While road maintenance and upgrade projects are necessary for improving transportation, construction zones can be hazardous for workers, drivers, and pedestrians. Crashes in or near construction zones can lead to serious injuries, costly property damage, and complex legal issues. It is therefore crucial to understand the risks, common injuries, and your rights and legal options in a road construction zone accident.

Common Causes of Construction Zone Crashes

Road construction zone accidents can be due to driver-related causes, construction-related causes, or third-party negligence. Some of the most common causes of construction zone accidents include:

• Distracted driving – Construction zone conditions require drivers to be alert. Distractions like using mobile phones or eating while driving are especially dangerous in these work areas.
• Speeding – Despite posted warnings and reduced speed limits, many drivers fail to slow down in construction zones, hence increasing the risk of crashes.
• Narrow lanes and lane shifts – Reduced lane widths and unexpected changes in traffic flow increase the likelihood of side-swipe and rear-end collisions.
• Inadequate signage or lighting – Inadequate signage and poorly marked zones can confuse drivers and lead to construction zone accidents. Likewise, poorly lit zones can also be hazardous for drivers, especially at night or early in the morning.
• Construction vehicles and equipment – trucks and heavy machinery moving in and out of active traffic can unexpectedly block lanes and lead to high-impact collisions.

Types of Injuries in Construction Zone Accidents

Road construction zone accidents can result in severe and catastrophic injuries, including:

1. Whiplash and Soft Tissue Injuries – these are common in rear-end collisions due to sudden braking or stop-and-go traffic patterns in construction zones.
2. Fractures and Broken Bones – driving into barriers, other vehicles, or construction equipment can lead to broken bones and other serious orthopedic injuries.
3. Spinal Cord Injuries – A collision in a confined zone can compress or damage the spine, leading to chronic pain or paralysis.
4. Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – In a construction zone crash, head trauma can occur if airbags deploy or if the occupant strikes an object inside the vehicle.
5. Lacerations and Burns – contact with machinery, road debris, or fires from a collision can cause visible and lasting injuries.
6. Fatal Injuries – In the most severe cases, construction zone crashes can lead to fatalities, resulting in wrongful death claims.

Besides requiring expensive and lengthy treatment, these injuries can leave victims with a permanent disability or unable to work for a long time. It is therefore critical to know who is liable to pay compensation for damages.

Liability in Arizona Construction Zone Accidents

Determining who is liable in a construction zone accident can be complex. Typically, several parties can be legally liable, depending on the circumstances. Some of the parties that may be responsible for construction zone injuries include:

1. Negligent drivers – A motorist can be liable for accidents due to their negligent acts, including speeding, texting while driving, or driving under the influence.
2. Construction companies – A contractor may be liable for an accident due to a lack of proper signage, barriers, or safety protocols.
3. Government entities – Municipal or state agencies may be liable if poor planning or maintenance results in a construction zone crash.

Arizona follows a comparative negligence system, meaning even if you were partially at fault for your injuries, you may still get compensation. However, the amount you can recover reduces by your percentage of fault. Considering this negligence rule, evidence collection and preservation must be thorough.

Legal Options and Damage Recovery

If you’ve sustained injuries in a construction zone crash, Arizona laws may entitle you to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. If a loved one dies in a construction zone accident, you may be entitled to compensation for wrongful death.

Arizona’s two-year statute of limitations means you have two years from the day of the accident or injury discovery to file a personal injury claim. However, in cases involving a government entity, the claim period is often shorter (typically 180 days). It is therefore crucial to take prompt legal action after a construction zone accident.

What to Do After a Construction Zone Crash

Take the following steps to protect your health and legal rights if you’re involved in a construction zone accident:

1. Seek immediate medical treatment – Prioritize your well-being. Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by a medical professional to rule out any internal or invisible injuries.
2. Document the scene – take photos of the crash site, your vehicle, road signs, and any visible injuries.
3. Call the police and report the accident – wait for the police to arrive and file an official report, unless you need to leave for medical care. An official report provides a legal record of the incident and can help support your claim.
4. Get witness information – Get their name, contact, and address. Eyewitness statements can be critical in determining liability.
5. Notify your insurance company – inform your insurer, but avoid giving recorded statements until you’ve consulted a lawyer.
6. Speak to a skilled construction zone accident attorney – Avoid negotiations with the at-fault party without an attorney. Legal guidance can help protect your rights and maximize your compensation.

How an Arizona Construction Zone Accident Lawyer Can Help

A skilled construction zone accident lawyer can help investigate the accident, including reconstructing the crash scene to ensure you have a strong personal injury claim. They can also help identify liable parties, prove negligence, and hold them accountable.

A lawyer will also negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf and ensure you get fair compensation. They will file a personal injury lawsuit and represent you in court, if necessary.

Contact a Tucson Construction Zone Accident Attorney

Road construction zones are inherently dangerous for drivers, workers, and other road users. Damage recovery for accidents in these work zones can be complex. However, you don’t have to face the legal and financial challenges alone. If you have sustained injuries in a construction zone crash in Tucson, AZ, contact Mr. Barry Bellovin of The Bellovin Law Firm.

Barry is a skilled and experienced construction zone accident lawyer and will help you navigate the legal complexities of your accident. He will protect your rights and help you get fair compensation for your injuries and damages. Contact him today for a free consultation and to learn more about his services.