Whether it occurs in a public location such as a grocery store or bank, or on a residential property such as your best friend’s or cousin’s house, slipping and falling can have a significant impact on your life. Whether you suffer mild injuries or seIn June of 2024, the New Hampshire Department of Transportation (NHDOT) was forced to issue a summer travel advisory due to a high number of work zone crashes. During this period, construction zone accidents doubled compared to the previous year – leading to numerous injuries for construction workers, drivers, and passengers. Construction zone accidents may be more common – and more dangerous – than other crashes due to various factors. Those who have suffered injuries in construction zone accidents are already well aware of these hazards, and they may wish to discuss their next steps alongside an experienced personal injury attorney in New Hampshire. To continue this discussion, consider calling the experienced and dedicated construction zone accident attorneys at Friedman & Bresaw, PLLC at (603) 707-4800.
Why Are Work Zone Crashes So Common?
Why are construction zone accidents so common in New Hampshire? One possible explanation is that New Hampshire invests heavily in its infrastructure, engaging in more highway construction projects than many of its peers. With so many construction zones in effect at any given time, roadwork crashes are perhaps inevitable. According to a report by the Reason Foundation, New Hampshire spends more than most States on road and bridge construction – with over $70,000 per mile. According to this report, New Hampshire is also the top-rated State in the entire nation for rural Interstate pavement condition. To maintain this top position, the State must continuously engage in pavement improvement projects.
Of course, construction zones are inherently dangerous regardless of where drivers live. These areas are often incredibly confusing, with dizzying arrays of cones, signs, and flashing lights. In addition, the flow of traffic often depends on construction workers waving traffic through congested areas. Mistakes are common, and they often lead to collisions. One must also consider the presence of construction vehicles, such as semi-trucks, dump trucks, excavators, and road rollers (also known as steamrollers). These vehicles often move in and out of construction zones in a highly unpredictable manner. Finally, contractors often rush to complete projects due to financial incentives – cutting corners and violating safety violations in the pursuit of profit.
Who Might Be Liable for My Work Zone Crash?
In a normal car accident, fault may be relatively clear. If a negligent driver caused a crash, the victim may be able to file a claim against them and recover compensation. However, liability may be more complex after construction zone crashes. Depending on the circumstances, victims may be able to hold various parties liable for their injuries.
Is New Hampshire Liable for Construction Zone Crashes?
It is possible to sue a government agency or organization after a construction zone crash. The State is responsible for safely implementing roadside construction projects. If they fail in this duty of care, they may become liable for construction zone crashes. For example, a construction zone may have confusing signs that lead vehicles into oncoming traffic. A construction worker might wave a vehicle into a busy intersection by mistake, causing a massive accident. Traffic cones may be scattered in a haphazard manner, causing vehicles to veer into other lanes. To learn more about suing the State of New Hampshire for a construction zone accident, consider a consultation with Friedman & Bresaw, PLLC.
Can I Sue a Contractor After a Construction Zone Crash?
A contractor could become liable for a construction zone accident in New Hampshire. The State often contracts private construction companies for these roadside projects, and they may cause or contribute to accidents in various ways. New Hampshire and safety organizations like the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) enforce strict safety rules for all construction sites. Violations could constitute negligence in a construction accident lawsuit. For example, contractors must create pedestrian detours if their projects affect existing sidewalks. Unsafe detours can lead pedestrians onto busy roads with no protection, dramatically increasing the chances of catastrophic injuries. This type of safety violation could lead to a personal injury lawsuit.
Is a Trucking Company Liable for My Construction Zone Accident?
Trucking companies often contribute to construction zone accidents in New Hampshire. A classic example involves a semi-truck approaching congested traffic in an area with heavy roadwork. If the trucker fails to slow down when approaching the construction zone, they may slam into the rear vehicle and spark a chain-reaction crash. These are often mass-casualty events that cause numerous deaths and serious injuries. In this type of scenario, injured victims and grieving families could sue the New Hampshire trucking company for causing the crash.
What if I Was Struck While Working on a Roadwork Project?
Construction zone accidents may also cause workers to suffer catastrophic or fatal injuries. Often, the only thing separating workers from fast-moving traffic is a few traffic cones. A negligent driver can easily veer into a work zone, barreling into crowds of people at top speed. These workplace accidents are often caused by intoxicated or distracted drivers who approach construction zones too fast.
While a workers’ compensation claim may be possible in this scenario, injured construction workers might also consider personal injury lawsuits. An injury claim may be possible against a negligent party, and this could provide more financial support compared to a workers’ compensation claim. While workers’ compensation claims only cover a portion of missed wages and medical expenses, personal injury lawsuits can help injured workers address non-economic damages – such as disfigurement or loss of enjoyment of life. Aside from negligent drivers, it might also be possible to sue a third-party contractor for a construction zone accident. While workers’ compensation makes it impossible to sue a direct employer, workers can nonetheless sue other contractors working on the same construction project. For example, an injured construction worker might file a claim against a dump truck company tasked with delivering gravel to the work zone.
Contact the Dedicated Construction Zone Accident Attorneys at Friedman & Bresaw, PLLC
Construction zone accidents can leave victims with permanent, disabling, and disfiguring injuries. Victims facing these new realities may need access to effective medical treatment, financial support, and psychological counseling. A personal injury attorney in New Hampshire may be able to help victims explore pathways toward potential compensation. Various parties may have contributed to construction zone accidents – and it may be difficult to determine fault through online research alone. Consider continuing this conversation alongside Friedman & Bresaw, PLLC by calling (603) 707-4800.
