Any accident that occurs within a designated road construction or maintenance area is considered a construction zone accident. Workers do not have to be present for it to count within this category.
When a car accident occurs in a construction zone, it can be hard to establish liability. Car accidents due to construction can be caused by both drivers and conditions related to the workspace itself. With a dual risk, it’s important to always follow signs related to lane closures or speed limit reductions and keep an eye out for cones and construction vehicles.
Staying safe in construction zones
Rear-end accidents are the most common type of accident within a construction zone. The two biggest causes of construction zone rear-end accidents are a car having to make a sudden stop, either because they haven’t slowed down to the construction speed limit, or something unexpected is on the road related to the construction and speeding.
Georgia law lowers the legal speed limit within construction zones to help drivers stay safe as they go through the area. On the highway, signs must be spaced no more than a mile apart throughout the area so drivers can easily see the change. Fines for speeding within a construction zone are usually double the amount they’d normally be. Following the reduced speed requirement will prevent you from getting a ticket and make sure you’re able to safely maneuver through any tight spaces or narrowed lanes caused by the construction.
To further reduce your risk of causing a car accident in a construction zone, make sure you’re not letting any distractions keep you from focusing on the road. Don’t text, fiddle with the radio or eat in the car when going through a construction area. Focusing will ensure you’re prepared for things like changes in traffic patterns, temporary barriers, cones and even the workers out there themselves.
Remember, road conditions aren’t typical during construction, and you should be prepared for the unexpected in order to stay safe.
Car accidents due to construction zone negligence
Not all the responsibility lies with the drivers when it comes to a construction zone. There are certain things the team doing the work on the road must do as well to keep the area safe. This includes ensuring any signs are properly placed and visible. Hard-to-see or missing signs can make it difficult for drivers to take the right precautions to stay safe.
If crews are working at night, or equipment is being left in the area, good lighting is also essential. Without it, drivers are at risk of hitting signs, debris in the road, construction vehicles or even people moving about the site.
What percentage of construction zone accidents involve large trucks?
Another piece to consider in construction zone accidents is the involvement of a large truck. Aside from equipment being used on the road, large trucks are the most common vehicle being used by workers to bring in materials and people.
Nearly 30% of all work zone collisions involve large trucks which can impact damages to property, personal injury, and fatality rates.
Who’s liable for a construction zone car accident?
Establishing liability after a car accident in a construction zone can be challenging since it typically involves multiple parties such as the car’s driver, the construction crew or even the construction company. With the potential for so many parties to be at fault in this type of accident, it’s important to consult a construction zone accident lawyer for support. They’ll take into account all of the details related to the accident, including the construction zone itself, to help prove fault.
You, as the driver, may be considered at fault if you’ve violated any traffic laws, including those specific to being in a construction zone. This is why you want to be sure you’re driving at the posted construction zone speed limit and remaining as focused on the road as possible.
The construction company may be considered liable if they didn’t take proper safety measures around the site or have improper signage to warn against hazards. They may also be liable if they poorly designed or don’t maintain the route for cars to drive through the area safely. They’re also required to take proper precautions when operating construction equipment around passing cars, and may be considered responsible if they do not.
Turn to the best construction zone accident lawyer when you need help
Driving safely is one of the best ways to avoid a car accident when going through a construction zone, but there’s always a chance the unexpected will occur. Should you find yourself in an accident, the legal team at Watson Injury Law is here to help. We can confidently navigate the intricacies of your construction zone car accident so you can focus on getting better. Reach out today for a free consultation to learn more.