According to the national transportation research organization TRIP, more than 6,100 people were killed on Georgia roads from 2009 to 2013, and about a third of those accidents were due to roadway hazards, including narrow lanes, median barriers and lane markings. About two dozen motorists lost their lives in Georgia construction zone accidents in 2013, and each year many more are injured when they collide with construction vehicles, barriers or other cars and trucks as they try to veer away from hazards.
Construction zone accidents aren’t likely to go away any time soon; in fact, recent state and federal funding programs are increasing road construction activities in Georgia by leaps and bounds. The risk of accidents in these areas is especially high near metropolitan areas like Marietta and Atlanta and surrounding towns like Acworth.
Construction Zone Accidents: Plenty of Dangers
Work zones create an array of hazards for drivers, and unfortunately, avoiding them isn’t always possible. Some of the most common causes of work-zone traffic accidents include:
- Construction equipment entering or exiting the traffic zone, creating moving hazards as well as dangerous blind spots
- Workers in or near the traffic zone, including flagmen and other workers who may be inattentive or move suddenly into a narrow roadway, causing drivers to swerve into neighboring vehicles
- Narrow lanes obstructed by barrels or cones or even dangerous concrete barriers, resulting in far less room to swerve or maneuver to avoid accidents
- Lack of lane lines and other markers that have become obliterated by resurfacing or other lane work or that are covered by construction debris
- Debris in or very near the traffic zone, as well as debris that blows or drifts into traffic lanes, resulting in swerving or other evasive action that can cause accidents
The best way to avoid accidents is to remain especially alert and focused while in a construction zone to be “on the lookout” for dangers. Checking online road traffic reports can also help you identify construction areas so you can avoid them if possible. Of course, many construction zone car accidents just can’t be avoided, no matter how carefully you drive. When an accident dos occur, you need to take action right away to protect your rights.
For a free legal consultation, call (770) 792-1000
Why You Need an Attorney
Pursuing damages following a construction zone accident can be especially complicated, considering multiple parties may be at fault. Depending on the type of accident, local or state government agencies, contracting companies, individual workers and even other drivers may all play a role and bear a portion of the responsibility.
As a leading Acworth car accident attorney, Roger Ghai has handled many types of construction zone traffic accidents, and he understands the complex process involved in pursuing damage claims and protecting accident victims’ rights. Because they can involve multiple parties, the insurance claims and legal processes can take time, and working with an attorney right from the start is the best way to ensure your case is handled as quickly as possible. If you’ve been involved in a construction zone-related traffic accident or any type of motor vehicle accident in Acworth or throughout the Marietta area, call the Law Offices Of Roger Ghai at 770-792-1000 and schedule your consultation today.
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