Construction work zones are a familiar sight on Alabama roadways. Injuries sustained in construction zone accidents are often severe and sometimes fatal. Although most drivers know they should slow down and drive with caution in work zones, unfortunately many don’t obey the rules of the road. At Moore Law Firm, our car accident lawyers help injured victims hold negligent parties accountable for their actions. Whether you were the occupant of a vehicle, pedestrian or bicyclist, or an on-site worker, if you or a loved one has been hurt in a construction zone accident, we can help you recover the compensation you deserve for your damages and losses.
Alabama Construction Zone Accident Stats
Most Alabama construction zone accidents occur in the spring and summer. According to a survey conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America, in 2018 the number of work zone accidents in Alabama was 5% higher than the national average. In addition, 73% of highway contractors in Alabama reported that motor vehicles had crashed into their work zones throughout the previous year. If you’re a worker who has been injured on a construction site, our attorneys can also assist you with your workers’ compensation claim.
There’s no denying that work zones can be hazardous to workers, pedestrians, and bicyclists. However, the majority of injuries and fatalities are suffered by motorists and the occupants of vehicles in construction zone crashes. According to the NHTSA, four out of five people killed in work zone accidents are motorists and passengers. A good way to avoid the inherent danger of traveling through construction zones is to check out the Alabama Department of Transportation’s list of road projects. It is updated frequently and provides valuable information about Alabama road construction projects and their projected start and completion dates.
Causes of Construction Zone Accidents
Speeding
Failing to obey the speed limit is one of the most common factors in construction zone accidents. Speed limits in work zones are reduced for a variety of reasons, including uneven pavement, narrow lanes, lane closures, lane shifts, and trucks and other heavy equipment entering the roadway. Whether workers are present at a site or not, posted speed limits should be always be followed, but many motorists ignore them and speed anyway. This is especially dangerous when large commercial trucks and tractor-trailers go too fast. Trucks require a greater stopping distance than cars. If traffic suddenly stops, the consequences can be devastating. Catastrophic accidents like multi-car pileups can lead to rollovers and fling vehicles into work areas, putting roadway workers at risk as well.
Tailgating
Because traffic in these areas is often congested or stop-and-go, tailgating is also a common cause of construction zone accidents. Even at slow speeds, a rear-end collision can cause injuries such as whiplash, herniated disc, spinal injuries, and concussion. Giving vehicles in front of you a wide berth can help you and others stay safe on the road. Another way you can avoid the temptation to tailgate or drive too fast is to plan ahead and give yourself plenty of extra time to get where you’re going. Use technology like live GPS to can check traffic conditions and locations of construction zones before you leave. If traffic is backed up you can always take a detour to avoid the hassle of getting stuck.
Merging
Attempting to merge at high speed or failing to merge properly when approaching a lane closing are common causes of highway construction zone accidents. In construction zones, lanes are usually more narrow. Failing to pay proper attention when changing lanes or merging can lead to serious sideswipe and rear-end work zone accidents. Always check mirrors and blind spots before switching lanes.
Distracted Driving
Looking down at your phone for even just a few seconds can be fatal while driving. When making your way through a work zone, keep your eyes on the road and avoid other distractions like adjusting controls, eating, drinking, and turning around to deal with kids or pets in the back seat. It’s critical to remain alert and pay attention to temporary signs, traffic signals, and to watch for construction vehicles entering and exiting work zones.
Signs are there to advise you of potential hazards and upcoming road conditions. If there is inadequate signage and you’re involved in an accident, ALDOT, a local municipal agency or a private contractor may be liable for your injuries. Our car accident lawyers are well-versed in Alabama traffic law, safety rules, and road construction regulations. We can assess your case and advise you of whether or not you have a valid claim and help you pursue all possibilities for recovering compensation.
How An Attorney Can Help
If you or a loved one has been a victim of a construction zone accident that was caused by someone else’s negligence, it’s critical to contact an attorney as soon as possible. Alabama has strict statutes of limitations for filing personal injury claims. If a municipal or governmental agency is responsible for your injuries, deadlines may be even tighter. The sooner you act to protect your rights, the better, especially when it comes to dealing with insurance companies. Our team at Moore Law firm will also investigate the circumstances surrounding the accident. Collecting evidence promptly is vital to building a solid personal injury claim. Medical records, police reports, witness statements, and photos are also important factors that can affect the outcome of your claim.
Our car accident attorneys can help you recover compensation for your pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, and other damages. If someone you love was killed in a construction zone accident, you may be entitled to bring a wrongful death suit against the responsible party. Our accident lawyers handle all negotiations with insurance companies so you and your family can focus on what’s important – healing and moving on with your lives.
Top-Notch Legal Representation You Can Trust
Since 1985, Moore Law Firm has represented more than 12,000 clients in all types of personal injury claims. For us, it’s not just about the money – it’s about making things right for injured victims and their families. There are no up-front costs and we won’t collect any attorney fees unless we obtain compensation for you. Initial consultations are always free. We’re here to listen, answer any questions you may have, and give you straightforward legal advice and services you can count on.
Contact Us If You’ve Been Hurt In A Construction Zone Accident
At Moore Law Firm, we understand that being injured in a work zone accident can be life-changing. Our Mobile car accident attorneys are by your side through the entire process. We aggressively advocate for your rights and interests and won’t stop until you get the compensation you deserve. Contact us online or call us today at 251-445-7602 to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a car accident lawyer.