Hurt in a Construction Zone Car Accident? Our Atlanta Lawyers Can Help
A crash on I-285 can be stressful under any circumstances, but a construction zone car accident can create even more questions. Lane shifts, narrowed lanes, changing traffic patterns, and construction equipment can make it difficult to understand exactly what caused the collision. You may wonder who is responsible for a construction zone accident, particularly when more than one person or company may have played a role.
Atlanta Metro Personal Injury Law Group can investigate what happened and identify who may have contributed to your injuries. Our Atlanta car accident lawyers can gather evidence, examine the crash circumstances, and help you understand your legal options.
In this blog, we’ll discuss common causes of car accidents in I-285 construction zones, who may be liable for a crash, and how a lawyer can build a case.
Common Causes of Car Accidents in Construction Zones
Construction zones along I-285 in Georgia can create changing driving conditions that require extra attention from everyone on the road. Crashes may happen because of a driver’s actions, roadway conditions, or a combination of factors. Understanding what contributed to the collision can also help determine who may be responsible for the resulting injuries and losses.
Driver-Related Causes
- Distracted driving: Looking at a phone, adjusting the radio, or focusing on something other than the road can prevent a driver from noticing lane changes, construction equipment, or slowing traffic.
- Speeding: Driving too fast for a construction zone can make it harder to react to sudden lane shifts, stopped vehicles, or changing traffic patterns.
- Tailgating: Following another vehicle too closely can leave insufficient time and distance to stop when traffic slows or changes.
- Aggressive driving: Unsafe lane changes, weaving through traffic, and other aggressive behaviors increase the risk of a collision in a crowded construction area.
Environmental and Roadway Factors
- Narrowed lanes: Reduced lane widths and barriers can leave drivers with less room to maneuver.
- Inadequate signage: Missing, unclear, or poorly placed signs may make it difficult for drivers to understand upcoming lane changes, closures, or other hazards.
- Uneven surfaces and debris: Rough pavement, road transitions, loose materials, and construction debris can interfere with a vehicle’s ability to travel safely.
- Poor visibility: Darkness, weather, dust, equipment, and other conditions can make it harder for drivers to see lanes, signs, vehicles, and hazards.
Our Atlanta car accident lawyers will investigate the circumstances and identify all potentially responsible parties. This may involve examining the accident scene, traffic controls, available video, vehicle damage, witness statements, and other evidence. We examine whether a driver’s actions, roadway conditions, or construction-related factors contributed to the accident.
Who Can Be Responsible for Construction Zone Accidents in Atlanta?
Figuring out who caused an I-285 construction zone car accident can be complex. A careless driver may be responsible, but construction companies, subcontractors, or government agencies may also have played a role. In some cases, more than one party may have contributed to the wreck. Our skilled car accident lawyers investigate every angle.
Careless Drivers
Drivers are expected to slow down, pay attention, and follow traffic signs when traveling through construction zones. A driver may be responsible for a crash if they were speeding, distracted, following too closely, making an unsafe lane change, or ignoring construction-zone warnings. Even when traffic patterns are confusing, or lanes are narrowed, drivers must adjust to the conditions around them.
Construction Companies and Subcontractors
Construction companies working on I-285 should keep roadwork areas safe. Depending on the project, this may include setting up signs and barriers, directing traffic, keeping lanes safe, and removing hazards. If a construction company fails to take reasonable safety measures and that failure contributes to a crash, the company may be responsible for the resulting injuries.
Subcontractors may also be involved if they created or failed to correct a dangerous condition. For example, improperly placed equipment, construction debris, missing barriers, or an unsafe lane shift could create a serious hazard for drivers. An investigation can help determine whether a company’s actions led to the construction zone car accident.
Government Agencies
Depending on the circumstances, a government agency may be responsible for road maintenance, traffic signs, lane markings, or other safety measures. If a dangerous roadway condition contributed to a crash, it is important to determine who was responsible for maintaining that part of the highway.
Claims involving government agencies can also follow different rules than claims involving private individuals or companies. Special notice requirements and deadlines may apply. Our Atlanta car accident lawyers can investigate the crash and determine whether a government agency may have contributed to the collision.
How Our Atlanta Construction Zone Car Accident Lawyers Can Help
After a construction zone car accident, you may be dealing with injuries, medical bills, missed work, and questions about who caused the crash. An Atlanta car accident lawyer can investigate what happened, identify who may be responsible, and handle the legal process while you focus on your recovery.
Gathering Evidence
Evidence from a construction zone can change or disappear quickly. Our lawyers can gather photographs and video from the crash scene, traffic-camera footage, witness statements, police reports, and medical records. Our legal team may also examine signs, lane markings, barriers, construction equipment, and other conditions that could help explain how the accident happened.
When investigating a construction zone car accident, we may review plans, work records, safety information, and other documents.
Settlement Negotiations and Lawsuits
Our car accident lawyers will negotiate with the insurance company. Our goal is to secure a fair settlement. If the other side won’t offer a fair amount, our team can file a lawsuit. Our lawyers can prepare the case, handle court filings, and represent you throughout the legal process. Most claims settle before a trial.
What to Do After a Construction Zone Car Accident in Atlanta
A car accident in an I-285 construction zone can leave you shaken and unsure about what to do next. These steps can help protect your health and preserve useful information.
- Move to a safe location if possible. Get out of active traffic and away from construction equipment or other hazards.
- Call 911. Report the car accident and request medical assistance if anyone is injured. A police report can also provide important information about what happened.
- Get medical attention. Some injuries may not be immediately obvious after a crash.
- Take photos and videos. If it is safe to do so, photograph the vehicles, roadway, lane markings, signs, barriers, debris, and other conditions around the construction zone.
- Get witness information. Ask people who saw the crash for their names and contact information.
- Avoid admitting fault. Avoid statements that could be interpreted as accepting responsibility for the accident. Stick to the facts when speaking with police and others at the scene.
- Keep records. Save medical records, bills, repair estimates, missed-work documentation, and other crash-related information.
- Talk with a lawyer. A lawyer can investigate the construction zone car accident and guide you through the legal process.
Contact Atlanta Metro Personal Injury Law Group for a Free Case Review
At Atlanta Metro Personal Injury Law Group, LLC, we understand what is at stake after a construction zone car accident. We’re committed to giving you the guidance, support, and aggressive representation you need to protect your future.
We charge a 25% contingency fee, which is significantly lower than the 33.33% most personal injury law firms charge. You pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win. Don’t wait to get legal help. Contact us today or call 678-752-4582 for a free case review.
