Work zones are necessary for Texas to have safe and well-maintained roads. Unfortunately, when not properly managed, work zones can be dangerous locations that risk workers and drivers alike. If you get involved in a work zone crash in Texas, it is important to recognize your right to hold someone accountable. To understand your legal rights and options after a work zone crash, contact the Austin car accident lawyers at FVF Law to schedule your free consultation.
A work zone crash is a traffic accident that occurs in or around a designated construction zone. Roadside work zones are areas where maintenance, repairs, or construction are taking place on a public roadway, often to improve the structural integrity and safety of the road. Work zones should be properly marked with lights, signs, cones, and barriers. They should be properly designed and maintained to optimize the safety of everyone involved.
Work zone accidents are much more common than most people realize. According to the Federal Highway Administration, 891 people died in fatal work zone accidents in 2022. The majority of the victims were drivers and vehicle occupants (742), while 145 people were bicyclists and pedestrians. An additional 37,701 people were injured in work zone collisions in 2022.
Work zone accidents, injuries, and deaths can generally be prevented when everyone involved behaves safely and in accordance with the law. A construction company, for example, must adhere to regulations set by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration to ensure the reasonable safety of work zones and workers.
Motor vehicle drivers must obey Texas’s traffic laws and roadway rules, including following any instruction signs posted in a construction zone. Negligence, or the failure to exercise reasonable care, can result in serious and fatal work zone collisions.
Common causes of these accidents include:
If an investigation of a work zone accident in Texas finds that one or more parties should have done more to prevent the crash, those parties can be held liable, or financially responsible, for an injured victim’s losses.
If you or a loved one gets hurt in a work zone crash in Texas, the construction company, a contractor, a business, a driver, or another party may be liable for your losses. In Texas, the law allows an injured accident victim to file a claim against the at-fault party in pursuit of financial compensation.
A successful work zone accident case could result in compensation for many of your economic and noneconomic losses, such as past and future medical bills, lost wages, property damage repairs, pain and suffering, loss of consortium, and wrongful death damages (after a fatal accident).
If you wish to pursue financial compensation by holding a negligent party accountable for your work zone accident, start the process by contacting an experienced Austin personal injury lawyer. A lawyer can review your case to help you understand your legal rights and options, which may include filing a car insurance claim, workers’ compensation claim, or personal injury lawsuit.
To schedule a free review of your specific case, contact FVF
If you’re involved in a work zone accident, ensure everyone’s safety and call 911 to report the accident. Seek medical attention for any injuries, even if they seem minor. Gather information from all parties involved, including contact details, insurance information, and any information about the construction company if it’s relevant. Take photos of the scene, including any road signs, barriers, or hazards in the work zone. Consulting a lawyer familiar with work zone accidents can help you navigate the complexities of these cases.
Yes, in some cases, you may be able to hold a construction company responsible if they failed to maintain a safe work zone. For example, if they didn’t follow regulations, set up proper signage, or left dangerous equipment or debris in the road, they could be held liable for resulting accidents. A lawyer can help determine if the construction company’s negligence contributed to your accident.
If you’re injured in a work zone accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, vehicle damage, and other costs related to the accident. The specific amount and types of compensation will depend on the severity of your injuries and the circumstances of the crash.
Work zone liability cases often involve multiple parties, such as construction companies, contractors, government agencies, and other drivers. Additionally, work zones are required to meet specific safety standards, so establishing liability may require an investigation into whether these standards were followed. Work zone accidents may also involve unique evidence, such as records of the work zone setup, photos of traffic control devices, and witness statements.
An experienced attorney can assist by gathering evidence such as accident reports, construction company records, witness statements, and photos or videos of the work zone. They can also negotiate with multiple insurers or parties involved, help establish liability, and work to ensure you’re compensated fairly for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.
To prove a work zone was unsafe, you’ll need evidence that shows inadequate signage, poor lighting, improper barriers, or failure to follow safety guidelines. This can include photos of the scene, witness testimonies, accident reports, and expert analysis. A lawyer can help gather and present this evidence to strengthen your case.
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