The summer months mean two things for drivers: it’s road trip season and construction season. This is especially true on highways — the summer months see lots of roads blocked off or obstructed while crews can get repaving jobs and highway expansions completed. Because there are often cones, concrete walls, machinery and workers located in these construction zones, it can make for a more hazardous driving experience.
You should be sure to abide by all posted speed limits in construction zones, to eliminate distractions and to stay vigilant of potential hazards in the road.
Damages in construction zone accidents
Some accidents in construction zones occur between drivers. In other cases, it may be construction workers who are injured by vehicles.
In either case, people who are injured as a result of drivers not using the proper precautions in construction zones can file personal injury claims against the liable driver to pursue damages. The biggest expense in such cases (as in any type of auto accident case) is medical expenses, but other damages can include lost income, property damage, pain and suffering and long-term disability.
When the driver’s not liable
There are some cases in which a construction company or the government could be liable for the accident rather than the driver(s) involved in the accident. An example would be a case in which there is inadequate warning of a construction zone. In such cases, the government overseeing the roadway could be liable for damages in a personal injury claim. The construction company could also be liable if it was supposed to take charge of marking road hazards.
For further guidance on taking action after a serious crash, contact an experienced Bradenton auto accident lawyer with Goldman Babboni Fernandez & Walsh.