Construction zones on highways and streets can cause problems for traffic. Many construction sites for road improvements, constructing bridges over roadways, or erecting buildings next to the street can remain active for months or even years. In some cases, these construction zones are kept inactive during heavy traffic periods, but they can still cause dangers and risks for drivers.
If you or a loved one was injured in a car accident in a construction zone, you may be entitled to file a lawsuit for your injuries. In some cases, the construction workers’ negligence can create added dangers and risks on the road that increase the likelihood of a car crash. For a free consultation on your case, contact Miami construction zone car accident lawyer Prosper Shaked today at Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA. Our number is (305) 694-2676.
Holding Construction Firms Liable for Work Zone Car Accidents
In work zones, the construction firm doing the work may make efforts to improve safety while the construction is ongoing. Certainly, they want to keep their workers safe along the side of the road, and they may post reduced speed limits, require you to use your headlights, and take other safety precautions. However, sometimes the inherent risks of construction zones create too many hazards for other drivers on the road, causing accidents.
Confusing or dangerous road diversions can cause crashes. When an exit on the highway or access to a vital road is closed, the signs and traffic cones diverting traffic can be confusing. Drivers may drive straight into some of these cones or barriers, especially if they are used to adjust or move a lane of traffic in a way that contradicts the painted lines. In other cases, it may not be clear that a road or lane is closed, and drivers may continue into dangerous territory.
Scored or torn-up road surfaces can also cause a huge risk. Most cars are intended to work on a somewhat smooth road, not rough surfaces. Tar, chips, gravel, and other debris might be on the road surface, and this can be kicked up and propelled at windshields, causing dangers. In addition, uneven road surfaces can cause damage to your tires if you drive on two different surfaces or try to change lanes on these roads. Roads that are very uneven can even be a challenge for drivers crossing the divide and may cause them to overestimate the turn radius needed, causing a side-impact accident. Similar problems occur with uneven surfaces from metal plates left to cover inactive construction.
Active construction zones have the potential for debris, collapses, and risks from negligent construction workers. Collapsing structures, falling debris, loose nails, and other hazards can cause damage to vehicles, potentially prompting an accident. Alternatively, the damage could be enough to severely injure. Construction vehicles often have posted warnings that they stop and make sudden turns – but this is still no excuse for them to dart in and out of traffic or to fail to follow traffic laws for signaling before a turn. Any dangers these vehicles cause could also lead to a lawsuit.
Suing a Driver for Accidents in Construction Zones
If you were injured by another driver in a construction zone, your lawsuit may be able to proceed as normal. The driver may try to avoid liability by claiming they were affected by one of the issues above, in which case the construction firm may be partly responsible for your case after all. Otherwise, you may still be able to recover compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Florida’s no-fault car accident laws might require you to file through your insurance first, but you should always talk to an attorney about your case before doing so. Accepting settlement money from an insurance company or the other driver might hurt your ability to sue, so talk to an attorney before accepting any payments.
If you or a loved one was working on a construction site and were injured by a driver, you could be entitled to compensation. Especially at highway speeds, these kinds of accidents can cause very severe injuries or even death. In either case, since the injury occurred on the job, you might be required to use Florida’s workers’ compensation instead of suing the employer. However, you may still be able to file a lawsuit against the at-fault driver, which could entitle you to substantial compensation.
Miami Construction Zone Car Accident Lawyer Offering Free Consultations
If you or a loved one was injured in a car crash in a construction zone, Miami construction zone car accident lawyer Prosper Shaked may be able to help. Prosper Shaked can fight for you and your family, working to get you compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. If the construction was a contributing factor in your accident, you may be able to take the construction firm and contractors to court along with any at-fault drivers who caused your injuries. For a free consultation on your case and for help understanding what your claim might be worth, call Prosper Shaked Accident Injury Attorneys PA today at (305) 694-2676.