Car Accidents in Arizona Construction Zones

If you were injured in a work zone crash, it's important to know your legal options

Car accidents in Arizona construction zones put drivers and construction workers at serious risk. These areas often have lower speed limits, narrow lanes, and unexpected traffic changes, making them dangerous. When work zone car accidents happen, they can result in severe injuries or even death for anyone involved. Determining who is at fault can be complicated because liability may fall on multiple parties—not just another driver.

This makes these types of incidents complex, and when someone is severely injured, it often requires a detailed investigation to determine who is responsible. Depending on what happened, drivers and construction companies might both share the blame. Because of this, having an experienced car accident attorney on your side is critical if you or someone you love has been injured in a work zone crash.

Causes of car accidents in Arizona work zones

Car accidents in construction zones can be caused by various factors involving driver behavior and construction site conditions. Here are some key factors that often cause crashes at work sites:

• Speeding: Exceeding the posted speed limit in work zones reduces reaction time and increases the severity of accidents. It is also harder to maintain control of a vehicle through narrow lanes and sudden changes in traffic flow, which are common in roadway construction zones.
• Aggressive/reckless driving: Tailgating, weaving through traffic, and ignoring traffic signals or signs can lead to collisions with other vehicles, workers, or construction equipment.
• Distracted driving: Using cell phones, adjusting the radio, or other distractions can take a driver's focus away from the road, increasing the likelihood of missing important warnings in construction zones.
• Drowsy driving: Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times and impaired judgment, which can lead to accidents in the unpredictable environment of a construction zone.
• Driving under the influence: Alcohol or drugs impair a driver's ability to operate a vehicle safely, making it difficult to respond appropriately to hazards in a work zone. That's why drunk driving is against the law.
• Poor signage: Insufficient or unclear signs can confuse drivers in work zones, leading to wrong turns, sudden stops, or collisions with barriers or construction workers. Proper signage is essential for guiding drivers safely through construction zones.

While drivers play a significant role in preventing accidents, the construction companies managing these sites also have critical responsibilities. When these responsibilities are not met and safety protocols are neglected, construction companies can be held liable for the resulting accidents.

Can the construction company be found liable for the crash?

Yes, a construction company can be found liable (legally responsible) for a car accident in a construction zone. Liability can be established if it can be shown that the company failed to follow safety regulations, did not provide enough warnings, or was negligent in its operations. Here are some reasons why a construction company might be found at fault for a car crash:

• Poor signage: If the construction company did not place proper signs to warn drivers of changes in traffic patterns, lane closures, or other hazards, they could be held responsible for accidents that result from this lack of warning.
• Improper traffic control: Failure to use barriers, cones, or flaggers to guide and control traffic safely through a construction zone can lead to accidents. They might be liable if the company did not implement effective traffic control measures.
• Negligent work practices: The actions of the construction crew may also directly result in an accident, such as operating machinery unsafely near active traffic lanes or obstructing the road without proper warning.
• Failure to follow regulations: Construction companies must follow state and federal regulations regarding work zone safety. If they fail to do so, and this failure contributes to an accident, they can be found responsible for the crash.
• Maintenance of safety equipment: If safety equipment, such as lighting or barriers, is not properly maintained and is a factor in an accident, the construction company could be held responsible.
• Improperly parked construction vehicles: If construction vehicles are parked in a manner that obstructs traffic or creates a hazard without proper warning, the construction company could be liable for the accident.
• Irregular traffic patterns: The company may be liable if the construction site introduces irregular or confusing traffic patterns without sufficient guidance or signage.

Injuries can be severe in a work zone crash

Car accidents in construction zones can lead to severe injuries for drivers, passengers, construction workers, and bystanders. Many of these injuries are life-threatening and can result in fatalities. According to the Arizona Department of Transportation (AZDOT), about 80% of those killed in work zone car crashes are drivers and their passengers. Some common types of injuries sustained in these accidents include:

• Head injuries: Concussions, traumatic brain injuries, and skull fractures can occur due to the impact of a collision or from being struck by debris.
• Spinal injuries: Whiplash, herniated discs, and spinal cord injuries can result from sudden stops or impacts, potentially leading to long-term disability.
• Broken bones: Fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, and other parts of the body are common in high-impact crashes, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
• Internal injuries: Damage to internal organs, such as the liver, kidneys, or spleen, can occur from blunt force trauma, often necessitating emergency surgery.
• Lacerations and abrasions: Cuts and scrapes from shattered glass, metal, or other debris can lead to significant blood loss and infections if not promptly treated.
• Burns: Fires or explosions resulting from crashes can cause severe burns, leading to scarring, pain, and the need for skin grafts and other reconstructive procedures.

Who pays for a car accident in a construction zone in Arizona?

In Arizona, determining who pays for a car accident in a construction zone involves understanding liability and insurance coverage, often complicated by the unique details of the crash. Arizona follows a comparative fault system, meaning that liability for an accident can be shared among multiple parties based on their degree of fault.

Typically, the at-fault driver's insurance is responsible for covering damages. However, liability might be shared with the construction company or site managers in construction zones if their negligence contributed to the accident. An attorney can help investigate these factors and determine if additional claims can be made.

Seeking legal help after a construction zone traffic accident

Browne Law Group in Gilbert, AZ, is committed to helping victims injured in complex car accidents that take place in construction zones. Our firm's aggressive and relentless approach ensures that every aspect of your case is addressed.

Construction zone accidents often involve complicated liability issues and unique circumstances that require experience and knowledge. Led by Attorney Byron Browne, our dedicated legal team is skilled in handling these types of claims, from investigating site conditions to negotiating with insurance companies. We are committed to fighting for your rights, securing fair compensation, and holding those responsible for your injuries accountable.

Trust Browne Law Group to provide the fierce representation you need to overcome the challenges of a construction zone accident. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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