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Poorly-maintained roadways can lead to potholes, vehicle damage, and accidents – which is why it’s important that roads are properly maintained on a regular basis. In light of that, it’s not uncommon for city streets, residential streets, and highways to undergo construction. Sometimes, it seems like certain roads or highways are under constant construction, which is typical when a road or highway is being expanded or re-designed. If you’ve been in the metro Cobb County area the last few years, you’re no stranger to construction.
Due to the interruption in traffic, cones, narrower lanes, detours, heavy machinery, and decaying ground, construction zones are inherently more dangerous than roads that are not under construction. In effect, construction zones are linked to a higher number of car accidents than other areas.
Who is At-Fault in a Construction Zone?
The causes of construction zone accidents vary. If a driver is distracted, he or she might not notice the traffic slowing down and may crash into the car in front of them. Someone who is texting can fail to observe the construction and strike a vehicle that is diverted to their lane. If someone is speeding, they may not have enough time to “react” properly and adjust to the reduced number of lanes. Thus, keeping a proper lookout for road hazards and adjusting one’s speed are critical when approaching a construction zone.
While incautious drivers can be liable for an accident in a construction zone, in some cases it’s the construction company who is responsible. We’ve seen instances of this when construction companies failed to post the proper warning signs for approaching motorists.
In these situations, there are often multiple accidents in the same location. And, because they’re responsible for repairing the road, sometimes a government entity is responsible for the plaintiff’s damages.
Related: Georgia’s Auto Insurance Laws
Construction Site Accidents
Another common type of injury occurs on a construction site. Construction sites are notorious for being some of the most dangerous places to work. If you are a construction worker who was injured on a construction site, you may be entitled to not only workers’ compensation, but you may also be able to obtain additional compensation through a third-party claim. Unlike workers’ compensation, third party claims can compensate a construction worker for pain and suffering, which can be extremely valuable.
If you were injured in a construction zone or on a construction site, we urge you to contact our firm to meet with a Smyrna personal injury attorney for free.
