Given the significant number of public roads throughout California, renovation and construction crews are typically busy throughout the entire year. While road improvements can be a good thing, work zones may create hazards when construction companies fail to follow the law. In fact, serious and deadly accidents can sometimes happen in these areas.
Both roadway drivers and construction companies have to follow various laws and regulations in construction zones. When they violate their respective duties of care, and a serious accident occurs, then their insurance companies may be responsible for paying the resulting damages.
If you suffered injuries in a work zone accident that resulted from someone else’s negligence, you have legal options available to you. An OC car accident lawyer can first meet with you to discuss the circumstances of your accident, review your legal options, and file a claim or lawsuit for damages if you are eligible. Your lawyer will work to help you maximize the monetary compensation you receive for your injuries so that you become whole again to the greatest extent possible.
Laws That Drivers Must Follow in Work Zones
In addition to construction companies, roadway drivers must follow all laws in and around designated construction zones. First, drivers must follow all posted signs in work zones, including those pertaining to speed limits. In many instances, speed limits decrease considerably in these construction areas.
Moreover, drivers may be unable to pass other vehicles in certain segments of the construction zone.
When roadway drivers violate these laws, they may cause accidents that injure a construction worker or another driver. In these circumstances, the at-fault driver and their insurance company may be liable for the resulting accident, injuries, and damages.
Laws That Construction Companies Must Follow in Designated Work Zones
While roadway drivers in construction zones must follow all posted signs and rules of the road, construction companies are also responsible for maintaining the area properly – and for posting the proper signage.
First, construction companies must post adequate warning signs that allow drivers to anticipate the approaching construction zone and adjust their speeds appropriately. Moreover, if a portion of the roadway in a construction zone does not allow for passing, the construction company must post the necessary detour signs. Moreover, they must post proper signage to warn motorists of uneven pavement, deep potholes, and other temporary roadway defects in the vicinity. Finally, construction companies must keep all of their construction equipment far enough away from travel lanes to prevent oncoming drivers from hitting the equipment.
When construction companies fail to post the proper warning signs and commit other negligent and careless acts – and an accident occurs – the construction company and their insurer may be responsible for the resulting injuries and damages.
A knowledgeable California work zone accident attorney in your area can review your circumstances with you and determine if you are eligible to file a personal injury claim or lawsuit.
Types of Roadway Accidents That Occur at or Near Construction Zones
When construction companies and other drivers behave negligently, serious accidents may occur in and around construction work sites. Common types of accidents include rear-end accidents, where the front of one vehicle hits the back of another vehicle. In some circumstances, collisions may occur between a vehicle and a piece of construction equipment. Vehicle rollover accidents, collisions with traffic cones, and accidents involving temporary concrete barriers are also common.
Potential Damages in Construction Work Zone Accidents
To recover monetary compensation for a construction work zone accident, the accident victim must prove that another person or entity violated their legal duty of care, causing the subject’s accident and their injuries. The damages that an accident victim can recover will depend upon the severity of their injuries, the extent of their medical treatment, and the cost of their treatment.
Common damages that construction zone accident victims may recover include monetary compensation for all related medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, inconvenience, pain and suffering, mental distress, loss of life enjoyment, loss of the ability to use an affected body part, and loss of spousal companionship.
A knowledgeable California work zone accident attorney in your area can determine which of these damages you may pursue in your personal injury claim or lawsuit. Your lawyer can then assist you during settlement negotiations and, if necessary, take your case to a jury trial or binding arbitration hearing.
Talk with an Experienced California Work Zone Accident Attorney Today
If you suffered injuries in a California work zone accident, one of your first steps should be to retain an experienced personal injury lawyer to represent you throughout your case. Your lawyer can assist you throughout the claims-filing and litigation processes and work to maximize the compensation you recover for your work-zone-accident injuries.
