Driving through a road construction zone can be hazardous, particularly when sharing the road with large commercial trucks. Merging and narrowed lanes, falling debris, damaged pavement, construction vehicles, building materials, road workers, and other factors can all create road hazards that lead to devastating accidents.
Truck drivers traveling through construction zones in Virginia should adjust their driving to account for hazards in road work areas. When truck drivers behave carelessly and fail to take the necessary precautions in a construction zone, they put other motorists at great risk.
If you have sustained injuries in a truck accident that took place in a construction zone in Virginia, you may be entitled to compensation to cover the cost of medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, vehicle damage, and more.
Truck crashes in construction zones can be incredibly complex to investigate because multiple parties may be liable, including the truck driver, the trucking company, the construction company, and others. It is crucial to work with an attorney if you hope to recover the full amount of compensation you deserve.
Talk to an experienced Virginia truck accident attorney at Marks & Harrison to learn about your options for pursuing fair financial recovery after being injured in a truck collision. The consultation is free, confidential, and without further obligations on your part.
What to Do Following a Virginia Construction Zone Truck Accident
If you are involved in a truck accident in a road work zone, you should take these steps directly afterward:
- Seek immediate medical attention. The first thing you should do after a truck accident is call 911. If you sustained severe injuries, then it is advisable to go straight to the hospital. Even if your injuries seem minor, sometimes minor symptoms indicate a more serious issue. Your physician should conduct a full medical evaluation and make detailed notes about your injuries.
- Follow your treatment plan. In the weeks and months that follow, follow your doctor’s medical advice and attend every medical appointment that’s recommended. Failing to do so could give the at-fault party reason to claim your injuries are not serious.
- Gather evidence. Try to collect evidence at the scene if you can, such as photos and videos of your injuries, debris, vehicle damage, and more. Also, hold on to all medical bills, medical records, income statements to show loss of income, a copy of the police report, and any other documentation that may help show the extent of your injuries and losses.
- Take notes about your pain and disabilities. Document your injuries and your recovery process in a daily pain journal. Having a record of your recovery can be vital when you and your attorney build your case.
- Refrain from talking to insurance adjusters. The insurance company for the liable party may try to contact you after the accident. Don’t speak to them without an attorney. Insurance companies are for-profit entities, and their goal is to pay out as little as possible. Don’t allow them to record you, and don’t make any statements, oral or written. Anything you say could be twisted and used against you.
- Consult with an attorney. Working with an attorney can be hugely beneficial to your case, particularly if you are in the process of recovering from serious injuries. Truck accidents in road construction zones can be incredibly complex to investigate. An attorney will be able to conduct a full investigation into the accident, identify the at-fault party or parties, and negotiate for a fair settlement on your behalf.
Common Causes of Road Construction Collisions in Virginia
Truck drivers can cause devastating accidents in road construction zones if they don’t adjust their driving to account for the increased risks of a road work area. Some of the most common causes of road construction collisions include:
- Distracted driving – When truck drivers take their focus off the road, they may overlook construction zone hazards and other motorists. Distracted driving can take many forms, but some of the most common distractions include:
- Texting
- Talking on the phone
- Adjusting the radio
- Using a handheld device
- Using GPS while driving
- Eating and drinking
- Daydreaming
- Personal grooming
- Speeding – Speeding fines are often much higher in road construction zones than they are elsewhere. Truck drivers who speed have less time to react to slowing traffic, debris, road obstructions, and other hazards. Speeding also makes it more likely that a truck driver will lose control of their truck if they need to stop suddenly.
- Aggressive driving – Aggressive driving behaviors are particularly dangerous in road construction zones. Truck drivers who engage in aggressive or reckless driving significantly increase the likelihood that they will cause an accident. Some common types of aggressive driving include:
- Tailgating
- Sudden and unexpected lane changes
- Failure to yield the right-of-way
- Failure to stop
Drowsy driving – Many truck drivers ignore federal hours of service regulations because they are concerned about making their deliveries on time. In some cases, trucking companies may pressure drivers to work longer than legally permitted to make more deliveries and increase profits. As a result, truck drivers can quickly become drowsy while driving, which can cause them to miss road signage or barriers indicating construction zones.
Driving Safely in Virginia Road Construction Zones
Consider taking the following precautions to stay safe while you are passing through the work zone:
- Plan your route ahead of time. By planning your route before you hit the road, you may be able to avoid hazardous construction areas using alternate routes.
- Don’t get distracted. Limit distractions in your vehicle by putting your phone away, letting passengers adjust the radio, avoiding activities such as eating and personal grooming, and keeping your eyes on the road at all times.
- Buckle up. Be sure to wear a seat belt at all times and ensure that all of your passengers are properly buckled up as well.
- Obey signage. Road construction zones typically have signs to help you safely navigate through or around the construction zone. Be sure to obey road signage and drive outside of barricaded areas.
- Drive safely. Don’t speed, tailgate, or engage in any other aggressive or reckless driving behaviors that increase the likelihood of an accident occurring.
Types of Virginia Construction Accident Claims and Lawsuits
Possible liable parties include:
- The truck driver – If the truck driver behaved negligently by driving while distracted, for instance, or engaging in aggressive driving behaviors, which caused an accident, then the truck driver may be held liable.
- The trucking company – If the trucking company failed to maintain and inspect the truck properly, failed to vet the driver properly, or pressured the driver to ignore hours of service regulations, they could be held liable for any accidents that occur. If the trucker was an employee, the company could be vicariously liable for the trucker’s negligence.
- Defective parts manufacturers – If a defective part caused the accident, then the manufacturer of the defective part could potentially be held responsible for the crash.
- The construction company – Construction companies must keep construction zones safe for drivers who are passing through. If the construction company fails in this duty, they could be held liable.
- Government agencies – Certain government entities may be liable if they had oversite over the construction zone or were responsible for signage or rerouting traffic.
Get Help from a Virginia Construction Zone Truck Crash Lawyer
If you have been injured in a construction zone truck crash, contact one of our dedicated truck accident attorneys at Marks & Harrison. We will review your case, launch an investigation into the accident, identify the at-fault party or parties, and aggressively pursue the compensation you need to recover. Reach out today for a free consultation. We’re here to help.
