Most people drive through construction zones every day. But driving through these areas comes with increased risks. Construction zones have decreased speed limits, unpredictable lane changes, potential objects or workers on or near the road, poorly designed work zones, and more.
All these conditions require drivers to remain vigilant when traveling through work zones, but not every driver follows the rules of the road. And when semi-trucks and other large commercial motor vehicles are involved, the outcome of a wreck can be catastrophic.
Below are the three things you need to know about construction zone wrecks.
1. You can be a victim, no matter how careful you are while traveling through a work zone.
Construction zones can be unpredictable. Roadways are altered when they are under construction, and even those that are familiar with their route may face unexpected changes. And many of those alterations can make traveling through those areas more difficult.
Speeds are reduced, lanes are closed off, drivers are forced to merge quickly and carefully when entering a work zone, traffic patterns shift suddenly, and there may be obstacles on or near the roadways that force drivers to react quickly. These unexpected components require drivers to be wary and pay close attention to their surroundings in construction zones.
Even though you may be taking extra care to drive safely in these areas, not all drivers will do the same. People may be distracted or fatigued while driving, fail to yield the right-of-way when necessary, or choose not to slow down despite changes in posted speed limits. In fact, rear-end collisions are some of the most common wrecks in construction zones because other drivers may not take the necessary precautions in these areas. And when you are rear-ended by a semi-truck or into a semi-truck, the results can be devastating.
2. Evidence disappears quickly. Time is of the essence.
Gathering evidence is a top priority after a wreck. But when an accident happens in a construction zone, evidence that is left behind may disappear if it is not collected immediately.
Work zones change every day. The roads and their lanes change, signage is altered, the flow of traffic can be different, or the area the wreck occurred in could be completely cleaned up and closed off. All these alterations can happen within hours or days, which makes it important to collect evidence quickly.
Additionally, when police are called to the scene of a wreck, their main priority is to clear the road and allow traffic to flow through the area as soon as possible. While they may take some photos and witness statements, they might not collect enough evidence to paint the full picture of an accident. And if a semi-truck or other commercial motor vehicle — like a flatbed truck or dump truck — is involved, representatives of the company that owns the vehicle may arrive and deal with the evidence before anyone else can arrive on the scene.
Each of these factors make it important to hire an attorney immediately after a wreck. An attorney with construction zone wreck experience will have resources at their disposal to fully investigate an accident and help get justice.
3. An attorney that is board-certified in truck accident law with construction zone experience can help you pursue justice.
A wreck that occurs in a construction zone can make a case more complex. An attorney that does not typically handle work zone cases may not be equipped with the knowledge or tools needed to get you the justice you deserve, especially if a semi-truck or other heavy truck is involved.
In order to get the best outcome for your case, you need an attorney that has work zone experience and board-certification in truck accident law.
An attorney with the experience your case requires will start working with you right away. At our firm — Craig, Kelley & Faultless — we have a rapid response team at our disposal that starts collecting evidence and putting together a team of reconstructionists, investigators, and mechanics as soon as we are hired. This team will collect information from evidence that is left behind, witnesses, nearby security cameras that may have video of the wreck, and even the data available in the vehicles themselves.
If a semi-truck or other commercial motor vehicle was involved in the accident, an attorney that is board-certified in truck accident law is the best choice for your case. They will have the expertise and success rate that is necessary to consider everyone who may be liable for the accident, guide clients to the medical and financial resources they need, and ensure victims get the justice they deserve after catastrophe.
Injured in a Construction Zone Wreck? Craig, Kelley & Faultless Can Help
Attorneys at Craig, Kelley & Faultless are prepared and have the experience to help victims and their loved ones involved in commercial vehicle wrecks through every aspect of their case. Both David W. Craig, Scott A. Faultless are board-certified in truck accident law by the NBTA, accredited by the American Bar Association. The firm also has a rapid response team—including investigators, reconstructionists and mechanics—that is sent to the scene of a wreck to collect evidence as soon as the firm is hired.
Their team-centered approach puts client needs at the forefront, and several attorneys will work on your case to achieve the best possible outcome.
Reach out for a free case consultation today at (800) 746-0226 or online.
David W. Craig is board-certified in truck accident law by the National Board of Trial Advocacy, accredited by the American Bar Association in Truck Accident Law. He sits on the Board of Regents of the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys. He is the managing partner and one of the founding partners of Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC. He is recognized as a Top 10 Trucking Trial Lawyer and Top 100 Trial Lawyer in Indiana by the National Trial Lawyers, as well as a Top 50 Indiana lawyer by Super Lawyers. David is the author of Semitruck Wreck, A Guide for Victims and Their Families and It’s Never Been Easier to Hire the Wrong Attorney, both written to help people navigate what comes next after a tragic wreck. He also hosts the podcast After the Crash, where you can gain valuable information about the dangers involving semis and large trucks that do not follow safety protocol regarding speed, weather conditions, maintenance upkeep, etc.
Email
Facebook
Twitter
Linkedin
Instagram