With fast-moving vehicles, heavy machinery, uneven road surfaces, and workers, construction zones can be distracting. It’s no surprise that car accidents frequently occur in these areas. What are construction zone accidents?
If you suffered injuries in a car accident in a construction zone accident, a Colorado car accident lawyer at The Wilhite Law Firm could pursue justice and fair compensation for you. We have the skills, experience, resources, and dedication to protect your rights and interests. Contact our office today at 303-466-3529 or through our online form for a free consultation with our legal team.
What Is a Construction Zone Accident in Colorado?
Construction zone accidents are collisions that occur in or near areas designated for road construction. Workers usually mark these zones with warning signs, cones, or barriers. Speed limits are often reduced to guide traffic safely through the area. These accidents involve drivers, pedestrians, construction vehicles or equipment, and construction workers. These accidents may also affect nearby property owners.
Construction zone accidents are hazardous because of the chaotic environment where they occur. The area may have reduced visibility and confusing detours, leading to work zone crashes involving inexperienced, impaired, or distracted drivers. Victims of construction zone accidents may seek compensation if the accident resulted from another person’s actions.
What Are Some Types of Construction Zone Accidents?
Construction zone accidents come in many of the following forms:
- Rear-end collisions — Drivers often stop abruptly in construction zones, heightening the risk of rear-end collisions, especially if other drivers are not paying attention.
- Sideswipe accidents—Merging, traveling in narrow lanes, and making improper lane changes can cause sideswipe collisions.
- Truck accidents — Large commercial trucks may encounter additional challenges when traveling through construction zones, which poses significant risks to smaller vehicles and pedestrians.
- Pedestrian injuries — If proper barriers are not in place, vehicles or construction equipment can strike pedestrians and bicyclists.
- Worksite incidents — Workers may suffer injuries if vehicles stray from their lanes or equipment malfunctions.
Any construction zone accident can lead to severe injuries and significant financial losses, requiring immediate legal action to identify liability and seek recovery.
What Are Common Causes of Construction Zone Accidents in Colorado?
Construction zone accidents have several causes. Some of the most common causes include the following:
- Distracted driving — Drivers using their phones or not paying attention may miss important warnings.
- Speeding — Failing to follow reduced speed limits in construction zones increases the likelihood of motor vehicle crashes.
- Improper Signage — Obstructed or missing signs can confuse drivers and lead to collisions.
- Dangerous road conditions — Traveling over uneven surfaces, construction site debris, and loose gravel can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles.
- Driver negligence — Tailgating or engaging in aggressive driving can be particularly dangerous in construction zones.
- Poorly maintained equipment — Faulty machinery or vehicles can cause worker and driver accidents.
Determining the cause of the construction zone accident is crucial for building a strong case and holding the responsible party accountable.
What Types of Injuries Happen in Colorado Construction Zone Accidents?
Construction zone accidents often result in severe injuries due to the high-risk environment. Common injuries include the following:
- Whiplash and neck injuries — These injuries commonly occur in rear-end collisions that happen in construction zones. In this case, you should call a Denver whiplash injury attorney.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) — Head injuries from impacts or falling debris can carry long-term consequences for victims. Call a traumatic brain injury lawyer in Denver if this happens to you or your loved ones.
- Broken bones — Car accidents, including those involving pedestrians, frequently lead victims to suffer fractures. A broken bones lawyer in Colorado is helpful in this case.
- Spinal cord injuries — Injuries to the spinal cord can be life-altering. They can cause paralysis, which may be permanent. Get help from a spinal cord injury attorney in Denver.
- Burns and lacerations — Explosions, fires, or contact with sharp objects in construction zones can cause severe burns and scrapes.
- Internal injuries — Damage to organs caused by the force of impact is not uncommon in construction zone accidents.
After a crash in a construction zone in Colorado, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. You should get timely medical care and, in doing so, document your injuries.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Colorado Construction Zone Accident Injury?
Different parties may be liable for a construction zone accident. It depends on the circumstances. Liable parties could include the following:
- Negligent drivers — A distracted or reckless driver may be at fault for the accident.
- Construction companies — The construction company could be held accountable if unsafe worksite conditions contributed to the accident.
- Municipal authorities — Local governments responsible for maintaining safe roads and proper signage may share liability.
- Equipment manufacturers — The manufacturer could be liable if faulty machinery or defective equipment caused the accident.
- Truck drivers or companies — Commercial truck accidents in construction zones may involve the driver, trucking company, or both.
Determining who is at fault in construction zone accidents presents challenges. An experienced lawyer can investigate and identify the parties responsible for your injuries.
Is Colorado a No-Fault State?
No. Colorado operates under a fault-based system. The person who is found responsible for causing the accident can be held liable for any resulting costs and losses. This approach allows injured parties to seek compensation in a settlement with the at-fault party’s insurance company or personal injury lawsuit.
What Compensation Could I Receive from a Construction Zone Accident Lawsuit?
After a construction zone accident, you can seek compensation for:
- Your resulting medical expenses
- Costs to repair your motor vehicle or replace it
- Pain and suffering brought on by the accident
- Lost wages or lost earnings, depending on the severity of the injuries.
Calculating the full extent of your damages can be time-consuming and challenging. However, an attorney can determine the full extent of your losses and pursue full compensation for you.
How Long Do You Have to File a Lawsuit After a Colorado Construction Zone Accident?
Colorado state law provides victims two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you fail to file your lawsuit in time, you can lose your chance of recovering compensation. However, when you contact a lawyer soon after the accident, the lawyer can begin gathering the evidence you need for your claim and file it before the deadline.
Contact a Colorado Construction Zone Accident Lawyer
If you suffer injuries in a construction zone accident, our Colorado car accident lawyers at The Wilhite Law Firm can help you. We understand the challenges these accidents bring. We are committed to fighting for the compensation you need to move forward. Contact our legal team today at 303-466-3529 or through our online form for a free consultation so we can determine the best legal options for you.
