Construction zones are an increasingly common sight on Alabama’s roads and highways. While highway work zones are necessary for maintaining and improving the state’s infrastructure, they also present significant dangers to motorists, passengers, and construction workers. The combination of narrow lanes, frequent stops, and roadside workers creates a hazardous environment where even a moment’s distraction can lead to devastating consequences.
In recent years, Alabama has seen a concerning rise in crashes occurring in construction zones. The accidents often result in serious injuries or fatalities, leaving victims and their families facing overwhelming physical, emotional, and financial challenges. If you have been involved in a car accident in a construction zone, it’s imperative to understand your rights and the importance of seeking experienced legal representation from a personal injury attorney.
The seasoned Alabama work zone car accident lawyers at Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., are ready to help. Call our office or contact us online for a free consultation about your case.
Alabama Construction Zone Accident Facts & Stats
To fully grasp the severity of construction zone crashes in Alabama, it’s essential to examine some statistics:
- Nearly 2,000 work zone crashes occurred in the state in a single recent year, according to the latest data from the Alabama Department of Transportation.
- These crashes resulted in 18 fatalities and over 500 injuries.
- The National Safety Council reports that 891 people were killed and 37,701 were injured in work zone crashes in the United States in one recent year.
Several factors contribute to the high number of construction zone accidents in Alabama, including these examples:
- Distracted driving – The use of cellphones, mobile devices, and other distractions while driving are leading causes of crashes in work zones.
- Speeding – Some drivers fail to reduce their speed when entering construction areas despite posted signs.
- Ignoring road signs – Failure to obey temporary traffic-control devices or follow lane closure instructions often leads to accidents.
- Flawed construction zone design – The construction companies in charge of a work zone must put up warning signs and other traffic-control devices when changing traffic patterns, making lane shifts, or introducing other hazards. Failure to do so can put construction workers and motorists at risk.
- Poor visibility – Rural construction areas in Alabama may have limited lighting, increasing the risk of nighttime crashes.
- Weather conditions – Alabama’s frequent rain and occasional severe and wintry weather can create hazardous conditions in work zones.
How Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., Can Help in Your Construction Zone Crash Case
The skilled car accident attorneys at Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., have extensive experience handling personal injury cases, including those involving work zone car accidents. Our team of attorneys understands the challenges of these kinds of cases, and we are committed to helping accident victims seek the maximum compensation they deserve.
When you choose our firm to represent you in a construction zone crash case, we are prepared to:
- Conduct a thorough investigation of the accident scene
- Gather and analyze evidence, including accident reports, witness statements, and surveillance videos
- Consult accident reconstruction experts if necessary
- Handle all communications and negotiations with the insurance companies
- Prepare your case for trial if a reasonable settlement cannot be reached
Our track record of success in personal injury cases speaks for itself. We have secured numerous substantial settlements and verdicts for our clients, including a $5 million settlement in a traffic accident case involving a utility truck. While past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, our experience, resources, and dedication give our clients what’s needed to pursue a favorable resolution.
Check out our client testimonials to discover what previous clients think about their experience with Morris, King & Hodge, P.C. For example, J.T. wrote, “Very CARING, hard-working professionals. Never ever thought I would need an attorney of this caliber, but life came calling and I am very grateful for the services and the concern that Mr. Hodge gave me.”
Do the Move Over Laws Affect Liability in Construction Zone Accidents?
Alabama’s Move Over Act can play a significant role in determining liability in construction zone accidents. Effective September 1, 2019, the law requires drivers of motor vehicles to move over or slow down when approaching law enforcement vehicles, emergency vehicles, utility service vehicles, and garbage collection vehicles on the roadside.
While the law doesn’t explicitly mention construction zones, it applies to vehicles displaying flashing lights parked or engaged in official duties on or along a road. That often includes construction equipment in work zones.
Key points of the Alabama Move Over Act include:
- On multi-lane roads, drivers must vacate the lane closest to the stopped vehicle if it is safe.
- If unable to change lanes safely, drivers must slow to a speed at least 15 mph below the posted limit.
- On two-lane roads, drivers must move as far away as possible and slow to 15 mph below the limit when the posted speed is 25 mph or higher or travel at 10 mph when the posted speed is 20 mph or less.
Violating the law can result in fines ranging from $100 for a first offense to $200 for a third or subsequent violation. More importantly, failure to comply with the Move Over Act could significantly affect a driver’s liability in the event of a construction zone crash. If a driver’s failure to move over or slow down contributes to an accident, they could be held responsible for the resulting damages.
Potential Compensation for People Hurt in Alabama Work Zone Crashes
If you were injured in a work zone accident in Alabama, you may be entitled to compensation for various accident-related losses. You could obtain money for:
- Medical expenses – Medical compensation covers all costs related to treating injuries sustained in the crash, including emergency medical care, hospitalization, surgeries, medications, and ongoing rehabilitation.
- Lost wages – If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be able to recover compensation for lost income, including future earnings, if you cannot return to your previous job.
- Pain and suffering – You can be compensated for the physical pain and emotional distress resulting from the crash and your injuries.
- Loss of enjoyment of life – If your injuries significantly impact your ability to engage in activities you enjoyed previously, you may obtain money for this loss.
- Property damage – This includes repairing or replacing your vehicle and any other personal property damaged in the accident.
Alabama has a statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including those involving work zone accidents. Generally, this law allows you two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, there may be exceptions to this rule, which is why it’s crucial to consult an experienced attorney as soon as possible after your accident.
Get Help from Our Alabama Construction Zone Accident Attorneys Now
If you were injured in a work zone accident in Alabama, don’t wait to seek legal help. The experienced team at Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., is ready to fight for your rights and help you seek the maximum compensation you deserve.
Call 256-274-8130 or contact Morris, King & Hodge, P.C., today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no attorney’s fees unless we win your case.
