Road Construction Zone Accident in Charlotte

Many North Carolina highways are unsafe because they need repair and maintenance. As a result, there is an increased possibility that car accidents will happen in road construction zones. In 2019, there were 7,029 work zone crashes in North Carolina. That year, over 6,500 people became injured in construction, utility, and maintenance work zones. Sadly, 30 people died in work zones in North Carolina, and the majority of work zone crashes were caused by speeding and distracted driving. Most work zone crashes happen between noon and 6 P.M., and the most significant percentage of accidents occur during rush hour, between 3 P.M. and 4 P.M.

What happens if you are injured in a work zone crash in North Carolina? Who is at fault for the accident, and who must pay your expenses from your injuries? The first step to determining who is liable for injuries is to conduct a thorough investigation into the accident. Any person or people whose negligence caused the work zone accident will be liable for your injuries and responsible for paying you damages. After a thorough investigation and analysis, one of our skilled attorneys will determine whose negligent actions caused the work zone accident that resulted in your injuries. We will begin pursuing compensation from the at-fault parties.

The liability for work zone accidents depends on which person or company's negligence caused the crash. In many work zone cases, there are multiple at-fault parties. As a result, victims can sometimes pursue compensation from multiple sources. Under the North Carolina doctrine of contributory negligence, an injured victim may be prevented from obtaining compensation for their injuries if the victim's negligence contributed to the work zone accident.

Even if you contribute to the accident to a small degree, the law could prevent you from obtaining damages. Working with an attorney as soon as possible is crucial so your attorney can gather evidence that you were not at fault and that the at-fault party was negligent. Depending on the facts in your case, the following parties may be liable for your construction zone accident:

• Another driver
• A construction zone worker
• A government agency
• The construction company

Studies have shown that distracted driving is one of the most common causes of work zone accidents. When drivers are stuck in traffic, they may be bored and looking to focus their attention on something other than the road. When drivers see large vehicles and construction workers, they may begin wondering what the construction crew is working on, distracting them from driving safely.

They may miss another car coming into their lane or fail to stop in time to prevent a rear-end collision. In other cases, drivers are looking down at their phones, watching videos, talking, or eating and miss a construction zone in front of them. They may collide right into the construction zone, putting themselves and the construction workers at risk. Other causes of construction accidents include the following:

• Lack of detour signs posted
• Improper or unsafe traffic detours
• Improperly designed construction plans
• Inadequate or missing warning signs
• Defective or improperly used equipment in the work zone
• Debris on the road
• Construction equipment that blocks drivers’ visibility
• Improperly placed lighting at night

Proving liability in a work zone accident case can be challenging. In these types of cases, there are often lots of moving parts and facts involved. One of the best things you can do to protect yourself is to hire an attorney as soon as possible. If you need to bring a lawsuit against the city of Charlotte or another government entity, you only have a limited amount of time to file your lawsuit, or you risk not being able to bring your claim. An attorney can help guide you through the process while protecting your rights.

The skilled attorneys at Arnold & Smith, PLLC, are prepared to help you obtain the compensation you need and deserve after a work zone accident. With a proven track record of success, you can rest assured knowing that we will handle every aspect of your case and negotiate aggressively with the insurance company to help you obtain the full compensation you deserve. Contact our Charlotte personal injury law firm today to schedule your initial consultation.