Summer Construction Zone Accidents in Kentucky: How To Protect Yourself and Your Rights in an Injury Claim
Summer is construction season in Kentucky, and that means orange barrels, lane shifts, reduced speed limits, and the kind of unpredictable road conditions that catch drivers off guard.
If you were injured in a construction zone crash, the steps you take at the scene matter more than you might expect. Our Madisonville car accident lawyer explains more about these crashes, how they happen, and ways to protect your rights to compensation.
Why Kentucky Construction Zone Accidents Are So Dangerous
The Kentucky Department of Transportation has construction projects going on year-round, but the summer months are particularly busy. There’s a high amount of traffic as well, and the combination can prove potentially deadly for motorists.
Common ways construction zone accidents in Kentucky happen include:
- Rear-end collisions when drivers fail to slow in time at the start of a construction zone.
- Sideswipe crashes caused by sudden lane shifts and narrowed lanes.
- Debris and equipment left in or near the road.
- Confusing or inadequate signage.
- Distracted driving, which is especially dangerous in construction zones where conditions change rapidly.
Liability in these crashes can fall on the at-fault driver, the construction company managing the site, the government agency overseeing the project, or some combination of all three.
Protecting Yourself After a Kentucky Construction Zone Accident
Whether driving to work or on summer road trips, be aware of the hazards road construction sites pose. In the event of a crash, your instinct may be to get out of the vehicle and assess the damage. In a construction zone, that decision carries additional risks.
Active work zones have moving equipment, narrow shoulders, and limited visibility for approaching drivers. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) warns that secondary accidents involving people standing outside their vehicles at crash scenes are common.
To protect both yourself and your rights in a claim, take these steps after a construction zone crash in Kentucky:
- Call 911 immediately.
- Stay inside your vehicle if it is safe to do so and turn on your hazard lights.
- If you must exit, move as far from active traffic as possible.
- From a safe location, take photos of lane markings, signage, vehicle positions, and any visible hazards.
- Get contact information from any construction workers or other drivers who may have seen the crash.
- Report the accident to the construction company or site supervisor on duty, since their records may become important evidence in your claim.
In the aftermath, get medical attention immediately and seek legal help before making any statements to insurers or accepting any settlements.
Consult Our Experienced Madisonville Car Accident Lawyer Today
A construction zone crash involves layers of potential liability that go well beyond a standard car accident claim. At Whitfield Crosby & Flynn, our Madisonville personal injury lawyer knows how to investigate these cases, identify those at fault, and get the compensation you need to recover.
We represent clients in Madisonville, Kentucky; Chattanooga, Tennessee; Indianapolis, Indiana; and Marion, Illinois. Reach out today and request a consultation.
Source:
transportation.ky.gov/PublicAffairs/Pages/State-Initiatives-and-Regional-Projects.aspx
fmcsa.dot.gov/ourroads/work-zones-safety-tips
