Sections of roads and highways undergoing repairs or improvements may be designated temporarily as construction zones. These areas are configured to allow workers to complete road improvements while permitting traffic to pass through an area. Unfortunately, construction zones are dangerous places with workers on foot, heavy equipment, and motorists moving in close proximity. While barricades, signage, and traffic flaggers are often in place to protect workers and motorists, these safety precautions often aren’t enough to prevent accidents.
Kentucky had more than 900 construction zone crashes in 2020, including accidents causing more than 200 injuries and 6 fatalities, according to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. Rear-end collisions are the most common type of work zone crash caused by traffic backups and sudden stoppages.
If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a construction zone accident, you might be wondering who might be financially liable for your medical bills, the repairs to your vehicle, and your lost wages due to missed work. You may be eligible to pursue an injury claim or lawsuit against another motorist, the highway contractor that set up the construction zone, or another entity that caused your crash.
Causes of Construction Zone Car Accidents
Some of the most common causes of construction zone crashes include:
- Hazardous road conditions – Construction zones contain many hazards that may lead to serious accidents. Uneven road surfaces, narrowed lanes, vehicles traveling at different speeds, and debris left on the road can create dangerous conditions. Lane mergers and changes to regular traffic patterns can confuse drivers.
- Unclear road signs – Construction work often creates changes to road conditions, such as reduced speed limits, sharp turns, and detours. If construction zone road signs are unclear, or difficult to see, it makes it harder for drivers to travel safely through the construction zone.
- Poor planning – Poor planning for how traffic will move through a construction zone, lack of lane markings or ineffective management of traffic by construction workers can cause unsafe conditions.
- Driver confusion and frustration – It’s not uncommon for drivers to become frustrated when driving through a construction zone due to traffic moving slowly or confusion caused by changes in road rules.
When Construction Companies May Be Held Liable
Constructions companies hired to complete road improvements are responsible for establishing a safe construction zone and managing hazards to prevent accidents. When road contractors or government agencies fail to design a construction zone properly, accidents can happen. The construction company or the government agency responsible for maintaining the road may be held liable for an unsafe construction zone. Common examples of negligence that may cause accidents include:
- Positioning traffic cones or barricades too close to a traffic lane
- Failing to reduce the speed limit at a sharp turn
- Unmarked lane changes
- Poor traffic management by a flag person
- Reducing driver visibility by blowing dust or debris into the air
Even if you believe that another driver caused an accident, it’s possible that the at-fault driver’s actions were influenced by a hazard in the construction zone.
Can You Seek Compensation from the Construction Company?
If a construction worker’s negligence caused an accident, you may be able to seek compensation from the construction company. Contact a knowledgeable construction zone accident lawyer at Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer to get an understanding of your options for pursuing reimbursement for your losses.
Reducing the Risk of a Construction Zone Collision
Here are some tips for driving responsibly through a construction zone:
- Construction zones alter traffic patterns, so expect the unexpected
- Obey all construction zone laws as indicated by road signs
- Watch for speed limit reductions and lane mergers
- Slow down and be patient
- Watch for flaggers and obey their instructions
- Maintain a safe following distance between your car and those in front
- Pay extra attention to your surroundings
- Avoid distracted driving
Get in Touch with a Kentucky Car Accident Lawyer
If you have been injured in a construction zone car crash in Kentucky, you need to understand your legal rights. You may have a right to seek significant compensation from the motorist or highway contractor that caused the accident. Turn to the experienced Kentucky Courage car accident lawyers at Morgan, Collins, Yeast & Salyer for help. Call or contact us online for a free case review.
