Ocala Construction Zone Car Accident Attorney
Many roadways are often under construction, especially highways and heavily trafficked areas with potholes and road defects. These construction zones are heavily regulated to increase the safety of drivers traveling on these roads. Despite the various safety precautions in place, construction zones are very dangerous. They can confuse drivers and lead to serious accidents. Many suffer catastrophic injuries and even death. If you have been injured in an accident in a construction zone, make sure you seek legal help. Contact an Ocala construction zone car accidents attorney as soon as possible.
Why Are Construction Zones So Unsafe?
Work zone warnings are supposed to increase safety, but ironically, they tend to be very unsafe.
Construction zones are filled with safety features such as cones, orange barrels, workers in neon vests, and lots of signage warning drivers about upcoming construction work.
Construction managers must carefully plan construction work and abide by certain requirements. They must also have barriers to prevent vehicles from running off the road and account for emergency situations, such as disabled vehicles.
Despite all the best-laid plans, drivers still get confused in construction zones. Poor road design, confusing signage, unsafe driving, and human error all increase the risk of an accident.
Common Causes of Construction Zone Accidents
There are many ways in which construction zone accidents can occur, such as the following:
- Sudden slowdowns. Road work can cause traffic to suddenly slow down, especially when several lanes have to merge into one. If drivers are not prepared, they may crash.
- Fallen/improperly placed signs. It can be confusing for drivers to know what to do when they cannot see road signs or if they have fallen down.
- Knocked-over cones. Cones help mark traffic, so when they get knocked down, it can be hard for drivers to know what to do.
- Distracting traffic patterns. Sometimes it can be hard to know where to go and when to go if workers are not directing traffic properly.
- Debris in the roadway. Gravel and other construction debris in the road can cause a vehicle to lose control, which can lead to accidents.
- Large machinery blocking the road. Heavy equipment is used in road repairs and sometimes it can block the road, making it hard for traffic to safely pass through.
- Inadequate barriers or guardrails. Without proper barriers, a vehicle can end up in a construction site and injure themselves or workers.
- Poor lighting. A lack of adequate lighting can make it difficult for drivers to get through construction zones at night.
Contact an Ocala Construction Zone Car Accidents Attorney Today
Construction zones should be thoroughly planned to keep drivers as safe as possible. However, the truth is that they can be very dangerous when construction managers and workers don’t do their jobs properly.
Have you been injured in a construction zone? If so, seek legal help from the personal injury attorneys at Meldon Law. We can assess your case and determine liability. To schedule a free consultation with an Ocala construction zone car accidents attorney, call our office at (800) 373-3000.
