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Accidents Caused By Road Construction Zones

America’s roadways require frequent maintenance and upgrades, including expansions and repairs. Unfortunately, narrowed lanes and slow-moving construction vehicles in road construction zones can lead to confusion and frustrating traffic congestion. Besides slow traffic, changed road conditions in construction areas can cause road accidents. Road construction zone accidents often lead to severe injuries and expensive vehicle repairs. Sometimes they leave victims dead.

According to the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse, 891 people died in road construction zone accidents across America in 2022. An estimated 37,000 others sustained injuries. Unfortunately, 80 percent of fatalities in these accidents are drivers and passengers in non-construction vehicles. Therefore, it is important to understand construction road accidents, including risks, causes, and who is liable for damages.

Types of Accidents in Road Construction Zones

  • Rear-end collisions due to sudden stops
  • Vehicle rollovers in uneven terrain
  • Pedestrian accidents involving workers or by-passers
  • Accidents involving construction vehicles

Common Causes of Accidents in Construction Zones

Changed road conditions and the presence of heavy equipment make road construction zones risky for everyone driving within or around them. Some of the most common causes of accidents in these zones include:

  1. Poor signage and inadequate warnings – Road constructions disrupt the usual traffic flow hence the need to alert drivers to reduce speed and change lanes when approaching construction zones. Inadequate and poorly placed signage often confuse drivers leading to abrupt breaking or swerving, which increases the likelihood of a road accident.
  2. Sudden Lane Changes or Merges – Narrowed lanes in construction zones often require drivers to make unfamiliar or unexpected detours. These sudden changes can lead to sideswipe crashes or collisions with oncoming traffic.
  3. Construction Zones Hazards. Heavy machinery on road construction zones, including construction vehicles, often operate close to or on active roadways. This often endanger other road users. Additionally, uneven surfaces and loose debris increase the risk of road accidents in construction zones.
  4. Distracted Driving. Road construction zones are full of activities that can distract a driver even with proper signage. The unfamiliar layout can also distract some drivers who may struggle to interpret signs or navigate temporary paths. These distractions increase the risk of road accidents in construction zones.

Many road construction zone accidents are preventable. However, drivers and road construction companies must understand and recognize the above common causes and risks.

Who is Liable for Construction Zone Accidents?

Several parties can be legally liable for a road construction zone accident, including construction companies and non-construction drivers. A road construction company may be liable for a construction zone accident if it fails to ensure the safety of drivers and workers. This can be due to poor signage, improper traffic control, and inadequate worker training.

Local and state government agencies may also be liable for a construction zone accident for failing to reroute traffic or maintain proper road signage. Victims of road construction zone accidents, including drivers, vehicle occupants, and construction workers, can sue construction companies or government agencies for negligence. A construction worker has the alternative of seeking worker’s compensation benefits.

Non-construction drivers may also be liable for a road construction zone accident, especially due to negligence. If a driver’s negligent actions such as recklessness, speeding, and tailgating cause a construction zone accident, they may be liable for damages.  However, the accident’s victim must prove the driver’s negligence to get compensation.

Multiple parties may be liable for the same construction zone accident. Arizona’s comparative fault system share liability among the different parties according to each party’s degree of fault. Understanding who is liable for a construction zone accident is crucial for damage recovery. Some of the damages that you can recover include medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

What to Do After a Road Construction Zone Accident

A road construction zone accident can confuse you about your course of action. Here are some actions you can take after a construction zone accident:

  1. Seek immediate medical attention for your injuries and secure your safety by stepping away from the vehicle. If the severity of your injuries prevents you from seeking help, another person can do it for you.
  2. Call the police and report the accident. Do not leave the accident scene before the police arrive unless you need to rush to the hospital.
  3. Document the accident by taking photos and videos of the scene. You can also take photos of your injuries. The evidence is essential for the personal injury claim.
  4. Gather eyewitness statements, including getting their contact information
  5. Contact a skilled construction zone accident attorney as soon as possible. Do not talk or negotiate with the at-fault party or insurance companies without a lawyer.

How a Lawyer Can Help

A skilled construction zone accident lawyer can help you navigate complex legal concepts like comparative fault. They will also help you build a strong personal injury claim.

A lawyer will also help you collect the necessary evidence and conduct thorough investigations. They will also help you to prove negligence, especially in an accident where multiple parties are at fault. They will ensure you get fair compensation for your damages.

A construction zone attorney will also negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf and represent you in court, if necessary.

Contact a Tucson Road Construction Zone Accident Attorney

A road construction zone accident can leave you with severe injuries that require costly medical treatment. While Arizona law entitles you to compensation, the damage recovery process in such accidents is often complex. However, a skilled and experienced Tucson road construction zone accident attorney can help you navigate the complexities. If you are in Tucson, AZ, contact Mr. Barry Bellovin of The Bellovin Law Firm. He will guide you through the legal process and help you get the compensation you need and deserve. Contact him to schedule a free consultation and learn more about his services.

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