What to Do if You Are Injured Because of Road Construction

 Posted on January 31, 2024 in Car Accidents

Road construction projects inevitably cause traffic disruptions and hazards for motorists. But when a lack of proper warnings, barriers, or visibility leads to an injury, you may have legal rights against negligent parties. If you recently sustained injuries while driving through a construction zone, you should know your rights. An Illinois personal injury lawyer can help you determine what to do.

Assess Responsibility Based on Missing or Defective Warnings

Construction companies must provide adequate warnings to alert approaching drivers of upcoming road hazards. If you unexpectedly hit objects, holes, edges, or debris that should have been clearly marked, the contractor may be liable for failing to prevent foreseeable accidents. Consider what types of warnings were missing or defective, like:

• Absence of signs indicating ongoing road work
• Lack of visible orange cones, reflectors, or tape marking site edges
• Missing flashing lights or flaggers at the work zone entrance
• Sudden lanes ending without enough advanced notice
• Uncovered holes or trenches blending with the road

Document Evidence From the Scene

Take detailed photos of the accident location showing the lack of warnings, unsafe conditions, or any factors impacting visibility like curves, hills, or poor lighting. Get pictures capturing any injuries you experienced. If available, gather contractor’s signs or equipment labels showing names so attorneys can identify potential defendants. Ask any witnesses or involved construction workers for statements on what happened.

Report Your Injury Immediately

Notify local law enforcement about the incident so there will be an official report. Provide copies to your attorney too, along with your written account of how missing construction precautions contributed to your injury. Your attorney will also need the total cost of your medical bills and potential future bills. You should also save all of your medical paperwork, results of scans, and anything else related for viable proof. This creates a paper trail showing fault lies with the contractor, not you.

Consider Filing Suit If No Adequate Settlement

Even strong injury claims sometimes get lowball settlement offers depending on insurance policies. However, an attorney exploring third-party liability against construction firms directly can potentially achieve far greater damages for clients. If settling out of court proves impossible, lawsuits against contractors for negligent road hazard warnings let judges or juries decide appropriate compensation. Documented evidence of missing or improper signage makes legal victory highly possible.

Contact a Decatur, IL Personal Injury Attorney

No driver expects to suddenly hit objects or unfinished edges mid-construction zone because of negligent markers. Pursuing compensation takes time and legal experience. Working with a Peoria, IL personal injury lawyer soon after any such accident can help, as you will have an advocate to protect your rights each step of the way. Call Kanoski Bresney at 888-826-8682 for a free consultation.