Everett Martin, 65, of Tilton, Died After Crash With Ford Super Duty Pickup Truck at Dover Work Zone on Route 16
DOVER, NEW HAMPSHIRE (January 19, 2026) – A worker identified as Everett Martin has tragically died in a construction-zone accident on Route 16 in Dover.
Stafford County officials say the accident occurred around 10:30 AM on Friday, January 16. Everett Martin was in a construction zone when he was hit by a 2020 Ford Super Duty pickup truck that was reversing.
Paramedics were called to the accident scene to help the victim. Sadly, Everett Martin later died due to the severe nature of his injuries.
An investigation into the deadly construction zone accident remains ongoing by the New Hampshire Department of Transportation and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA).
Liability for Construction Zone Accidents in New Hampshire
Employers in New Hampshire have a legal obligation to maintain construction zones and other work sites in a reasonably safe condition. According to 29 U.S.C. § 654(a)(1), “each employer shall furnish to each of his employees employment and a place of employment which are free from recognized hazards that are causing or are likely to cause death or serious physical harm to his employees.” Several actions should be taken to prevent construction zone accidents.
- Traffic Control: Construction companies should develop a site-specific traffic control plan. This plan should separate traffic areas from pedestrian locations to the greatest extent possible.
- Speed Limits: Construction zones should have clearly posted speed limits that alert drivers that they must slow down. To that end, trained flaggers should be used.
- Visibility: Workers in construction zones should be provided with high-visibility vests so that they are not easily overlooked.
- Construction Equipment: All construction equipment used in a construction zone should come equipped with certain safety features. This includes backup alarms and cameras that reveal pedestrians.
When a worker is injured in a New Hampshire construction zone accident, they or their surviving family members will typically have recourse through the workers’ compensation system. Workers’ compensation in New Hampshire operates through a no-fault insurance scheme. There is no need for an injured worker to demonstrate that one party was liable. In addition to workers’ compensation, injured workers or their surviving family members may be able to pursue damages through a third-party liability claim. A third-party liability claim may be possible if an entity separate from a worker’s employer contributed to an accident.
Third-Party Liability for Dover Construction Zone Accidents
Motor vehicle collisions remain a major cause of preventable workplace injury and death in the United States. According to the National Safety Council, “Injuries resulting from roadway incidents involving motorized land vehicles is the leading cause of work-related deaths. In 2023, 1,252 workers died, and in 2021-2022, 68,560 DART cases, including 54,830 DAFW cases were reported.” When a worker is injured in a construction zone, there could be numerous sources of third-party liability.
- Truck Owner: The owner of a construction vehicle could be liable for an accident if they are a separate entity from a victim’s employer. A truck owner may have failed to maintain functional backup alarms or cameras.
- General Contractor: A general contractor could be liable for a construction site accident if the worksite was in a dangerous condition. This may include situations where a construction zone had no spotters or a traffic control plan.
- Subcontractors: A subcontractor could be liable for an accident if they failed to exercise due care to avoid hitting a pedestrian. This can include situations where a truck driver used unsafe backing procedures or failed to maintain proper separation from pedestrians.
Construction zone accidents tend to be highly preventable. They are often the result of clear safety lapses and OSHA violations. Among other things, a lack of clear communication between all of the workers on a construction site can easily lead to a fatal accident. It is important for the victims of these accidents and their family members to understand that they do have legal rights. The family of any person who died in a New Hampshire construction zone accident may be able to seek some measure of transparency and accountability through a civil action.
Investigating Dover Construction Zone Accidents
We at DiBella Law extend our deepest condolences to the family of Everett Martin. This was a preventable tragedy that should not have taken place. Anyone who may have more information should reach out to the authorities. Several questions remain unanswered. What is the safety record at this construction site? Did the truck involved come equipped with backup cameras or other safety features?
Do you need more legal information about a construction zone accident? Our team of construction accident attorneys is here for you. We care deeply that accident victims get the information and resources that they are entitled to under the law. Whether you just have legal questions or need a free, independent investigation into any workplace accident, we are here to serve your needs. You can reach out to us anytime at (617) 870-0907.