COMMERCIAL TRUCK ACCIDENTS IN CONSTRUCTION ZONES

Construction Zone Truck Accidents

Commercial trucks can be a serious threat on the open highway, but they may be even more dangerous when traveling through construction zones.

Construction Zone Truck Accident Causes

There are a number of traffic risks that may be intensified by construction zone activity, including:

  • Speeding. Failure to obey the speed limit is a common cause of truck accidents in construction zones. Trucks require much longer stopping distances than passenger vehicles, so when operators misread road conditions the consequences can be devastating. If a truck is traveling at a high rate of speed, the driver may be unable to slow down in time to avoid colliding with slowed or stopped traffic in a construction zone.
  • Distracted driving. If a trucker is distracted by smartphone use, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, he or she may be unable to stop quickly enough to avoid an accident.
  • Merging dangers. Commercial trucks have “no-zones,” which are areas around the side, front, and back of the vehicle that are invisible to the driver. No-zones are always hazardous, but the typical narrowing of lanes in construction areas increases the risk of side-impact collisions.
  • Inadequate warnings. Construction crews have a duty to warn oncoming vehicles about road hazards through the use of traffic signs, cones, and barrels. When they fail to provide adequate notice, a truck driver may crash into stopped vehicles.

Protecting Your Rights

Those individuals and entities that may be responsible for a construction zone truck crash include the trucker, the company that employs him or her, the vehicle owner, and the municipalities and private contractors responsible for road construction and maintenance.

Since multiple parties may have partial liability in the event of a collision, these cases are often extremely complex. If you were injured in a construction zone truck accident, you need representation by an experienced personal injury attorney to protect your rights and secure the damages you deserve. You may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering.

To learn more, contact the law offices of Steve M. Lee, P.C., by clicking the Live Chat button on this page.