Car Accidents Near Areas of Road Construction
Drivers in the Salt Lake City, UT, and Provo, UT, area are likely to notice that roads in these parts of the state seem to be in a nearly constant rotation of road construction. Road construction is necessary to repair damage, expand lanes of traffic, or alter routes. While the outcome of road construction is often positive, the experience can be inconvenient. Even worse, road construction can be dangerous.
Road construction involves many hazards that increase the risk of a car accident. Car accidents involving road construction can cause catastrophic or fatal injuries. Car accident lawyer Lynn C. Harris helps accident victims hold liable parties accountable for accident damages.
Road Construction Hazards
Road construction zones are known to increase the risk of a car accident. These areas make car accidents more likely because of the many hazards that are present. Most notably, road construction zones are likely to involve:
- Loose debris - When the road is being worked on, loose rocks, gravel, and/or sand are likely to be present. These materials create safety hazards that can damage a vehicle, cause a driver to swerve out of their lane, or compromise road traction.
- Speed limit changes - Drivers are supposed to decrease their speed when driving through a construction zone, but these areas often come with little warning or signage. If a driver is not aware, they may drive too fast for the road conditions.
- Altered traffic routes - Many drivers are familiar with the roads they travel on a daily basis, but construction zones lead to altered traffic routes. Detours, lane closures, and other changes in traffic routes can confuse drivers and increase accident risk, especially if the construction site does not have sufficient signage.
- Limited visibility - Construction equipment, signs, and workers can all limit visibility in a construction zone. Visibility may be especially reduced in areas with curves in the road, large trees, or heavily congested road traffic.
- Large construction vehicles/machinery - Road construction sites are likely to be full of large equipment, machinery, and construction vehicles. Construction vehicles move slowly, make frequent stops, and take a while to maneuver. If drivers are not careful, they may collide with one of these vehicles or nearby equipment.
Road Construction Car Accident Injuries
Road construction car accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, or even death. That is because these types of accidents tend to involve multiple vehicles, and/or large, heavy construction machinery. Individuals injured in car accidents that take place near a construction zone may suffer from:
- Broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Head injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Traumatic spinal cord injuries
Liability for Accident Damages
Individuals who are involved in a road construction car accident should work with Salt Lake City lawyer Lynn C. Harris to determine accident liability. Lynn C. Harris works with accident investigators to re-create the collision and ascertain its cause. Depending on who or what caused the accident, liability for accident damages may fall on (or be shared by) another driver, a construction worker, the construction company, or the city/municipality that is overseeing the road construction project.
Learn More
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident at a construction zone and you would like to learn more about the financial compensation you may be due, car accident lawyer Lynn C. Harris would be happy to review your case. To get in touch with our legal team, send us a message online, or call (801) 521-3200.
