Drivers have the responsibility to pay attention to the road and adhere to safety standards while traveling. Those behind the wheel should also exercise special caution when traveling around construction zones to reduce the risk of injury or accident. Similarly, construction companies must ensure that they act properly by placing cones, signs or other warnings ahead of time to which drivers can react and slow down in an appropriate amount of time. Unfortunately, if some companies and drivers fail to uphold to their responsibilities, construction highway accidents can occur.
Have you or a loved one been injured and you would like to learn more about your rights following a construction accident? Contact a Georgia highway construction accident lawyer today for a case evaluation and for more information about filing your claim. You may be entitled to seek compensation for your injuries.
Georgia Work Zone Fatality Statistics
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 130 deaths resulted in 2012 from occupational injuries compared to 122 deaths in 2011 and 106 deaths in 2010. Additionally, the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse reports that 20 deaths occurred in work zones in Georgia in 2012 compared to 1,172 fatalities outside of work zones out of a total 1,192 deaths.
Common Causes of Accidents
According to statistics, the most common causes of highway construction accidents include:
- Drivers who are distracted, driving under the influence or speeding and unable to maintain control of the car or slow down in work zones
- Construction companies who hire projects to independent contractors or fail to meet safety standards
- Construction companies who did not properly place road marker or construction equipment
- Construction companies who neglect to place cones or signs signifying the construction site
- Construction companies who fail to understand the effect that weather conditions will have on drivers traveling by the work zone
What to Do in the Event of an Accident
First and foremost, it is of the utmost importance to administer medical aid or call for emergency responders if there are injured individuals at the scene. Call your local police department for assistance, and the officers will prepare documentation of the accident that you may be able to use at a later date as evidence should you decide to pursue a claim. Contact your insurance company to inform them of the incident and make sure you obtain insurance information from the other parties involved.
After the preliminary steps are handled, you may consider seeking legal counsel from a Georgia highway construction accident lawyer to ensure your legal rights are protected. An experienced Georgia highway construction accident lawyer can assist you in numerous ways such as:
- Investigating the scene to determine fault and the chain of events that caused the accident
- Helping you to file for compensation such as vehicular damage, lost income and medical expenses
- Assisting you in filing a wrongful death lawsuit on behalf of a loved one
- Making sure that the insurance companies are honest in representing the facts and filing the claims
Contact a Georgia Highway Construction Accident Lawyer Today
Have you or a loved one suffered from injuries following a construction accident? A Georgia highway construction accident lawyer can help you to determine if you have a valid claim and inform you of your legal rights. At Attorney Group for Georgia, we provide those injured in these collisions with a no-obligation consultation, free of charge, and attempt to answer questions to the best of our ability. If we feel you have a case, we will connect you with an experienced Georgia highway construction accident lawyer who will handle your lawsuit throughout the legal process. You may be entitled to seek compensation for your injuries.
