If you drive anywhere in and around Austin these days, you are likely to pass through a road construction zone. Construction workers are kept busy helping to improve, repair and maintain the complex system of streets, roads, highways, and bridges in order to help motorists enjoy a safer driving experience. But because road construction zones interrupt the normal flow of traffic, these areas pose the highest risk of serious accidents in which either drivers or construction workers can be harmed or even sustain fatal injuries.
If you have been involved in an automobile crash caused by the negligence of another driver or a construction crew member, Briggle & Polan, PLLC, wants you to know that Texas law allows you to hold the negligent party responsible for their actions. You can obtain financial compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering by using the services of our personal injury law firm. We have years of experience dealing with auto accident personal injuries occurring in a roadway construction work zone.
According to the Federal Highway Administration, there are been more than 4,000 fatalities that occurred in road work construction zones over the past few years. Texas alone saw almost 26,000 work zone accidents involving automobiles, with almost 200 fatalities as a result. Unfortunately, more than three out of four fatalities in these accidents claimed the lives of motorists.
Both construction workers and motorists must each play a part in helping to decrease the risk of construction work zone automobile accidents. Construction crews work hard to place signage along the roadway being worked on to alert drivers to slow down and proceed with caution, being ready to stop quickly if advised to do so by a construction crew worker. Orange safety cones are usually put into place and the workers wear bright orange vests so that they can be more visible to drivers.
Likewise, motorists must observe caution when traveling through road construction work zones and decrease their speed. Do not drive in lanes marked closed, observe all posted roadway signs, do not attempt to pass other vehicles, and do not text or use your phone or other distracting devices. It’s also important to leave enough space between you and car ahead of you, usually four car lengths, to avoid unnecessary rear-end collisions. The key activity for all parties concerned is to pay attention!
If despite all precautions to avoid construction work zone accidents, a driver, passenger or construction worker sustains an injury or dies as a result of an accident, they can pursue the negligent party via legal proceedings. If you have become involved in a road construction work zone accident, call us at Briggle & Polan, PLLC, as soon as possible to schedule a consultation.
We have years of experience investigating these types of accidents and helping road work zone accident victims recover financial compensation for physical injuries and property damage. In the event a victim dies, we can also represent your family in a wrongful death lawsuit against the negligent party. Contact us today for a free consultation at (512) 400-3278.
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