Work Zone Negligence and Your Motor Vehicle Accident – Do You Have a Case?

 Posted on July 04, 2016 in Car Accidents

In the year 2010, the most recent year for which there are statistics available, 87,606 motor vehicle accidents occurred inside of road construction work zones. Of those, 0.6 percent resulted in fatality. Another 30 percent resulted in injury. Some are instances in which drivers failed to follow safe driving rules, but there are also others that may have been caused by negligence on the part of workers, contractors, or foreman. If you believe the latter may have been a factor in your accident case, the following points may be able to help you determine whether or not you have a case.

Work Zone Traffic Control and Your Safety

Roadway and highway work zones can be riddled with obstacles and dangers, including uneven pavement and potholes, concrete barriers, one-way traffic, closed lanes, workers, and construction vehicles and equipment. Sudden and frequent changes make these zones all the more treacherous for all involved. Rules and regulations that workers, foreman, and contractors must follow are designed to protect drivers, pedestrians, and even the workers themselves from death an injury.

Workers, contractors, and foreman control traffic using signs, workers, barriers, and barricades to meet the required safety rules and regulations. These are meant to warn drivers of potential hazards, and to alert them when workers or certain equipment may be present. In order to be effective, they need to be easily visible, clear and concise, and provided early enough to give ample warning.

In addition, there are additional regulations that determine and control other, important aspects of a work zone. A few examples include regulations that regulate how sharp curves may be, how much distance must be between barricades and concrete barriers, and how tall signs must be. Failure to follow protocol in any one of these areas could be considered liability in a work zone motor vehicle accident.

Believe Negligence May Have Been a Factor? Seek Experienced Legal Help

The laws and regulations that govern work zones are extremely complex, as is the law as it pertains to the liability of workers, foreman, and contractors. As such, it is critical that you seek assistance from an experienced Milwaukee, Wisconsin work zone negligence lawyer  for your case. Gimbel, Reilly, Guerin & Brown, LLP have more than 40 years of experience in aggressively representing victims in the Green Bay, Superior, and Madison areas. Call us at 414-271-1440 and schedule your consultation today.

Sources:

http://abc7chicago.com/news/1-dead-6-injured-in-limo-rollover-crash-on-interstate-90/1262501/

https://www.osha.gov/dte/grant_materials/fy10/sh-21004-10/wztc_instructor_guide.pdf

http://www.ops.fhwa.dot.gov/wz/resources/facts_stats/injuries_fatalities.htm