Dallas witnesses at least 200 deadly traffic crashes annually, including those at construction sites, resulting in nearly 230 deaths on the city’s roads. Construction site car accidents can occur when vehicles collide with construction equipment, workers, or other vehicles within a construction zone. These accidents can result in serious injuries or even fatalities. Determining fault in construction site car accidents can be complex and may require a thorough investigation. Consulting with a Dallas construction site car accident lawyer who specializes in construction site accidents can be beneficial in determining fault, evaluating your legal options, and pursuing compensation.
What are Construction Site Car Accidents in Dallas
Construction site car accidents refer to traffic accidents that occur in or around construction zones, involving vehicles such as cars, trucks, or construction equipment. These accidents can result from factors like distracted driving, speeding, improper lane changes, and failure to obey traffic signals near construction areas. They can also occur due to hazards within the construction zone, such as debris on the road or uneven surfaces. Common types of construction zone car accidents include rear-end collisions, sideswiping, hitting construction crew members, and running into warning equipment.
Dallas Construction Site Car Accident Lawyer
Causes Behind Construction Site Car Accidents in Dallas
Construction zone car accidents can be caused by various factors. Some of the common causes include:
- Speeding and Reckless Driving: Many drivers fail to adhere to reduced speed limits in construction zones, leading to accidents.
- Distracted Driving: Being distracted by activities such as phone use, eating, or adjusting the radio can divert attention from the road and increase the risk of accidents.
- Unsafe Conditions: Dangerous construction zones with missing or incorrect signage, poor lighting, or lack of speed warning signs can contribute to accidents.
- Failure to Follow Traffic Rules: Some drivers may ignore traffic rules and fail to yield the right of way, merge properly, or follow lane closures in construction zones which can lead to collisions.
- Negligence: Construction companies or workers may be negligent in maintaining a safe work zone, which can contribute to accidents.
It is important for drivers to be extra cautious, follow posted signs and speed limits, and pay attention to their surroundings when driving through construction zones to reduce the risk of accidents. Victims of construction zone car accidents should seek legal advice from a Dallas construction site car accident lawyer to understand their rights and pursue compensation if proper safety measures were not followed
Most Common Types of Construction Zone Car Accidents in Dallas
Construction zone car accidents can occur in various ways, each with its own set of risks and potential for injury. Here are some of the most common types of construction zone car accidents:
- Rear-End Collisions: These accidents occur when a vehicle crashes into the back of another vehicle in a construction zone. Rear-end collisions can happen due to sudden stops or slowed traffic, often caused by lane closures, merging traffic, or construction vehicles entering or exiting the work zone.
- Sideswiping Accidents: Sideswiping accidents occur when two vehicles traveling in the same direction collide with each other’s sides. In construction zones, narrow lanes, reduced visibility, and temporary lane shifts can increase the likelihood of sideswiping accidents.
- Hitting Construction Crew Members: Construction zones often have workers present, and unfortunately, accidents can occur when vehicles strike or run over construction crew members. These accidents may happen due to driver inattention, failure to yield, or reckless driving.
- Running into Warning Equipment: Construction zones are marked with warning signs, barricades, cones, and other safety equipment to alert drivers of the work ahead. However, some drivers may fail to notice or ignore these warnings, leading to collisions with the equipment, and causing damage and potential injuries.
- Lane Change Accidents: Construction zones often require lane closures or lane shifts, which can lead to confusion and increased risk of accidents. Improper lane changes, failure to signal, and aggressive driving behaviors can result in collisions with other vehicles.
It’s important to note that these accidents can vary in severity, from minor fender benders to catastrophic collisions. Regardless of the type of construction zone car accident, it is crucial to prioritize safety, follow posted signs and instructions, and drive cautiously to prevent these incidents from occurring. Consult with a Dallas construction site car accident lawyer who specializes in construction zone accidents to navigate the legal process and seek compensation for injuries and damages.
Physical Injuries Suffered by Victims in Construction Site Car Accidents
In construction site car accidents, victims can suffer a wide range of physical injuries. These injuries may include broken bones such as legs, ribs, arms, ankles, and wrists. Additionally, victims may experience more severe injuries such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and paralysis, back injuries, burns, internal injuries, disfiguring facial injuries and scars, limb loss and amputation, neck injuries and whiplash, knee injuries, foot and ankle injuries, shoulder injuries, wrist and hand injuries, lacerations, bruises, and “road rash”.
These injuries can occur to both construction workers and vehicle occupants, with 80% of victims being vehicle occupants. Construction workers on foot are particularly vulnerable and can be struck by vehicles entering the work zone or by heavy equipment. The hazardous nature of construction zones increases the likelihood of accidents and the severity of injuries. Consulting with a Dallas construction site car accident lawyer who specializes in construction zone accidents is crucial to navigate the legal process and seek compensation for these injuries and damages.
What Damages are Awarded in Dallas Construction Site Car Accident Claims
In Dallas construction site car accident claims, various damages can be awarded to the victims. These damages may include:
- Economic damages: This includes compensation for actual financial losses incurred as a result of the accident. It can cover medical expenses, including hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation costs, and medication. Additionally, economic damages may include lost wages and loss of earning capacity due to the injuries sustained in the accident. Property damage, such as repair or replacement costs for the damaged vehicle, may also be included in economic damages.
- Noneconomic damages: These damages are awarded for intangible losses that cannot be easily quantified. Noneconomic damages may include compensation for pain and suffering, mental anguish, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. These damages aim to compensate the victim for the physical and emotional impact of the accident and resulting injuries.
- Punitive damages: In some cases, punitive damages may be awarded if the defendant’s actions are found to be particularly reckless or intentional. Punitive damages are meant to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior in the future. However, punitive damages are not commonly awarded and require a higher burden of proof.
It is important to consult with a Dallas construction site car accident lawyer specializing in construction site car accidents to determine the specific damages that may be applicable in a particular case. They can guide building a strong case and seeking fair compensation for the injuries and losses suffered.
Why You Should Hire Our Dallas Construction Site Car Accident Lawyer
Construction zone car accidents can result in various physical injuries, including burns, falls, respiratory issues, and head injuries. By hiring a Dallas construction site car accident lawyer at Joel A. Gordon and Associates, you can ensure that your rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
Our skilled attorneys have experience in navigating the complex laws and requirements surrounding construction accidents and can help you gather evidence, interview witnesses, and advocate on your behalf during negotiations with insurance companies or in court.
It is important to act quickly since the statute of limitations in Texas for filing a construction accident claim is two years. By seeking legal assistance, you can better understand your rights and options for pursuing compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages resulting from the accident.