Drivers who share our roads are expected to obey all rules at all times to prevent serious accidents. With so many stretches of highway in California, there are also many construction zones at any given time. In construction zones, certain rules must be followed so that workers are kept safe from harm. However, negligence is still at play in these areas every day – leading to life-altering and catastrophic results.
At Maison Law, we are dedicated to representing you when you have sustained injuries and other damages in a construction zone accident in California. As the medical bills continue to pile up and you are not able to return to the workplace for a period of time, you may be feeling helpless and alone. We have the resources necessary to help you move forward in your time of need. Contact us for representation that you need at this time.
Accidents Most Common in Construction Zones
Construction zones are incredibly common in California, where long highways are a reality in every city. Though drivers are always supposed to stay aware of upcoming construction zones by heeding to posted signs in the area, this does not always happen when drivers are distracted or otherwise disobeying the laws of the road.
In a California construction zones, drivers will discover that speed limits are reduced and there might be fewer lanes, making for dangerous road conditions when a driver is traveling over certain speeds. There are some types of accidents that are most common in construction zones, such as the following:
- Rear-end collisions
- Drivers crashing into equipment or workers
- Collisions with barriers and medians
- Rollover accidents
Rear-end accidents are some of the most common accidents in construction zones, taking place when drivers fail to notice that the vehicle in front of them drastically slowed down. No matter what type of collision occurs, it can lead to serious and even fatal results when workers are walking around nearby.
Common Causes of California Construction Zone Accidents
Construction work zone accidents can occur due to a wide array of reasons but typically involve some type of negligent act due to one or more reckless drivers. Accidents in these zones are usually caused by the following:
- Speeding drivers who do not slow down in time
- Vehicles failing to merge in time
- Lack of proper signage in an area that do not warn drivers before a work zone
- Low visibility conditions, especially at night
- Distracted or aggressive driving
There are strict rules that apply to drivers in construction zones so that catastrophic accidents can be prevented. For instance, California Vehicle Code 42009 states that drivers will receive double traffic fines if they are caught speeding in a construction zone. There are other fines that are doubled in California as well, from disobeying traffic control devices to failing to yield the right-of-way in a work zone. These laws are expected to deter drivers from disobeying the rules of the road when driving in construction zones so that accidents can be prevented.
Determining Liability in a California Construction Zone Accident
If you have been injured in a car accident that took place in a California construction work zone, determining liability is one of the most vital ways to move forward. You may think that only a driver could be liable for a work zone accident but there could actually be multiple parties at fault for a collision in one of these areas:
- Other motorists who were not obeying the rules of the road
- Construction workers or the construction company employing the workers
- Government entities in charge of the work zones or roadways
- Manufacturers who made defective equipment
It is not always easy to determine liability in a construction zone accident. This is why speaking with a lawyer can be incredibly beneficial to your case.
What Damages to Expect in a Construction Zone Accident Claim
Depending on the injuries and property damage that your accident caused, you may be eligible to claim various economic and non-economic damages in your claim. Here are some examples of the many types of damages that might apply to your claim:
- Past and future medical-related expenses
- Lost wages and future loss of income
- Property damages, including totaled vehicles
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional distress or PTSD caused by the accident
- Burial and funeral expenses if a loved one was killed
The number of damages that you receive in your case will vary greatly from other cases and will depend on many aspects, such as the severity of your injuries and how the accident occurred. Damages are expected to make you feel whole again after an accident, helping you stay on your feet both physically and financially.
Contact a California Construction Zone Accident Lawyer Immediately
From the moment your accident occurs, you may be worried about how you will afford to pay the bills that continue piling up against you. You may have sustained serious or even permanent injuries due to a construction zone accident caused by another party. Having legal help can benefit your claim in many ways, which is why you should contact a California car accident lawyer immediately following your collision.
At Maison Law, we care about the outcome of your personal injury claim. From start to finish, we will help you navigate the legal system in California and become acquainted with accident laws that apply to your case. We offer you a completely free and confidential case consultation. Contact us today to find out what options you have at this time.
