Who’s At Fault for a Car Accident That Happens in a Work Zone?

Work zones create unpredictable driving conditions for Illinois drivers, which means the risk of an accident is significantly higher in those areas. If you’ve suffered injuries in a Springfield work zone accident, you may be entitled to compensation. But where might that compensation come from?

Work zone accidents can involve several liable parties, and sometimes more than one party may bear responsibility simultaneously. You need to know who those parties might be, how to protect your rights after a collision, and how a Springfield personal injury attorney can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

Potentially Liable Parties in a Work Zone Collision

In a typical car accident, liability most often falls on one of the involved drivers. However, work zone collisions can be a bit more complicated. Potentially liable parties include:

Other Drivers

If another driver’s careless or reckless behavior contributed to the crash, they may bear responsibility in a personal injury claim. Common ways other drivers contribute to work zone accidents include:

• Failing to adjust to reduced speed limits
• Ignoring lane-shift signs
• Following too closely
• Distracted driving
• Driving aggressively when traffic slows

Illinois law requires drivers to slow down and use extra caution in construction areas. When a driver ignores these rules, the consequences can be dire. A skilled car accident attorney might hold a careless driver accountable by obtaining police reports, interviewing witnesses, seeking surveillance footage, or consulting experts.

Construction Companies

Construction contractors must provide clear and adequate warnings of the increased risks present in a work zone. When a company cuts corners or acts carelessly, its work zone may cause a serious accident. Common reasons construction companies may bear responsibility for a work zone accident include:

• Failing to place proper warning signs
• Using improper or confusing lane markings
• Leaving equipment or materials in the roadway
• Creating blind spots or sudden drop-offs
• Failing to provide flaggers or traffic control when necessary

A poorly designed or poorly maintained work zone can confuse even careful drivers. If the construction company fails to maintain a safe environment, and a collision occurs, you may be entitled to compensation.

Government Agencies

In some cases, the government entity overseeing the project may contribute to an accident. Common reasons a government entity may bear responsibility include:

• Approving an unsafe work zone plan
• Failing to inspect or supervise the contractor
• Ignoring complaints about dangerous conditions

Claims against Illinois government entities follow strict notice requirements and shortened deadlines. It’s essential to act quickly when pursuing these claims to protect your legal rights.

What To Do After a Work Zone Accident

If a crash occurs in a construction zone, take the following steps:

• Get somewhere safe and call 911.
• Take photos and videos of the accident scene.
• Collect witness contact information.
• Seek prompt medical attention even if you feel “fine.”
• Contact an experienced work zone accident lawyer.

Insurance adjusters may contact you requesting recorded statements or offering quick, lowball settlements. These are attempts to weaken your claim and minimize your payout. Refer them to your attorney whenever possible. If you must speak to them, never admit fault, don’t accept any quick settlements, and don’t provide any recorded statements.

How a Skilled Work Zone Accident Attorney Can Help

Working with an experienced personal injury lawyer can make all the difference in the outcome of your case. Your attorney can help by:

• Reviewing your case for free
• Investigating the accident and identifying all liable parties
• Preserving and obtaining evidence
• Calculating for full compensation
• Dealing with insurers
• Negotiating on your behalf
• Representing you in court, if necessary

Contact an Illinois Work Zone Accident Attorney Today

You don’t need to face the fallout of a work zone collision alone. The team at Holley, Rosen & Beard, LLC, can identify the liable parties and fight to hold them accountable and recover the compensation you deserve. Contact our Springfield law firm today for your free consultation.