Car Accidents in Construction Zones

Who's to blame when a Dallas car accident is caused by road construction or lane shifts?

If you've been injured in a car accident which occurred within a construction zone, call our Dallas accident attorneys today at (214) 651-6100. We're happy to listen to the facts of your accident and explain your options moving forward.

There is a great deal of road construction going on in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex right now, and many of these ongoing projects have led to serious car accidents due to increased congestion, lane shifts, detours, closures, uneven lanes, etc. Many of these accidents can be blamed on driver negligence, but in some cases, the city or construction company may also share liability.

It’s important for drivers to stay updated on where road construction is going on, and to be aware what kind of obstacles may impede their travel. Being safe in construction zones means remaining fully aware of your surroundings, but it only takes one person to cause a car wreck and you cannot control the behavior of other drivers.

What causes car accidents in construction zones?

There are several reasons accidents may occur in construction zones. For instance, a reduction in the number of lanes may cause a slower traffic pattern or lead to a rear-end collision for those drivers who fail to notice the change or do not adjust accordingly. Drivers may also become frustrated or confused when approaching detours, and improper signage can result in accidents causing catastrophic injuries or wrongful death.

Distracted driving is another problem that leads to construction zone accidents. Striking a barricade, barrel or other obstacles on the roadway can lead to overcorrection accidents, and drivers (especially truck drivers) frequently cause accidents due to failing to control their speed as they approach traffic slowed or stopped due to road construction.

The best way to protect yourself from being involved in an construction zone accident is to drive within the adjusted speed limit, give plenty of room between your car and the vehicle in front of you, and always keep a proper lookout for dangers. Even if you travel through this construction zone on a daily basis, understand that other drivers may be completely unfamiliar with these changes and could act impulsively or fail to adjust their driving. Give extra room when possible, and always drive defensively.

Statistics on construction zone car accidents.

In 2015, there were an estimated 96,626 car crashes in highway work zones across the country. Unfortunately, these numbers have risen 42 percent since 2013 (when we saw a low of 67,887 work zone accidents).

In 2016 alone, there were at least 25,814 car accidents which occurred in work zones just in Texas. As a result of these crashes, 181 people lost their lives and nearly 12,000 suffered injuries.

On average, at least 70 people are injured in work zone accidents on a daily basis, and at least 12 people are killed in these accidents every week.

How do I file a claim? Is the city liable?

Those who are injured in an accident caused by another driver—whether or not the accident occurred in a construction zone—likely have a valid claim against the negligent driver. Through a personal injury claim (which we can handle for you at no out-of-pocket cost), you can seek compensation to reimburse you for all of your related losses and expenses (e.g., pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages, disfigurement, property damage, loss of future income, etc). In the event the accident results in a fatality, the family of the victim may pursue a wrongful death claim.

There are some cases in which the road construction company or the city itself may hold all (or a portion of) responsibility for a construction zone car accident. If misleading/incorrect signage leads to a serious car accident, your main claim may be with an entity other than the driver who hit you. These types of claims can be very complex, but an experienced attorney will know how to best handle such a situation.

If you were NOT injured in the collision, your first step should be to file a claim with your insurance company. You may have to pay your deductible up front while your insurance company investigates and manages your claim, but if you were not at fault, you will likely get reimbursed at a later time.

If you WERE injured in the accident, your first step should be to seek medical attention. It is your duty to mitigate injuries following an accident, and in order to have a valid personal injury claim, your injuries need to be verified and documented. If you cannot afford to see a doctor at this time, contact an attorney right away and ask for a referral to a doctor who will work on a letter of protection.

As soon as you're able to, your next step should be to contact a Dallas car accident attorney. We can begin working on your case immediately, and we do so at no cost to you. We only collect a fee if we put money in your pocket. If for some reason we cannot win your case, you literally owe us nothing for the time spent on your case.

Injuries to road construction workers.

Sometimes car accidents in work zones lead to devastating injuries to the workers present. Due to the nature of these accidents, the results are often catastrophic or fatal.

Those injured while on the job are more-restricted when it comes to filing a personal injury claim. If the victim's employer does NOT subscribe to workers' comp, the victim can file a personal injury claim to recoup 100% of their damages and lost wages. If the victim's employer DOES subscribe to state-run workers' compensation insurance, your only option may be to file an administrative workers' compensation claim. These claims can be very limited when it comes to compensation, but speak to an attorney before making any decisions.

Let Rasansky Law Firm help.

There is a great deal of road construction occurring in Texas right now; about 1,000 ongoing projects throughout the state. This makes it important for both drivers and pedestrians to be on the lookout for road construction hazards. However, if you were hurt in a construction zone accident that you feel was not your fault, contact the accident attorneys at Rasansky Law Firm for a free consultation. We're available 24 hours a day at (214) 651-6100, or feel free to email us using the contact form found on this page.