Accident in a Construction Zone
Construction zones can easily create hazardous road conditions. If drivers are not careful and vigilant, they can cause an accident. For example, drivers often have to slow down or take detours, and if they are distracted, they may miss these warning signs.
After a car accident in a construction zone, you can pursue financial compensation from the at-fault party or parties, and a car accident law firm can help.
Why Construction Zone Car Accidents Can Get So Complicated
A construction zone car accident involves many more parties than your average car accident, including:
- You
- The driver who hit you or caused the accident
- The construction company
- The contractors and employees working on the construction site
- The lawyers and insurance companies representing all of these parties
Each of these parties has a vested interest in the case’s outcome. Most of them are more interested in protecting their own reputation and bottom line than in seeing you recover a fair settlement.
Fortunately, you have the right to hire a personal injury attorney after a car accident in a construction zone. They can review your situation and figure out the best way to pursue damages.
How Construction Zone Car Accidents Happen
It is vital that you (and your attorney) learn the answer to this question as soon as possible. You cannot sue for your injuries if you do not know who is responsible for them.
Construction zones can be very hazardous, with potential dangers including:
- Falling objects
- Large vehicles: in fact, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) reports that truck violations are among the most common violations they see
- Flammable materials
- Tools or materials left lying in the roadway
- Outdated or improperly maintained tools and equipment, including vehicles
- Drivers who do not respect the lowered speed limit in construction zones
With so many parties involved, it is not out of the question that your case might involve more than one liable party. A fort myers car accident lawyer can help you “detangle” your construction accident case by:
- Interviewing everyone who saw or was involved in the accident, including you, the person who hit you, and any witnesses
- Reviewing any available photos or video footage (e.g., from a surveillance camera) that shows the accident
- Requesting a copy of the police report that the authorities filed on your collision
- Looking at the construction company’s or vehicle manufacturer’s records to see if they violated any safety laws or regulations
You Can Sue Over a Construction Zone Accident
If you wish to sue after a car accident, be mindful of your state’s statute of limitations or the deadline imposed on personal injury survivors. In Florida, for instance, this deadline was recently shortened from four years to two years, per Florida Statutes § 95.11.
Assuming that you contact an attorney in time, they can help you file the paperwork to get your lawsuit started. Then they can:
- Speak with all other parties on your behalf
- Set up a time and place to meet with the at-fault party’s insurer and negotiate a settlement
- Gather evidence that the liable party caused your injuries and that you deserve compensation for all you have suffered
- Draw up the settlement agreement, which would define how much money you will receive and the terms of the settlement
- Take your case to trial if it is not possible to negotiate a settlement
- Represent you in a trial by making arguments, submitting evidence, and questioning witnesses
Construction zones can be dangerous places, so it is important for anyone driving through or working on them to obey all applicable laws. If someone fails to do so, you have the right to take legal action.
How Long Do Construction Zone Car Accidents Take?
It can take anywhere from several months to several years to complete your case. This is because:
- The liable party may fight your lawsuit by denying responsibility or shifting responsibility onto you.
- The court system is often very busy and may take a while to get to your case.
- Finding evidence and negotiating settlements is a time-consuming process.
- The insurance company may resist paying the amount you have asked for and deliberately drag its feet in responding to your case.
It is easy to get impatient while waiting for a settlement. After all, you need that money as soon as possible. Feel free to speak to your fort lauderdale car accident lawyer about your feelings regarding the case and ask them to update you as often as you feel is necessary.
Getting Car Accident Representation
If you were injured in a car accident in a construction zone, the Law Offices of Wolf & Pravato wants to hear from you. Get in touch with our office today so we can explain your rights and tell you if you have a viable case. Our number is (954) 633-8270.
