Work Zone Car Accidents

Car Accidents in Work Zones: Prevention and Liability

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Work zones are common on Mississippi roadways, and there are strict laws in place that govern how to drive in these areas. Despite orange cones and signs highlighting where work zones begin and end, accidents in these areas are all too common. When this happens, construction workers are at serious risk of severe or fatal injuries.

Whether you’ve been injured as a vehicle occupant or a construction worker, it is essential that you fight for your right to compensation. The team at Reeves & Mestayer is here to advocate for you. Call our team of Biloxi car accident lawyers at 228-300-2754 to set up a consultation right away.

Preventing Work Zone Collisions

Everyone plays a role in work zone safety. Construction workers are expected to take reasonable steps to keep themselves safe, municipalities must mark work zones appropriately, and construction companies must set up work areas in a way that limits the risk of accidents. The brunt of responsibility falls on drivers—they are the ones in control of multi-ton vehicles that can cause injury or death. A few easy tips can cut your risk of being involved in a crash:

  • Slow down: Work zones generally have lower speed limits than the rest of the road. Observe the posted speed limit and recognize that you may need to drive even slower to stay safe.
  • Be extra alert: You never know when a construction worker may step into your path or when a piece of equipment may fall onto the road in front of you. Being on high alert gives you a chance to respond immediately.
  • Merge early: When work zones close one or more traffic lanes, don’t be that one person who waits until the very last second to force their vehicle in. Merge early, allow others to merge, and slow down—everyone gets to their destination faster this way.
  • Watch for flaggers and signs: Flaggers and signs may indicate changes in traffic flow and areas where you must stop or slow down.
  • Leave space between you and other vehicles: Leaving extra space protects you from other people’s bad driving decisions. If the person in front of you hits an unexpected obstacle, you want enough time to stop and get into the other lane.
  • Give yourself extra time: Driving through work zones is stressful and time-consuming. Account for this by leaving a little bit early.

Who’s Liable for Work Zone Accidents?

In many cases, drivers are the liable party in work zone accidents. While work zones may have narrower lanes, changes in traffic flow, and stop-and-go traffic, drivers are ultimately responsible for whether or not they drive in a reasonably safe manner. Whether an accident involves two vehicles or a vehicle and a construction worker, liability often lies with a driver.

There are circumstances in which other parties are liable. If a work zone is not clearly marked or there are obvious blind spots where drivers cannot see construction workers entering and leaving, the fault may lie with the municipality. Along these same lines, construction companies are also liable for some crashes. If they do not use proper lighting, signage, and traffic control measures, they may put drivers in a position where crashes are inevitable.

Manufacturers of construction equipment and vehicle components have also been found liable in some work zone accidents. Imagine a piece of defective construction equipment that rolls into traffic, causing an accident. A car’s brakes may give out due to an error that the manufacturer should have identified in safety testing. In both cases, the manufacturers may be at risk of a lawsuit.

Compensation for Victims

Construction workers who are injured in work zone crashes often have multiple options for compensation. They may seek workers’ compensation for immediate benefits and then pursue a third-party claim against the liable party. Injured drivers and passengers may file a personal injury claim against the party at fault for the collision.

Start Your Claim with the Team at Reeves & Mestayer

If you or someone you love was injured in a car crash in Biloxi, let the team at Reeves & Mestayer support you throughout the personal injury claim process. Call us at 228-300-2754 or reach out online to set up a free consultation now.