In the Pacific Northwest, we normally think of road construction season as during the summer time but in Whatcom County we have some upcoming roadwork on I-5 and Mt. Baker Highway that will impact traffic next week. With roadwork comes objects like construction cones and machinery blocking parts of the road. It can also mean lengthy and frustrating delays and a requirement to slow down while passing through the construction zone. Construction zones add danger to a roadway so it is not surprising that they are associated with a higher number of accidents; thousands are injured in construction road accidents every year.
Causes of Construction Zone Accidents
There are a few main causes of construction zone accidents:
- Following too closely. When drivers follow other drivers too closely in a construction zone where cars are already packed in together, they are asking for a multi-vehicle rear-end accident.
- Reduced number of lanes. Reduced lanes mean slower traffic and can increase the risk of an accident for drivers who don’t notice that lanes are reducing.
- Narrowing lanes. Narrowing lanes can cause a driver to scrape the side of their vehicle against an object on the roadway or another vehicle.
- Obstacles on the road. Obstacles on the road can increase the chance of a collision – especially a single-vehicle crash.
- Detours that are sometimes necessary to get around road construction work can cause drivers to get confused or frustrated, which may increase the risk of a collision.
- Distracted driving. Some drivers are more likely to do things like drive and text when they slow down. Since construction zones generally require drivers to slow down, the risk of distracted driving behaviors increases, along with the increased risk of accidents that comes with distracted driving.
- Speeding. Though most drivers follow rules to slow down in construction zones, not everyone does. Speeding through a narrow space with other cars all around is asking for an accident.
Construction zone accident statistics
Crashes may happen more frequently in construction zones because of the additional hazards they present. In Washington State, there are an average of almost 626 highway work zone injuries each year.
According to wsdot.wa.gov, almost 94 percent of the people who are injured or killed in work zone collisions are drivers and their passengers. The number of people injured in construction zones goes up the larger the construction zone. Bad weather conditions exacerbate the risks of construction zone accidents.
Seeking damages from a construction zone accident
If you or a loved one was injured in a construction zone collision due to the negligence of another, you are entitled to seek damages against the negligent party. Damages from construction zone crashes are similar to damages from all types of car crashes. Drivers may recover for medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost income, property damage (normally to the vehicle), and disability. If the accident is fatal, the decedent’s family may pursue damages through a wrongful death claim such as funeral and burial costs, loss of support, and loss of companionship from the liable party.
While most accident claims are made against an at-fault driver, some construction zone accidents are caused by negligence on the part of the construction company or workers in charge of the construction work. For example, if inadequate warning signs were erected to warn drivers of impending dangers and road hazards and those dangers are the cause of an accident, the party in charge of the signage may be liable. In some cases, the government may be liable for the construction zone accident because they are ultimately responsible for roadway repairs and safety.
An experienced car accident lawyer will assess the details of each case and determine which party is liable for your damages. They should also help you through each step of the claims process to ensure that you get a full and fair settlement for your losses and injuries.
Seek the help of a car accident lawyer
If you or a loved one was injured in a collision because of the negligence of another, contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal rights. Let an experienced car accident attorney fight for the full compensation that you deserve. It is not uncommon to receive a settlement from the insurance company that is five to ten times larger with the help of a lawyer. Call the personal injury lawyers at Tario & Associates, P.S. in Bellingham, WA today for a FREE consultation! We have been representing residents of Whatcom County, Skagit County, Island County and Snohomish County since 1979. You will pay nothing up front and no attorney fees at all unless we recover damages for you!
