Las Vegas Construction Zone Accident Lawyers

The Hidden Dangers of Nevada Work Zones

Work zone crashes cause three deaths every day throughout the United States. In cities like Las Vegas, where there are high numbers of vehicles on the road every day, the chances of being in a work zone crash can spike.

Construction zones that are exposed to traffic can cause delays on the road, affecting people going to work or just living their lives. This can result in aggressive driving. 

Additionally, with all the activity in these zones, it can be harder for a driver to spot individual workers. They may also be distracted, trying to avoid hitting a worker or a machine, and not notice that another passenger vehicle is about to hit them.

Another serious danger that puts both construction workers and drivers at risk is insufficient barrier protection. A car can breach these barriers and put numerous people at risk.

Common Causes of Accidents in Construction Zones 

Accidents in construction zones occur for many reasons in Las Vegas.

Inadequate Signage and Warnings

Construction zones must be properly marked as such. Drivers must be given plenty of warning that construction is coming up so that they can lower their speed and get ready to merge. Drivers should not be caught off guard with sudden lane changes and obstacles, yet that’s what can happen if there aren’t enough signs in place.

The signs should also be as clear as possible. If the indications are too confusing for drivers, auto accidents are much more likely to occur because drivers may not be prepared to take quick action. 

Speeding and Tailgating

Construction zones can cause traffic disruptions. These lead to delays. Drivers can become impatient and frustrated, causing them to drive recklessly. This includes behaviors like excessive speeding and tailgating. High speeds reduce the reaction time drivers have to avoid crashes, while also making any resulting accidents much more serious.

Driver Inattention and Distractions

If a driver doesn’t pay attention to what is happening around them because they’re looking down at their phone or changing radio stations, they may not spot hazards in time. Construction zones themselves can also be distracting, increasing the risk of accidents.

Poor Road Conditions and Debris

A construction zone can mean debris. If this isn’t addressed correctly, it can cause harm to vehicles, potentially leading to tire blowouts and other similar issues. Drivers may also attempt to swerve to avoid obstacles. Additionally, uneven pavement and potholes could make it very difficult for drivers to maintain control of their vehicles.

Improperly Merged Lanes and Poor Lighting

Improperly merged lanes can create a chaotic environment. Drivers may not know what to do until the last minute, leading them to abrupt lane changes.

Poor lighting can be a concern, too. It can be much harder for drivers to spot signs and see hazards at night, so not having a properly lit construction site can make accidents more likely.

Who Is Liable for a Construction Zone Accident?

Numerous parties may be held liable in a construction zone accident. Construction companies could be responsible for your losses if you were in a crash as a result of their negligence.

If these companies did not take the time to place adequate signs warning of hazards or if they did not remove debris, they breached their duty of care toward everyone on the road.

It may also be possible to hold municipalities responsible. If a government entity should have closed the road and redirected traffic and failed to do so, they can be liable.

You may be able to hold other drivers responsible, too. If the person was distracted, looking down at their phone, or didn’t slow down to the indicated speed limit, they could be blamed for the accident.

Keep in mind that Nevada has modified comparative negligence laws. You can be partly responsible for the injuries you sustained and still recover losses, as long as you were not more than 50% to blame for the accident.

Critical Evidence To Preserve After a Work Zone Crash

If you’ve suffered a Nevada construction zone injury, preserving evidence protects any future claim you file.

You will need to gather:

• Photos and videos of the site and road
• Police report
• Witness statements

It’s essential to gather as much evidence as you can. Take pictures of everything, including the signage around the construction zone, lighting, and anything else that can demonstrate that you were not to blame for the crash.

Immediate Steps if You Are Injured in a Construction Area

If you’re in a construction zone accident, the first thing to do is get medical care. This means contacting emergency services. Do this even if you think you only suffered minor wounds.

Contact the police, too. You will need a report to file a claim, so don’t skip this step.

If you’re well enough to do so, start gathering evidence from the site. Take pictures and videos and get contact information for any eyewitnesses.

Then, as soon as possible, speak with an attorney. These are complex legal claims that require experience. Just establishing liability could be a challenge when there are so many potential people involved.

Compensation for Work Zone Injuries 

You may receive compensation in the form of economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages cover medical expenses, including:

• Hospital stays
• Medications
• Rehabilitation
• Future medical needs

After sustaining a serious injury, you will likely need to take some time off from work. That will mean lost income. Economic damages will address lost wages, as well as any reduction in earning potential that you’ve experienced because of the accident.

Non-economic damages cover your physical and emotional distress. Because these losses are not tangible, attorneys and insurance companies will assess how the injuries have impacted your life to come up with a fair number.

You can be compensated for loss of consortium, too, if you lost a loved one in the accident or you were injured severely enough that you can’t provide your family with the support they need.

Why Choose Adam S. Kutner for Your Construction Zone Claim?

Adam S. Kutner, Injury Attorneys, is an award-winning law firm. Our team of construction zone accident lawyers has more than three decades of experience helping people who have been hurt because of negligence or wrongful conduct. Over the years, we’ve helped recover hundreds of thousands of dollars for our clients.

We understand how difficult this process is, so we provide the compassionate and comprehensive representation you deserve. To make things even easier for you, we offer free consultations and no upfront costs. 

If you’ve been hurt in a construction zone accident, there’s no time to waste.

Contact us at Adam S. Kutner, Injury Attorneys, to schedule a free consultation.

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