Although drivers have the responsibility to slow down when passing through construction zones and to ensure that they are focused on the road and not distracted, construction companies also have the legal obligation to ensure that drivers can pass through the work zones smoothly and without obstructions. However, highway construction accidents do occur due to negligence or irresponsibility on either the part of the driver or the company.
If you or someone you love have been injured in a construction accident and you are wondering whether you have a claim, contact a Mississippi highway construction accident lawyer today to learn more. You may be eligible to recover damages for your injuries, depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident.
Fatality Statistics in Mississippi Work Zones
In 2012, 130 individuals died from occupational injuries in work zones, an increase from 106 deaths in 2010 and 122 deaths in 2011. In Mississippi, according to the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse, three out of the 582 fatalities in motor vehicle traffic crashes in 2012 occurred in work zones.
Most Common Causes of Work Zone Collisions
Statistics indicate that the most common causes of collisions in highway construction work zones include negligence on both the parts of the drivers and the construction companies themselves. Drivers who are operating a motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, not paying attention to the road or those driving under circumstances in which they cannot maintain control of the vehicle are more likely to cause accidents.
On the other hand, construction companies may be at fault as well. A business may hire independent contractors for a large project, yet these secondary companies may not follow federal safety regulations or meet safety standards. A construction company may misplace or neglect to place signs and cones indicating an upcoming work zone to drivers, or the company may act carelessly in placing construction equipment on the highway.
Important Steps to Take After an Accident
If someone has sustained serious injuries that require immediate medical attention, call for emergency responders right away. Your local police department should be contacted so that a police report can be filed of the incident. Should you decide to pursue a claim, the police report can serve as evidence and documentation of the accident. Inform your insurance company of the accident to begin the filing process.
Additionally, consider contacting a Mississippi highway construction accident lawyer to learn about your legal rights. A Mississippi highway construction accident lawyer can investigate the accident to determine who or what caused the crash and whom should be held responsible for your injuries. An experienced attorney can also help you file a wrongful death claim on behalf of a loved one or help you to seek compensation for yourself for damages such as medical expenses, vehicular damage and lost income. Your Mississippi highway construction accident lawyer will also discuss the event with the insurance companies to ensure that your claim is properly and efficiently handled.
Injured? A Mississippi Highway Construction Accident Lawyer Can Help
If you or someone you love has sustained injuries after an involvement in an accident, a Mississippi highway construction accident lawyer can inform you of your rights. The affiliated attorneys at Attorney Group for Mississippi can evaluate your case, free of charge, and help you to determine if you have a valid claim. We will connect you with a professional Mississippi highway construction accident lawyer who will help you to seek the compensation to which you may be entitled. Depending on your situation, you may be eligible to recover damages for lost wages, medical expenses and pain and suffering.
