Understand your rights and how to file a claim for maximum compensation after a construction zone accident in Columbia
Driving through a construction zone can be stressful, and it doesn’t help when other drivers don’t heed warnings to slow down or use caution to avoid construction equipment. Adding to the stress are the warning signs of what will happen if you injure or kill a construction worker while speeding in a construction zone.
The reality is that highway construction zones are essential for maintaining South Carolina’s infrastructure, but they also present unique dangers for drivers. If you’ve been injured in an accident within a Columbia highway construction zone, this guide will help you understand your rights and when seeking legal representation might be in your best interest.
Most common causes of highway construction accidents in Columbia
Certain situations are more likely to cause highway construction accidents in South Carolina, with one primary cause being negligent construction practices. For example, unclear signs for blocked lanes or lane shifts can cause confusion, increasing the risk of an accident. Construction zones must be clearly defined and marked off so that drivers can safely maneuver through them.
Drivers must also take extra care when traveling through a highway construction area. This means slowing down to avoid an accident and ensure other drivers, passengers, and construction workers stay safe. Speeding and aggressive driving in construction zones make it much easier for a driver to lose control, which can have devastating consequences.
Distracted driving is another common cause of highway construction accidents. Actions like using a handheld cell phone, eating, drinking, fiddling with vehicle controls, conversing with passengers, or even just checking on children in the backseat can cause distractions that quickly lead to accidents when traffic is congested in a construction zone.
Car accidents can also occur in construction zones when defective equipment is used. If anything is flimsy, improperly secured, or poorly built, it can create a dangerous situation for construction workers and drivers.
Did you know?
According to the U.S. Department of Transportation, about 21% of fatal work zone crashes in 2022 involved rear-end collisions and 34% involved drivers who were speeding.
What to do after a construction zone accident in Columbia
A work zone crash between a truck and a small car or a motorcycle can be especially devastating for the parties involved, often causing horrendous injuries or even wrongful death. Knowing what steps to take in the minutes and days after such a crash is crucial to protecting both your health and your legal rights.
Below is a general overview of what you should do in the aftermath of a construction zone crash in South Carolina:
- The first step is to call authorities to report the accident. Having a police report is important for insurance claims and legal purposes, especially to establish the facts of the crash.
- Next, if you’re physically able to do so, document the scene of the accident. Anything of consequence should be photographed, such as skid marks, damage to your vehicle and the other vehicle, damages to structures, equipment, traffic signs, your injuries, and any weather or road conditions that might have added to the accident. If you find witnesses, ask for their names and contact information. Try to get their statements in writing or, if possible, record them on your phone that very moment.
- The most important thing you should do when you leave the scene is seek immediate medical attention. Even if you feel fine, you should still get looked over by a nurse or doctor, as you might have injuries with delayed symptoms or internal injuries that require more urgent care. Medical attention can offer documentation of your injuries, which in turn can be used as evidence if you file a personal injury lawsuit.
- Next, you should notify your insurance company about the accident as soon as possible. Provide them with the basic details of what happened, but if you’re asked to provide a more detailed statement, it might be wise to say that you will provide further details after consulting with your attorney. This is most important if there are potential injuries or significant damage.
- Lastly, if you suffered serious injuries or there are questions about who’s liable for the accident, you should contact an experienced truck accident attorney to protect your rights. This action also increases your chances of a successful case and outcome.
In the news:
Six injured during crash in I-95 construction zone
Six people were injured in a 2-vehicle crash on I-95 in South Carolina on December 21, 2023.
Authorities with Colleton County Fire Rescue said 2 vehicles were traveling southbound near mile marker 42 when they collided in a construction zone shortly before 8:30 p.m.
After making contact, a Jeep went into the median, while a Sebring convertible drove down an embankment and struck a tree.
Two occupants from the Sebring were taken to Trident Medical Center’s trauma center in North Charleston. The other 4 injured in the Jeep were taken to Colleton Medical Center with what authorities describe as non-life-threatening injuries.
When to consider a highway construction accident lawyer
Highway construction accidents are often complex, so it’s in your best interest to consider hiring an attorney with experience in these incidents, especially if you suffer serious injuries that require significant medical treatment or time off work.
Often, a collision in a work zone leads to serious injuries that require extensive medical care. If you sustain such an injury, you need a lawyer to help accurately assess the value of your claim, including past and future medical treatment and rehabilitation costs, to ensure you get the compensation you need to adequately pay for your full recovery.
If you’ve suffered a long-term disability and cannot work, you also need an attorney to help you get the compensation for the lost wages you need to support yourself, especially if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or from returning to work in the same capacity as before the accident.
Many cases involving highway construction accidents require going through an insurance company. Unfortunately, sometimes, an adjuster makes a lowball settlement offer or refuses compensation altogether. With an attorney by your side, you won’t have to worry that you’re not getting a fair deal because they know all the tricks and tactics insurers use and can aggressively negotiate on your behalf to get you maximum compensation.
South Carolina Compensatory and Punitive Damages
Learn about the different types of compensation you may be entitled to after a car crash in Columbia.
Why choose Chappell, Chappell & Newman to help with your highway construction accident claim?
There are many benefits to hiring the skilled car accident attorneys at Chappell, Chappell & Newman to help with your construction zone accident claim:
- We expertly navigate complex claims. At Chappell, Chappell & Newman, we specialize in Columbia car accident claims, including those that involve construction zones, ensuring every detail is meticulously addressed.
- We maximize your compensation. Our deep understanding of South Carolina laws and excellent negotiation skills allow us to aggressively pursue the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
- We handle all the paperwork. We take care of all the filings, negotiations, and communications with insurance companies, allowing you to focus on your recovery without stress.
- We reduce your liability. Our team is adept at challenging unfair liability claims, ensuring your rights are protected and your liability is minimized.
- We offer services with no upfront costs. You never have to worry about any fees upfront. We offer free initial consultations and work on a contingency basis, which means we only get paid if you win your case.
- We tailor our legal strategies to you. Every case is unique, and we develop personalized legal strategies that are specifically designed to meet your individual circumstances.
Resources for car accident victims in Columbia
Below are some helpful resources for South Carolina drivers.
The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) can keep you apprised of construction project information. The website shows you a list of areas where developments are planned or currently taking place so you can be in the know and stay safe while driving.
Injuries sustained in a highway construction accident can sometimes be catastrophic, so you need medical professionals with the right experience to treat them. A couple of well-known trauma centers in Columbia include Lexington Medical Center and Prisma Health Richland Hospital.
Not all highway construction accidents necessitate legal action. However, understanding your rights and when to seek legal counsel is crucial after sustaining injuries in an accident. By consulting with an experienced attorney, you can ensure you receive the compensation you deserve to recover and move forward.
Looking for the best Columbia car accident attorney to help with your construction zone accident claim?
Work zone accidents can leave you with significant injuries and mounting medical bills that make your recovery feel insurmountable. By understanding your rights and seeking legal guidance from an attorney who specializes in these types of claims, we can help you take control of the situation so you can focus on your health.
At Chappell, Chappell & Newman, our experienced Columbia personal injury attorneys have more than 30 years of experience fighting for the rights of injured South Carolinians. If you or a loved one was seriously injured in a construction zone crash, contact our office today to schedule a free consultation and find out how we can help maximize your claim.
References
FHWA Work Zone Facts and Statistics – FHWA Office of Operations. (2016). dot.gov. https://ops.fhwa.dot.gov/wz/resources/facts_stats.htm