Determining Liability in a Road Construction Accident
Road construction is a necessary occurrence in most every city and state. And accidents can happen in work zones just as they can anywhere else. But what do you do when you don't believe your or the other driver is at fault? Determining liability in a construction zone can get a little tricky, but here are five common reasons your accident may have happened.
Inadequate Signage
By law, road construction companies are required to place warning signs before road construction begins in order to give drivers plenty of time to prepare and slow down. If signs are not present, they're obscured by trees or work trucks, or the initial signs are placed too close to the work zone, this can lead to accidents and injuries, leaving the construction company liable.
Dangerous Pavement
When highways and city roads are being torn up and re-paved, it can create hazardous driving conditions that include uneven pavement and excess gravel. These are particularly dangerous for motorcycles.
In these work zones, signs must alert drivers of the uneven or dangerous road condition, so they have ample time to slow down and prepare for the dip or loose gravel.
Turns That are Too Sharp
Sometimes roads or individual lanes have to be closed for construction, forcing drivers to be re-routed to other parts of the highway.
Lane closings on highways are extremely common, and if they take place at a bend or curve that's deemed to be too sharp for motorists to safely navigate, the company could be held liable for any accidents that happen as a result.
Improper Sidewalk Detours
Drivers and passengers are not the only ones who can be injured in work zones. If the construction affects a crosswalk or sidewalk, the company has a legal obligation to provide a safe way for pedestrians to move around the work zone. This means keeping them out of traffic and preventing them from being able to enter the work zone itself.
Vehicular Malfunction
There are situations in which accidents are caused by a mechanical failure. If you do all you can to maintain your vehicle, but your accident was the result of malfunctioning brakes, ignition switch failure, or some other flaw in the design of your car, you may have a product liability claim against the car's manufacturer.
There are many other types of liabilities with road construction accidents, and consulting with an auto accident attorney is the best way to determine if you have a case.