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National Work Zone Awareness Week
Every spring, we recognize National Work Zone Awareness Week (April 26-30) to bring attention to a critical threat to public safety. Work zone accidents kill hundreds of Americans every year.
The simple act of going to work may prove fatal for construction workers, as well as nearby road users and bystanders.
It is thus important to raise awareness about the dangers of work zones and, more importantly, what drivers may be able to do to reduce these risks.
If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a work zone accident, the experienced California car accident lawyers at Arash Law are here to help.
Facts About Work Zone Accidents
The National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse provides some statistics about work zone accidents. In 2019, there were 842 work zone fatalities across the country and 74 here in California. These numbers represent a significant increase from the stateโs previous three-year average of 66 deaths per year. Of the 842 fatalities nationwide, 135 were construction workers killed on the job. The remaining fatalities were drivers, passengers, pedestrians, and other road users who were simply in the wrong place at the wrong time.
Notably, these deaths are often preventable. Construction zones are known to be dangerous. Taking certain measures, such as posting signs, reducing speed limits, and using physical barriers, can help protect both construction workers and the people driving through work zones. Yet, despite these steps, fatal accidents still occur every year. This fact is why it is so important for drivers to understand exactly what makes work zones so dangerous and, more importantly, what steps they can take to prevent accidents in these highly dangerous areas.
Why Are Work Zones So Dangerous?
Several critical factors contribute to work zone accidents. First is the simple change in traffic patterns. If drivers do not know where to go, they are more likely to end up somewhere they should not be. The more confusing these changes are, or the more quickly they occur in the roadway, the more likely it is for accidents to occur. This risk is why construction crews need to mark traffic detours and prepare the work zone before there are workers present.
Another critical danger is the way other drivers respond to a construction zone. If other motorists become impatient, they might become aggressive. They could speed around other cars or tailgate. All of this can potentially increase the likelihood of an accident. If you see another driver becoming aggressive in a work zone, the best practice is to let them go around you and stay clear of their vehicle. That way, you likely wonโt be nearby if that driver causes an accident.
What Drivers Can Do To Prevent Work Zone Accidents
There are some very basic, simple steps that drivers can take to prevent work zone accidents. These simple steps can do more than just potentially save lives. They can also be part of your legal obligation to operate your vehicle with โreasonable prudenceโ.
The best way to prevent work zone accidents is to avoid these areas altogether. Before leaving for a long road trip, check local traffic websites to determine if there are any road closures or detours on your route. Avoiding these routes can save you the time you might otherwise spend stuck in traffic and reduce your risk of being injured in a work zone accident.
If you are in a work zone, the best way to avoid an accident is to slow down. Reducing your speed will give you more time to react to obstacles, unexpected detours, or other traffic conditions. Reducing speed may also reduce the severity of injuries that occur if there is a collision.
Slowing down is not just a good idea: the law requires it. The California Vehicle Code has a specific section that requires drivers to comply with posted speed limits in a work zone. This regulation is in addition to the basic requirement that all drivers use โreasonable prudence.โ These laws mean that drivers must slow down when traffic conditions (such as detours and work zones) require it.
Protecting Your Legal Rights After A Work Zone Accident
The most important thing to do after an auto accident is to get immediate medical attention. Even if you do not think you were hurt, you should still see a healthcare professional as soon as possible. Not all injuries show up right away. You could have life-threatening injuries (such as internal bleeding or a brain injury) that donโt appear for hours after an accident occurs. By then, it could be too late for treatment.
Seeing a doctor right away also protects your personal injury claim from potential disputes. For example, it may be argued that you made your injuries worse by delaying treatment. Seeing a doctor could help you uphold your legal rights. You may also wish to consult a personal injury lawyer near you after your accident, as they may help you avoid saying or doing anything that could hurt your claim.
Injured In A Work Zone Accident? Call Arash Law To Speak To A California Car Accident Lawyer
If youโre searching for โwork zone accident lawyers near me.โ Our auto accident attorneys in California are ready to assist you. Our skilled car crash lawyers have decades of combined experience and have represented injured clients across the state.
We serve clients in San Francisco, Riverside, San Jose, San Diego, Sacramento, Sherman Oaks, and throughout California. Call (888) 488-1391 or contact us online to schedule your free initial consultation. Arash Law is ready to review your accident, see if you have a case, and help you pursue compensation if you have a valid claim.
Our attorneys also work on a contingency fee basis. This means clients do not owe any attorney fees unless theyโre able to collect compensation. However, they may still be responsible for some other court costs or case-related expenses, regardless of how the claims process ends.
