Accidents involving motorists in highway construction zones are more common than one might think. In fact, 88,000 auto accidents took place in construction zones in 2010, according to the latest findings from the U.S. Department of Transportation. California is among the top four states for fatal car accidents in or near road construction zones, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Construction Site Car Accident Injuries
Common injuries from highway accidents may include back injuries, such as herniated disc fractures, spinal cord injuries (which may result in paralysis) and traumatic brain injury. Facial injuries, such as lacerations and trauma, broken bones, and aggravation of a prior injury are also possible.
Recent data shows that the most common collision at a construction zone is a rear-end crash. Therefore, drivers should not tailgate or follow too closely in work zones. Drivers should also exercise caution by not changing lanes, driving within their lanes, and remaining alert. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident in a construction zone, and you believe the at-fault driving was tailgating you or otherwise driving carelessly, contact an experienced personal injury attorney.
Construction Accident Findings
For the fatalities that occur in construction zones each year, timing matters: most road construction fatalities occur between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Surprisingly, the Department of Transportation reports that working at night does not create a significantly greater crash risk for an individual motorist traveling through a work zone than does working during the day. Crash factors resulting in fatalities include lack of seat belt, speeding, alcohol and daytime. Nearly 60% of fatalities occurred on roads with a speed limit of more than 55 miles per hour. If you were involved in an auto accident that was caused by a driver who was speeding, discuss your legal rights and ability for financial recovery with an experienced auto accident lawyer.
For more information on how to file a lawsuit against a negligent driver, or a third party entity (such as the construction trucks improperly parked on the street), contact attorney Barry P. Goldberg and his team of knowledgeable legal professionals today.
