A construction zone is one type of hazard that all drivers are familiar with: flashing lights, heavy machinery, workers moving everywhere, lane closures, and more. Fines are typically doubled for speeding and other reckless driving behaviors in these zones to keep workers safe, but what about when the construction creates a hazard for the driver, and they are in an accident they didn’t cause?
Depending on the type of construction, the companies may be protected under a surety bond or an insurance policy, but even trying to make sense of this initial step can be confusing for the uninitiated — especially when they are dealing with injuries suffered during the crash.
Contrary to what many people mistakenly believe, insurance companies are not in the business of paying the full amount of what victims are owed for their involvement in an accident; instead, they work to settle the claim as quickly and cost-effectively as possible. This can make it difficult to cover all of your medical expenses, lost wages, emotional distress, and other damages associated with the accident. You do not deserve to take on the financial impact of anyone else’s recklessness or negligence.
Contact Mountain States Injury Law To Request a Free Consultation Today
It is important that you consult a lawyer who has experience representing clients involved in accidents at construction sites. They will be able to review your case and determine the best steps to take for pursuing a successful claim. They also know how to negotiate with insurance companies to maximize your compensation.
Mountain States Injury Law offers a free consultation to discuss your case and answer any questions you may have about the process. Our car accident attorneys have the knowledge, experience, and skill to fight for the compensation you need to get back on your feet again. Contact us today to schedule a time to talk. We are here to help.
Our legal team is passionate about protecting the rights of injury victims in many types of car accidents and will fight aggressively to help you regain what was taken away from you. We represent drivers in Colorado, Idaho, and Montana.
Don’t hesitate — call us today at 888-845-8745 or fill out our online form to get started. We look forward to helping you every step of the way.
What To Do After a Construction Zone Accident
There are a lot of hazards on a construction site — equipment and materials being lifted to great heights, heavy machinery moving all around, and many workers who need to stay in sync, to name a few. When the construction site is near an open road, the hazards increase even more. Workers are at risk of speeding, distracted, or otherwise dangerous drivers, but drivers are also at risk.
If you’ve been in an accident in a construction zone, you must take the necessary steps to ensure your safety. If possible, document as much evidence as you can to help your attorney establish the details of the accident as they work to get you the compensation you deserve.
The following steps are meant to give you an idea of how to cover all of your bases — both in terms of health and your legal options — but keep in mind that your top priority MUST be your health. If any of the following steps interfere with your safety or health, skip them.
Check for Injuries
Take a moment to scan your body and check in with your other passengers about injuries. Adrenaline and panic can cause you to ignore or misinterpret the pain signals from your body, leading to additional injuries.
Call 911
Many people feel like calling 911 for minor injuries or damage is an overreaction, but having trained EMTs and police presence at the scene of the crash can ensure that you stay safe and the details of the accident make it into an official police report.
Document the Scene
If you are able to do so safely, take pictures or video of the scene and any relevant details that may help your case (for example, a poorly marked road closure or merge). Make sure that you include details about the cause of the accident.
Gather Information From Other Parties
Exchange contact information, insurance policy, and license plate numbers with any other drivers involved. You will also need to get information from the site manager or supervisor so you have a path forward with your claim against their company if they are responsible for your accident.
Get Medical Attention
Even if you don’t feel like you are seriously injured, it is important to get checked out by a doctor. Sometimes the effects of an accident can take a few days to fully materialize, and having medical documentation from the day of the accident will help your case later on.
Seek Legal Representation
Suppose someone else’s negligence or recklessness caused your injury. In that case, it is important that you seek the help of experienced legal professionals who can accurately assess your case and maximize the compensation you receive. Mountain States Injury Law is dedicated to helping injury victims in construction zone accidents and can provide you with the guidance and representation you need to ensure your rights are protected. Contact us today.
Common Accidents in Construction Zones
Construction zones are complex sites with a lot of moving parts, and there are many potential hazards that workers or drivers can face. Here are some of the most common causes of car accidents in construction zones:
Equipment malfunctions
Improperly maintained worksites
Forklift accidents
Falling objects/materials
Slip and fall injuries
Vehicle accidents
Poor signage warning drivers of the worksite
No matter what kind of accident you’ve been in, it’s important to take the necessary steps to protect your health and legal rights. We hope that the information provided above helps you to navigate your next steps after an accident in a construction zone.
If you or someone you know has been injured in a construction zone, Mountain States Injury Law can help. We specialize in helping injury victims get the compensation they deserve and are dedicated to fighting for our clients rights. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Dale G. Casares
Colorado, Idaho, and Montana
Personal Injury Attorney
