Car Accidents in Construction Zones
Getting into a car accident is not something anybody wants to experience. While accidents are going to occur, those that take place in construction zones can present incredible challenges when working to determine liability. Construction zones are confusing areas on the roadway, and there may be various parties that could be held liable in the aftermath of a crash that causes injuries or property damage. Here, we want to discuss how these incidents occur and what you can do in the aftermath.
What you need to do following a construction zone accident
In the aftermath of sustaining an injury or property damage in a construction zone accident in Georgia, there are various steps you can take to ensure your rights are protected:
- Seek medical care immediately. Regardless of how minor or serious your injuries are, you need to be evaluated by a doctor. A medical professional will evaluate your situation, ensure you are cared for, and link any of your injuries to the accident.
- Involve law enforcement. Law enforcement officials absolutely need to come to the scene of an accident that occurs in a construction zone. Their accident report will be an essential part of the insurance settlement or personal injury lawsuit process.
- Gather as much evidence as possible. If you can do so safely at the scene of the crash, use your phone to take photographs of any vehicle damage, injuries, debris, causes of the crash, construction zone signs, temporary road markings, and more.
- Report the crash to your insurance carrier. You need to let your insurance carrier know about the accident as soon as possible. You do not have to go into very much detail when you make your initial report, but they do need to know that the crash has occurred so they can begin the claims process.
- Seek legal assistance. Contact a skilled Georgia car accident lawyer as soon as possible after a construction zone crash. An attorney will be able to get to work immediately by obtaining and preserving evidence to prove liability.
Common causes of construction zone accidents
There are various causes of construction zone accidents, thus resulting in various parties that can be held liable. Often, these incidents do occur due to driver error. However, liability could also fall on other drivers on the roadway, construction companies, government agencies, contractors, subcontractors, etc. Parties other than the driver could be held liable in the event that they:
- Failed to use adequate warning signs to alert drivers in the construction zone
- Failed to properly mark temporary lanes for drivers
- Failed to guide traffic where necessary throughout the construction zone
- Left dangerous equipment or other hazards in the roadway that created issues for drivers
- Neglected to properly cordon off hazardous construction zone areas
Will you need to work with an attorney for these cases?
If you or somebody you care about has been injured in an accident in a construction zone, you need to speak to an attorney about your claim. These cases can become complicated because they often involve parties other than the drivers and passengers involved. A skilled Atlanta personal injury lawyer will have experience handling construction zone accidents and will work to obtain maximum compensation for your property damage and injury expenses.