Lawyers for Truck Crashes in Road Construction Zones

Large 18-wheeler trucks are bulky, require special know-how to control, and can be challenging on the best of days. Throw impossible road conditions like road construction into the mix, and you’ve got the prime conditions for an accident on your hands, placing drivers and passengers in the vehicles around them at serious risk. If you’ve been injured by a truck in this type of situation it may be time to speak to a dedicated attorney for truck crashes in road construction zones.18 wheeler regulations along the way.

Why Do These Accidents Happen?

Truck drivers are trained to handle unforeseen circumstances on the road ahead, so why do these wrecks occur so often? The reason: no two roads are exactly the same, and the sudden appearance of new challenges are difficult to navigate with a truck that can’t stop on a dime. This is shown by the common occurrence of wide turn accidents, in which trucks turn too wide at intersections and hit and damage property or injure others. Road construction zones make these crucial junctions even harder to navigate by incorporating difficult-to-determine lane changes, flashing lights, and other distractions. Accidents are generally higher when road construction is a factor, but 18 wheeler trucks have the power to do much more damage than your average car.

Whose Fault Is It?

Determining who is at fault for the accident is one of the first things you do when you meet with your lawyer for truck crashes in road construction zones. There are usually a few options when it comes to determining where the blame for the accident should fall:

• The truck driver – The truck driver may miscalculate the turn or fail to observe warnings associated with the construction zone. There could also be issues with substance use, inadequate training, and reckless driving habits in this category.

• The driver’s company – If a company truck is improperly equipped or maintained, it could lead to serious issues when encountering construction zones along with other challenges on the road. If the accident is born of truck malfunction, both the company and driver may be found at fault.

• The local government or municipality or their contractor– Sometimes, road construction is simply handled poorly by those performing it. If construction is arranged in such a way that it is negligent and directly leads to the accident, then the local government or municipality or their contractor could be at fault.

What Sort of Injuries Result from Truck Accidents?

The average semi-truck weighs upwards of 80,000 pounds fully loaded, compared to an average weight of 5,000 pounds for most non-commercial cars on the road. That’s precisely why these trucks are capable of causing so much damage. As recently as 2018, the Alabama Department of Transportation reports that of the 10,079 accidents involving trucks, 121 fatalities were reported, along with 2,629 non-fatal injuries. Due to the sheer size of these trucks, even non-fatal injuries can be extreme and include:

• Serious lacerations

• Broken bones

• Paralysis

• Brain injuries

Each of these injuries is a serious matter, and being on the receiving end of them could change your life. It’s why truck accidents – in construction zones and otherwise – require a specialized professional eye when it comes to compensation.

When Should You Contact a Lawyer?

As soon as you’ve been in an accident with a truck in a construction zone, it’s time to reach out to a trusted attorney. The state of Alabama generally has a two-year statute of limitations on personal injuries (with some exceptions), but that doesn’t mean you should wait. You can bet the truck driver and his company won’t!  The truck driver is instructed to call their home office first, not 911.  The company then immediately sends a team to the scene of the wreck.  That team is often made up of investigators, crash-reconstructionist, engineers, even company retained lawyers.  PGH has a similar team and we stand ready to protect our client’s interest at the wreck scene. 

Whether you’re dealing with a serious injury, wrongful death, or severe property damage, Prince Glover Hayes has a group of professionals here that will have your back. Contact us to learn more about the services we offer and how our team of experienced attorneys, investigators, and staff can guide you through the legal process and help you obtain the protection and compensation you deserve.