Construction Zone Vehicular Accident Attorney in Kentucky

What is a Construction Zone Accident?

A work zone is defined as a temporary work site for maintenance or construction along highways, roads, and streets. According to the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet, work zones can involve highway construction and maintenance workers, utility crews, mowing contractors, brush cutters and tree trimmers.

The following lists signs that may indicate a construction work zone:

• Warning signs
• Cones
• Barrels
• Barriers
• Flashing lights
• Shadow vehicles
• Workers in bright-colored vests

Work zones are set into place to create safer, better manufactured roads for drivers. However, the existence of a work zone can lead to unforeseen motor vehicle collisions that can result in serious injury or death.

What Causes Construction Zone Accidents in Kentucky?

According to the Kentucky Safety Cabinet, the state experienced 1,074 construction zone collisions in 2022. Out of those, there were 271 recorded injuries and six fatalities. Their report explained that motorists and their passengers are most likely to be the victims in a work zone accident.

The following lists causes of accidents unique to construction zones:

• Blind spots – Work zones can decrease visibility, resulting in blind spots for the driver. Common causes of blind spots include large machinery in the road, lane barricades, and bright nighttime work lights.
• Change in traffic conditions – Work zones often result in changed or different traffic patterns, either indicated with signage or a flagger. Drivers may fail to see the signage or flagger, or become disoriented, which can all result in a collision.
• Distracted driving – Due to the activity of the workers and machinery, work zones can result in driver confusion, frustration, and distraction. The driver’s inattention can result in a collision.
• Lack of signage/warning – If the construction company fails to provide clear and sufficient signage or warning of a work zone, it could lead to a motor vehicle collision.
• Poor planning – The construction company’s poor planning of a work zone can cause unsafe conditions that lead to an accident. Examples include insufficient management of traffic by the person flagging, or the lack of lane markings.
• Work equipment – Work zones often have large machinery such as trucks and bulldozers. If any of the work zone’s equipment malfunctions, or if a driver operates the machine in a negligent manner, it could result in a collision. Further, machinery or debris left in the road can cause a collision.

If you were in a motor vehicle collision due to any of the above conditions, you may have a personal injury case. The attorneys at Morrin Law can review your case to help determine the extent of your injuries, and fight to hold the responsible party accountable for the damages.

Possible Injuries

Getting into an unexpected motor vehicle accident can cause minor or serious injuries. In the worst-case scenario, a construction zone accident can result in wrongful death.

If you have experienced any of the following injuries from a Kentucky construction zone accident, you may have a personal injury case:

• Broken or fractured bones
• Scarring or disfigurement
• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Organ damage or internal injuries
• Burns
• Amputations
• Whiplash
• Soft-tissue injuries
• Lacerations

It is imperative that you seek medical attention after getting into a construction zone accident. Some injuries do not have immediate symptoms, and adrenaline may make it difficult to recognize any initial pain or discomfort. If you experienced any of the above injuries, or injuries not listed above, consult with a Kentucky personal injury attorney.

When is the Construction Company Liable for an Accident?

The companies hired to complete road improvements are responsible for establishing and maintaining safe construction zones. If the company’s lack of safety, warning, or negligence results in a motor vehicle collision, they may be held responsible for the resulting damages.

The following lists examples of a construction company’s negligence that could result in a motor vehicle collision:

• Unmarked lane changes;
• Positioning traffic cones or barricades too close to the lane of traffic;
• Failure to warn of reduced speed limits;
• Poor traffic management by flagging person; and/or
• Creating a decrease in driver visibility by putting debris or dust into the air.

If you were in a motor vehicle accident that was caused by an unmarked construction zone or due to the negligence of a construction company, contact an experienced Kentucky personal injury attorney to represent your case.

Filing a Personal Injury Claim for a Construction Zone Accident

After getting into a construction zone accident, you may be left in pain and feeling confused on what to do next. Depending on the extent of your injuries, you could be faced with steep medical bills and a long road to recovery. If your accident was caused by the negligence of another person or party, you should not be responsible for the resulting damages. You can consult a Kentucky personal injury attorney to determine if your case is worth filing a personal injury claim.

The attorneys with Morrin Law advise you follow the following steps after a construction zone accident:

1. Contact the police: After any motor vehicle wreck, law enforcement should be contacted to provide a written report. The report can detail who was at fault or what caused the accident, which is important to document for a personal injury case.
2. Seek medical attention: Even if you do not initially feel any pain following a construction zone wreck, you should be checked out by a medical professional for any possible injuries. It is imperative that you document all medical records for your personal injury case.
3. Gather evidence: If possible, gather evidence from the accident scene such as images or videos of the wreck or property damage. You should also maintain copies of the police report and any medical records.
4. Be mindful of Statute of Limitations: The state of Kentucky provides personal injury cases involving motor vehicles two years from the date of the accident or discovered injury to file a claim. Waiting to file can result in losing important evidence for your case, so we advise filing as soon as you can. A Kentucky personal injury attorney can answer any questions or concerns you may have regarding the state of limitations.
5. Consult Kentucky personal injury attorney: A personal injury attorney with Morrin Law Firm can assist with your personal injury case. We can review your case details to assess the extent of damages, consult with insurance companies, and fight to win you the compensation your injuries deserve.

Tips for Driving Safe in a Work Zone

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet lists the following tips for drivers to remain safe when operating through a work zone: 

• Expect the unexpected – Work zone configurations may change without notice.
• Pay Attention – Refrain from texting or talking on the phone while driving.
• Be alert – The construction may result in narrowing lanes, change of traffic patterns, or the presence of highway workers on the road.
• Respect the posted speed limits – A construction zone may result in speed limit reductions.
• Keep traffic moving – To allow a smooth flow of traffic, try to safely merge as soon as possible.
• Be patient – As aggressive driving and speeding are both common causes of work zone accidents, it is better to remain patient and abide by the zone’s recommended speed.
• Keep a safe distance – Rear-end collisions are the most common type of construction zone accident. Allow enough space on all sides of your vehicle and maintain a safe following distance.
• Respect the flagger and obey their guidance – You must abide by the instructions of a flagger, as they have the same authority as a regulatory sign. Failure to abide by their directions can result in getting a citation.
• Follow instructions on construction signage – Signs at a construction zone are carefully selected to provide accurate information and warnings to drivers.
• Know before you go – The Kentucky site goky.ky.gov provides drivers with traffic and travel information. Check before you get on the road to see if there are any alternative routes to avoid work zones. If a work zone cannot be avoided, expect delays, and allow for additional travel time.
• Stay Calm – Keep in mind that the construction zone is in place to make the roads safer and more efficient!