Highway and interstate construction zones are one of life’s inescapable annoyances. It often seems that as soon as one construction or improvement project is finished, another takes its place a few miles down the road. In construction zones, there are often roadway conditions that make that particular stretch of the road more dangerous than those not under construction. In an effort to mitigate these dangers, highway construction zones are usually conspicuously marked and have reduced speed limits. Unfortunately, these measures are not always sufficient, and sometimes serious accidents can occur. People who are injured by the negligence of others in a construction zone may be able to recover for their losses by bringing a personal injury claim against those responsible. The best way to make sure that you get the compensation you deserve after an accident is to discuss your case with an experienced Philadelphia personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
What Are Common Causes Of Construction Zone Accidents?
As in any other personal injury case, a legal claim involving a construction zone accident must establish that the accident was caused by someone’s negligent or otherwise wrongful conduct. There are many parties that could potentially be liable in a construction site accident, including the construction crew, other drivers, the state agency responsible for the construction site, or even a vehicle manufacturer. Determining who is responsible for an accident often starts with determining how the accident occurred. Some of the more common causes of construction zone accidents include the following:
- Uneven lanes
- Unmarked construction zones
- Open holes
- Speeding
- Improper vehicle maintenance
- Construction debris in the road
- Construction equipment malfunctions
- Improperly marked lanes
- Construction workers in driving lanes
- Construction vehicle accidents
After a construction accident, victims should record as much information about the accident as they can. If possible, take photographs of the scene of the accident as well as of the immediate aftermath. In addition, make sure to seek medical attention for any injuries that you may have sustained. Finally, it is important for victims to be aware that Pennsylvania personal injury claims are subject to a strict statute of limitations, meaning that any delay in filing your claim could jeopardize your ability to recover.