Car Accidents and the Hazards of Road Construction
Road construction can cause driver confusion and traffic congestion, both of which can lead to terrible car accidents. A car accident lawyer can help accident victims recover compensation for their injuries and hold at-fault parties responsible for their actions.
At Ramey Law Firm, PLLC, attorney Hardin Ramey is dedicated to getting his clients the compensation they deserve when involved in car accidents and road construction in Dallas, TX, and surrounding areas.
Road Construction Zones Present Unique Hazards
Road construction zones present unique hazards to drivers on the road, potentially increasing the risk of car accidents.
Road construction can throw drivers off of their routine, force them to take unfamiliar detours, and increase traffic congestion. Lane closures can also surprise drivers and cause unexpected lane merges.
Often road construction also means large construction equipment may be in use in the area, which can present challenges to those on the road or cause drivers to make unwise maneuvers.
Causes of Car Accidents Around Road Construction
When road construction occurs, it’s important that drivers maintain focus and stay aware of their surroundings. Lanes may end and other changes may require advance planning on each driver’s part but perhaps just as importantly, drivers must be aware of each other to reduce their risk of accidents.
With that in mind, the following are some ways in which car accidents can occur around road construction areas.
- Distracted driving: Distracted driving occurs any time a driver removes their focus from the road to do something other than drive, like change the radio station, talk to a passenger, text, or take a drink or a bite of food. Distracted driving in a construction zone can cause drivers to make abrupt stops or turns and result in an accident.
- Reckless driving: People who drive recklessly in a construction zone may drive too fast, disobey construction signs, or engage in other behaviors that endanger everyone on the road.
- Driver impatience: It’s common for drivers to become impatient around slow moving construction vehicles and traffic. Unfortunately, some drivers act on their impatience and cause accidents.
- Construction obstructions: Sometimes road construction can obstruct the road and make it difficult for drivers to see what’s ahead and lead to accidents.
Accident Victims May Seek Compensation
Victims of car accidents in road construction zones may experience considerable injuries at the hands of a reckless driver. Working with an attorney can help those injured in a car accident negotiate an appropriate insurance settlement or seek compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.
In Dallas and the state of Texas, which is a comparative fault state, injured parties who are partially responsible may also be able to recover compensation if the other driver was mostly responsible for the accident.
In other cases, the construction company fulfilling road work may be at fault for the car accident if negligence by one of their employees caused it to happen.
Contact Ramey Law Firm
If you have been injured in a car accident at a road construction site, you may be able to recover greater compensation than you think. Call (972) 437-5577 to schedule a consultation at our Dallas law firm and learn more about your legal options.