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Highway Construction Accident Attorneys in Long Beach
Legal Help After a Construction Zone Crash
When we get behind the wheel of a car, we face some risk of a crash on California roadways. The risk is even greater in construction zones. In the most recent year for which statistics are available, 842 people in the U.S. were killed in work-zone accidents, as reported by the Federal Highway Administration of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). This figure represents an 11.2% increase in construction zone fatalities over the previous year. Although they only comprise approximately 5% of all vehicle traffic, large commercial trucks are involved in 33% of fatal crashes occurring in work zones, as stated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
What Regulations and Penalties Govern Highway Work Zones in Long Beach?
Drivers passing through construction zones in Long Beach are legally required to follow all posted temporary speed limits and road restrictions. When construction workers are actively present and signs are posted indicating road work is in progress, violations can be penalized by double the standard fine. Construction companies and government entities must also follow regulations when creating work zones. They are required to:
- Post adequate signage
- Provide reasonable, non-dangerous detours
- Create temporary pathways without sharp, unsafe turns
- Maintain safe temporary road conditions
- Post signs to warn of temporary issues, such as uneven pavement
- Keep traffic pathways free of construction debris
- Keep equipment and workers out of the path of drivers
What Types of Negligence Can Contribute to Construction Zone Accidents?
Many types of negligence can play a role in work-zone collisions. Construction companies contracted by government agencies may be negligent in creating dangerous work zones. Truck driver negligence in construction zone accidents may involve distracted driving, speeding, following too closely, or reckless driving. Speeding, tailgating, driving under the influence, and distracted driving by drivers of all types of vehicles are major contributing factors to collisions occurring in work zones.
What Types of Compensation Are Available After a Work-Zone Crash?
Road workers and motorists injured in construction zone accidents are entitled to seek compensation for their injuries. Recovery may include economic damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and loss of earning capacity, as well as non-economic damages, such as pain and suffering, emotional trauma, diminished quality of life, and scarring and disfigurement. Our Long Beach personal injury attorney can tell you if you have a case and what damages you may be entitled to claim.
Who Can File for Wrongful Death After a Fatal Construction Zone Accident?
When a work zone accident leads to wrongful death, certain surviving family members of the deceased are entitled to seek justice and hold responsible parties accountable in a wrongful death claim. They include the surviving spouse, domestic partner, and children of the deceased. Damages in a wrongful death claim may include:
- Expenses related to the last injury of the deceased
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Lost income the deceased would have reasonably earned had he or she lived
- Loss of financial support for surviving family members
- Loss of affection, companionship, etc., for surviving family members
Do You Need a Lawyer?
After a serious construction zone accident caused by someone else’s negligence, your best chance of recovering full compensation is to have an experienced Long Beach highway accident attorney managing your case. The Law Firm of Joseph H. Low IV can provide strong legal representation in your claim. Our firm was founded in 2002. Mr. Low is first and foremost a trial lawyer, who is very comfortable in the courtroom. He has tried cases in 14 different states and is nationally known for his work representing servicemen. We offer a free initial consultation. Call us today at (562) 901-0840 or toll-free at (888) 454-5569 to find out how we can help.