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Auto Accidents in Construction Zones: What to Know About Your Personal Injury Claim

If you drive regularly in the Bay Area, you know there is near constant highway construction going on in Northern California. Motorists must take additional care when going through a work zone.

Unfortunately, highway construction zone accidents are a serious problem. According to the most recent data from the Federal Highway Administration, approximately 60,000 people are injured in construction accidents in the United States every year.

Notably, while construction workers face considerable risks, most injured victims are either drivers or passengers. Here, our San Francisco auto accident attorneys provide an overview of construction zone accident claims process in California.

Who is Liable for a Crash in a Highway Work Zone?

In California, car accident claims are based on fault. A party who caused an accident through recklessness or carelessness can be held legally responsible for the resulting damages. To be clear, these liability rules apply to construction zone accidents. Both motorists and construction companies can potentially be held responsible for injuries sustained in a highway work zone crash.

Roadway Construction Crews:

Construction companies and contractors are held to heightened safety standards. To protect the health and well-being of workers and everyone else on the road, these companies must ensure they are conducting roadway repairs and road maintenance in a careful and responsible manner. If a crash in a work zone occurs because of dangerous conditions caused by the construction crew, the company can be held liable. Some of the most common examples of highway construction company negligence include:

  • Failure to properly screen and train workers;
  • Lack of adequate warning signs;
  • Unreasonably narrow lanes;
  • Dangerous maneuvers by highway workers or construction vehicles; and
  • Construction equipment left in the roadway;

Other Motorists:

When entering a highway construction zone, it is essential all motorists slow down and keep their full attention on the road. California has strict rules regarding driving violations and work zones. Under state law (California Vehicle Code 42010), a fine for a moving violation will be doubled if it occurred in a so-called ‘safety enhancement zone’. Far too many accidents occur because drivers go too fast or because they are distracted when going through construction zones.

Car Accident Victims Deserve Full and Fair Compensation 

Auto accident victims need fair financial support to pay for medical care and to provide support to themselves and their loved ones. At Bracamontes & Vlasak, our San Francisco auto accident lawyers fight tirelessly to help our clients maximize their financial recovery. If you were hurt in a construction zone wreck, you may be entitled to money damages for: 

  • Emergency room care;
  • Medical expenses;
  • Lost income;
  • Pain and suffering;
  • Disfigurement; and
  • Wrongful death.

 Contact Our San Francisco, CA Car Accident Lawyers Today

At Bracamontes & Vlasak, our skilled California car crash attorneys have extensive experience handling construction zone accident claims. If you or your loved one was injured in a highway work zone collision, please ​contact our law firm  right away for a free consultation. With a law office in San Francisco, we serve communities throughout the Bay Area, including in Alameda, San Jose, Oakland, Mountain View.

Personal Injury Attorney