Advocating for People Injured in Road Construction Accidents
Construction zones present a heightened risk of injury to both motorists and workers. Motor vehicle crash deaths in highway work zones occur at an average of 782 per year, as reported by CDC. The number of fatal work-related injuries at road construction sites averages 124 annually. In a recent 15-year period, 473 construction laborers, 250 heavy and tractor trailer drivers, 200 construction equipment operators, 163 first-line construction and extraction supervisors, and 142 highway maintenance workers were killed in U.S. work zones.
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Regulations Governing Road Construction Sites in Massachusetts
The Move Over Law went into effect in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in March 2009. Under this law, drivers are required to move over into the next lane and slow down when approaching a stationary emergency or maintenance vehicle with its lights flashing. In addition, the U.S. Department of Labor and the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) have enacted numerous health and safety regulations to increase construction site safety.
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Negligent Acts That Contribute to Injuries at Highway Work Zones
Driver negligence is responsible for many construction zone accidents. This may involve:
- Distracted or inattentive driving
- Aggressive or reckless driving
- Drug or alcohol impaired driving
- Unsafe lane changes
- Traveling too fast for conditions
Road construction workers may be injured or killed because of:
- Inadequate training on heavy equipment
- Inadequate construction site postings to give drivers notice
- Incorrect signage to direct the flow of traffic
- Defective or improperly maintained equipment
We've offered crucial support and guidance to individuals who have suffered injuries, ensuring their financial and emotional well-being.
Potentially Liable Parties
If the actions of a negligent party caused or contributed to a serious work zone accident, that party may be held liable for resulting injuries. All parties with an interest in the work zone project have a responsibility to make the site safe. Potentially liable parties may include:
- General contractors
- Subcontractors
- Heavy equipment or tool manufacturers
- Government entities responsible for road conditions
- Negligent drivers
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Serious Injuries Suffered at Road Construction Sites
Work zone accidents cause many different types of injuries, ranging in severity from minor to fatal. In a recent seven-year period, transportation events accounted for 76% of fatal occupational injuries. Workers were struck by vehicles in work zones or killed by backing vehicles. In a recent year, Massachusetts had seven fatal crashes in work zones. Two pedestrians and a worker were killed in these accidents, as stated by Work Zone Safety.
In addition to occupational injuries, 842 people were killed and 39,100 were injured in work zone traffic crashes in a recent year, as reported by the National Safety Council (NSC). The majority of fatalities in work zones are drivers of motor vehicles (65%), followed by passengers in motor vehicles (17%) and pedestrians (15%).
Types of Compensation Available for Work Zone Injuries
If you sustained a work-related injury in a construction zone, you may be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits to cover your medical expenses and a portion of your lost wages. If a negligent party other than your employer is responsible for your Boston vehicle accident, you may have a third party claim for compensation. If you were injured in a crash caused by a negligent driver, you may have a claim against that driver. Damages you may be entitled to claim may include:
- Medical expenses, past and future
- Physical therapy
- Rehabilitation
- Lost wages or earnings
- Loss of earning capacity
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Emotional trauma
Who Can Seek Compensation for a Construction Zone Accident Caused by Negligence?
Any person who has been hurt in a construction zone accident caused by negligence may be entitled to seek compensation from responsible parties. Contact DiBella Law Offices, P.C. at (617) 870-0907 to schedule a free consultation. Our Boston injury attorney can tell you if you have a case and what damages you may be able to claim.
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