Road construction accidents are hazardous for drivers, construction crew workers, and pedestrians. The driver must pay attention to work zone signs like speed limits or road hazards to avoid casualties and injuries. It is essential to know how to handle such situations legally. For any legal queries and consultations, you can click on anthonycarbonepersonalinjurylawyer.com.
Car accidents on roads under construction
Many cars navigate through highway construction zones every day. Highways require repairs and maintenance, including repaving, repairing, and widening. Unfortunately, road construction creates frustration and confusion on our nation’s roads.
Twenty percent of the accidents involving vehicle collisions on road construction sites are construction workers. According to statistics, the deaths of the workers are caused primarily due to vehicle collisions, runovers/backovers, and being struck by construction equipment.
Twenty-five percent of work zone accidents involving fatalities involve speeding. Other actors include distractions, inattentive and aggressive driving. The most common is the rear-end collision caused due to following inadequate distance.
Every state has passed a law that protects construction workers and personnel who work on the highways under construction. This law may vary from state to state, but almost every driver needs to slow down and move to other lanes if workers are working and are not protected by any barrier.
Violators can face expensive fees in road construction zones. Therefore, it is important to change lanes whenever possible when approaching a vehicle on the road. Many drivers ignore the hazard and speed limit signs for construction areas, causing an accident. If the driver ignores the warnings and causes an accident, he/she will be held liable for the damages caused due to the accident.
Safe driving tips in road construction zones
Take time to plan your route
Check the traffic apps and listen to the radio about traffic info. Construction zone changes frequently, and the highway you took yesterday might not be the same today. It is the era of technology, and various technological advancements have made roads safer for drivers. You may use tools like mobile apps, GPS systems, DOT websites, routing and mapping software, etc.
Do not drive distracted
Your important calls or emails can wait. When driving around a construction zone, you have less space to run around other vehicles, especially big trucks. Put your phone away and
focus on the road. Of course, work, friends, and family emergencies may occur, and you might need to pick up your phone call urgently. However, nothing is more important than your life.
When driving, drop a text to your friends, family members, and other loved ones that you are going to drive and ask them only to call or text you if absolutely necessary. Explain to them why it is important for your safety, and they will surely understand.
Buckle up
Always wear seat belts to protect yourself if you do crash. Many people consider seat belts unnecessary and uncomfortable, so they avoid them. However, these belts are made mandatory for every driver for a reason. These tools are designed to protect you during a crash and save your life. If you find your seat belt uncomfortable, it is probably because you are wearing it in the wrong way. You can easily learn the correct way from a friend or via the internet.
Approach cautiously
People working in the construction zones realize that it is dangerous for nearby pedestrians and vehicles. The first average warning about a work zone is usually given at only 1,500 feet, so it is important to be alert and look out for such signs. Pay close attention while driving and keep an eye out for work zone signs and flaggers.
Keep an eye out for construction zone workers
It is not uncommon to find construction zone workers and equipment on the street while driving. If you see one, become extra cautious as there may be a work zone ahead. Even if you do not see workers but only equipment, you should assume they are always around. Tools to look out for may include shovels and rakes.
Damages
If you were injured in a car accident around the construction zone, you might be able to recover a number of damages based on the amount of solid evidence present. There are mainly two types of damage: tangible and intangible. Tangible damages are ones that have a specific monetary value and are fairly easy to calculate. On the other hand, intangible ones do not have a specific monetary value and are not goods and services traded in the market.
Medical expenses are often the biggest damages incurred in a car accident case. Others may include lost income, property damage, disfigurement, etc. Intangible damages may include loss of enjoyment of life, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, etc. Intangible damages are important because if a person loses their spouse to a car accident, they can recover damages like loss of support and loss of companionship.
Construction accidents when the government is at fault
In some cases, construction accidents may occur because of the government’s fault. The fault may be a lack of providing proper precautions like signs and flaggers on the road. It is the government’s duty to warn drivers about work zones from a considerable distance. If they fail to do so, the government entity or the construction company may be liable.
Since they are responsible for the roadways and repairs, the government will be responsible for the monetary damages.
Get an attorney for help
Road accidents occurring around construction zones can be complicated because of the many possible liable parties. The liability may fall over an employee, the construction company, a government entity, a pedestrian, or another driver driving a vehicle. No matter who the actual liable party is, you must gather solid evidence to prove your claim.
An attorney can help you navigate through the troubled waters of a road construction car accident claim. They will help you gather evidence, build a strong case, prevent things that might result in delays, and protect you from grave mistakes. However, make sure you consult with an attorney before hiring them.
