Manassas, Virginia Construction Zone Accident Lawyers

Attorneys for Car Accidents in Road Work Areas in Manassas

Construction zones on roads and highways can be hazardous. They often feature narrowed lanes, reduced speed limits, traffic patterns that may change frequently, heavy equipment operating close to vehicles, and workers on foot who are near moving traffic. The increased risks in work areas require drivers to pay closer attention and take extra care to avoid accidents. When people do not drive safely in construction zones, or when work zones are designed and managed poorly, car accidents can occur.

At Locklin & Coleman, PLLC, we work with victims of construction zone accidents to address the harm they have suffered. Our attorneys understand that these cases can be more complex than many other types of collisions, since they mayoften involve multiple responsible parties, government entities, and private contractors. We can investigate accidents to determine what happened, identify the parties who were responsible, and take steps to ensure that our clients receive the full compensation they need to address their injuries and move forward.

Why Construction Zone Accidents Occur

Accidents in work zones may have multiple causes. Issues such as road conditions, the behavior of drivers, and the ways construction work is performed can be factors that influence the outcomes of these situations.

Driver Negligence in Work Zones

Despite reduced speed limits in construction zones, warning signs, and the presence of workers and equipment, some drivers may not act safely when traveling through these areas. Speeding is one of the most dangerous forms of driver negligence in work zones. The reduced width of lanes and abrupt shifts in traffic patterns may require drivers to travel at lower speeds and pay close attention to workers, other vehicles, or potential hazards. Drivers who do not slow down when required may cause accidents.

Distracted driving can be especially dangerous in a work zone. A driver who is looking at their phone or engaging in other activities that take their attention away from the road may not notice a sudden lane shift, a flagger who is directing traffic to stop, or construction equipment in the road until it is too late to respond. With less margin for error, distracted drivers will be more likely to cause accidents in construction zones.

Aggressive driving, including tailgating, improper lane changes, and failure to yield to merging traffic, can lead to rear-end accidents or sideswipe crashes in construction zones. Drivers who become impatient with reduced speeds or congested traffic may make unsafe maneuvers that can endanger workers and other motorists.

Poor Work Zone Design

Construction companies and government agencies that oversee road work will need to make sure construction zones are designed and managed in ways that will protect workers and motorists. Signs, lane markings, barriers, and other methods should be used to control traffic and notify drivers about changes to traffic patterns. When a contractor or government entity does not meet the proper safety standards, this may cause a work zone to become unsafe and lead to car accidents.

Inadequate signs may not give drivers enough distance to slow down and prepare for changes to traffic patterns. Cones, barrels, or barriers may be missing, or they may not be placed properly. Poor lighting in nighttime work zones, unclear lane markings, or other issues may lead to hazardous conditions that could result in accidents.

Traffic Pattern Changes

Construction zones will often require vehicles to shift from their normal lane positions, merge into other lanes, or follow unfamiliar paths. These changes require drivers to adapt quickly, and when transitions are not clearly marked or when drivers are not given enough room to merge, collisions may become more likely. On high-speed roads, sudden lane shifts can result in serious crashes when drivers do not have enough time to respond to these changes.

Stopped or Slow-Moving Construction Equipment

Construction equipment, such as pavers, rollers, excavators, and dump trucks, will regularly move through active work zones. A driver may be unable to respond correctly if a piece of construction equipment suddenly blocks their lane. They may collide with machinery with little opportunity to brake. Equipment operators and contractors may be responsible for accidents caused by the unsafe operation of machinery.

Uneven Road Surfaces and Debris

In construction zones, pavement may be uneven, roads may have patches of gravel or dirt, and debris from ongoing work may be present in the road. A driver who encounters an unexpected change to the road may lose control of their vehicle. When drivers are not warned about these hazards through signs, or when roads are not repaired correctly, accidents may occur.

Injuries in Construction Zone Accidents

The combination of vehicles moving at high speeds, heavy equipment, barriers, and limited space on the road can lead to serious injuries when accidents occur in construction zones. Workers on foot can suffer severe bodily harm when they are struck by vehicles, but drivers and passengers in vehicles may be injured as well. Some of the injuries that may occur in these situations include:

Traumatic Brain Injuries

The violent impact forces involved high-speed construction zone crashes can lead to serious brain injuries. These injuries may range from concussions to severe brain damage, and their effects may include prolonged headaches, intellectual disabilities, mood disorders, seizures, sensory processing issues, speech and language disorders, and other long-term or permanent health concerns.

Spinal Cord and Back Injuries

Herniated discs, fractured vertebrae, and nerve damage in the spinal cord are among the most serious outcomes of construction zone collisions. A rear-end crash, a rollover that occurs when a vehicle strikes a barrier, or a collision with heavy equipment can all lead to severe back or neck injuries. Spinal cord injuries can lead to paralysis, which can cause a person to be disabled and require ongoing medical care, adaptive equipment, home modifications, and assistance with daily living activities.

Crush and Amputation Injuries

When workers are struck by vehicles or equipment in construction zones, their arms, legs, or other body parts may be crushed. People in vehicles may also sustain crush injuries when they collide with construction equipment or are involved in a high-speed collision. These injuries may result in the amputation of the limbs or body parts that were affected.

Burns

Construction zone accidents involving fuel tanks, electrical equipment, or flammable materials can result in fires that may cause severe burn injuries to drivers, passengers, or workers. Burns may require skin grafting and extended hospitalization, and they are among the most painful injuries a person can experience. They may result in permanent scarring and ongoing impairments.

Broken Bones

Fractures are common in construction zone crashes involving high levels of force. Broken arms, legs, ribs, pelvises, facial bones, or other body parts may occur. Complex fractures may require surgical repair, followed by extended physical therapy and rehabilitation. Some fractures may result in chronic pain and ongoing mobility issues.

Lacerations and Internal Injuries

Broken glass, sharp metal, and the forces of impact can cause serious lacerations. Puncture wounds may lead to internal injuries, including organ damage and severe bleeding. Significant blood loss can be life-threatening. Severe lacerations can leave permanent scars.

Contact Our Manassas, VA Construction Zone Accident Attorneys

A construction zone accident can lead to injuries and financial losses that may affect nearly every part of a victim's life for years to come. At Locklin & Coleman, PLLC, our attorneys can take steps to identify the parties who were responsible for an accident and hold them accountable. We work to ensure that our clients will receive the full compensation available to them. Contact our Manassas work zone accident lawyers at 703-392-6686 to set up a free consultation.