective road barriers, the manufacturer may be held liable under product liability law.
Contact a Personal Injury Lawyer
Road construction can be a messy situation for all involved. Seek legal help if you have suffered damages in a crash.
A Houston car accident attorney from The West Law Office, PLLC can assist you with your case. We will work hard to help you obtain the maximum amount of compensation for all your damages. Schedule a consultation with our office today by filling out the online form or calling (281) 347-3247.
Source:
injuryfacts.nsc.org/motor-vehicle/motor-vehicle-safety-issues/work-zones/
