Maryland Work Zone Accident Attorneys
Strong representation for those injured in construction zones
Road construction zones can be busy, constantly changing, and dangerous areas. With rough road conditions, disrupted traffic flow, and the close proximity of road workers and large machinery, accidents can happen in an instant. We certainly have no shortage of highways and the roadwork to go along with them here in Maryland—the Beltway, I-95, I-395, I-695, just to name a few.
If you suffered an injury in a construction zone accident, you should speak to a personal injury attorney as soon as you can to protect your rights. You may be able to seek compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and other losses. At Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A., our legal team is dedicated to finding out every detail about your case and holding all negligent parties responsible for their actions. Contact us today to find out about your legal option and how we can help you.
Common construction zone hazards that cause accidents
Nearly 700 people are killed each year in work zone accidents nationwide. And, in 2016, six people were killed in Maryland construction zone accidents. The U.S. Department of Transportation is working to bring this number down to zero. Work zone safety is important. With so many vehicles and workers so close together, even a small car accident can quickly turn life-threatening or deadly.
Road and highway work zones are full of hazards drivers don't usually encounter under typical driving conditions. When a motorist is unaware of these hazards, or another party was negligent, car accidents can happen in an instant.
Some of the work zone hazards drivers should be aware of include:
- Construction vehicles unexpectedly pulling out into traffic
- Construction workers standing in the roadway
- Inadequate or missing signage—drivers may not be aware they're approaching a work zone, that the speed limit is reduced, or that there are lane closures
- Machines or tools in the roadway or shoulder
- Uneven roads
- Objects dropped in the road from machines like cranes or bulldozers
Causes of Maryland work zone accidents
According to the most recent statistics available, there were over 96,626 crashes in work zones across the United States. Nearly 26,000 of these accidents involved at least one injury. What makes these areas so hazardous? Construction zones can be difficult for even the most cautious of drivers to navigate, with abrupt changes in road conditions, or changes in speed limits and signage. Add in a careless or distracted driver and serious, life-changing accidents may result.
Following are some of the most common ways accidents in construction zones occur:
Speeding in a work zone. Traffic in a construction zone is stop and go, slow down, speed up. It's frustrating, but it's for everyone's safety. Speed limits are slower in work zones, for the safety of the workers and for the safety of the drivers because of the changing road conditions. It's important for drivers to stick to the posted speed limits, or they're risking an expensive traffic ticket, not to mention causing a serious accident.
Last-minute merging. One of the things that causes the most slowdowns in construction zones is merging. Merging a roadway from two or three lanes down to just one causes slowdowns, backups, and frustrated drivers. When a driver is inattentive or careless, or approaching a merge while speeding, they can cause accidents like rear-end collisions.
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Failing to pay attention to workers and machinery. When other drivers fail to pay attention to the conditions around them, they put everyone else at risk. This is particularly dangerous when driving through a construction zone. Active work zones generally have large, slow machinery moving through or close to the edges of the roadway. Sometimes, these can go into the path of a motorist, so it's crucial drivers are always paying attention to everything around them. Further, these construction vehicles have large blind spots, so if motorists are distracted, their missing a vehicle or worker entering the roadway can have tragic results.
Ignoring construction signs or signals. Distracted or careless drivers might ignore signage posted in construction zones warning motorists of upcoming road work. These kinds of drivers are a danger to everyone else, including road workers, as they will be unaware of changing road conditions, closures, merges, and any workers who may be on the shoulder of the road doing their jobs.
Who is liable for my Maryland construction zone accident?
It can be difficult, initially, to know who was responsible for your accident because of all the factors involved. Typically, construction zone accidents tend to be multi-vehicle accidents, meaning there are several drivers involved and likely several injuries. Your attorney can help you sort out all the details and hold the at-fault party responsible.
Accidents can be caused by careless or reckless drivers. Or, the construction company or government roadworks department might be liable if they:
- Failed to properly guide traffic
- Didn't provide adequate signage to warn motorists
- Failed to properly mark or sign hazardous areas, like potholes or drop-offs
- Left potential hazards in the road, like equipment or tools
- Failed to mark temporary traffic lanes correctly, or at all
A construction worker injured by a negligent motorist in a work zone may also be eligible for a personal injury lawsuit. Speak to one of our lawyers if you think you may have a case, and we'll counsel you on your legal options. Everyone has a right to be safe on our state's roadways, whether they're driving or doing their jobs.
Maryland construction zone accident lawyers you can trust
At Plaxen Adler Muncy, P.A., we fight for victims of accidents in work zones on our state's highways and roadways. If you're injured in an accident on the Beltway, I-95, or any other Maryland state road, our attorneys will help you seek maximum compensation for your damages. To learn more, or to schedule a free consultation, please call 410-730-7737 or fill out our contact form.