Protecting Your Rights after a Construction Zone Accident
Caring for drivers and workers throughout Tennessee
With so many cars on the roads in Tennessee, it’s no wonder that construction crews are constantly doing maintenance and upgrades. These work zones pose additional risks for workers and for drivers and accidents in a construction zone can be deadly. At the Rocky McElhaney Law Firm, we help protect roadside workers and drivers after an accident in a construction zone. We’ve been a trusted source for help in Nashville, Tennessee for years because our clients know that we stop at nothing to protect their rights and futures after an accident. If you were injured in a construction zone-related accident, our tenacious team of attorneys can help you obtain the compensation you need to start your recovery process.
Common causes of work zone accidents
A reckless or speeding driver increases his/her risk of having an accident regardless of whether or not the driver is in a work zone; however, work zone accidents don’t always occur because of speeding:
- Driver distraction. Using a hand-held device, paying more attention to the radio, reading a map or programming a GPS – all are examples of distracted driving.
- Improper signage. Tennessee requires that construction companies post signs indicating work zones. If the signs are not posted, or are placed in an area that is difficult to see, drivers may not realize there are workers on the road.
- Improper barriers. Temporary concrete barriers, hurricane fencing or orange cones should be placed around work zones to indicate activity. If no barriers are put up, a driver may crash into the site or a worker, or drive the car off the road.
- Lack of shoulders. Work zones often eliminate the shoulder of the road, giving a driver no place to safely pull off to the side. If a car breaks down and cannot move over, a multi-car pile-up can occur.
- Limited visibility. Work done on winding roads or hills can limit a driver’s visibility. Drivers may also have difficulty navigating a work zone if there are 18 wheelers in the area, as the trucks can make it feel impossible for a driver to pass safely or to see what is ahead.
- Improper safety equipment. Workers also face additional dangers while working on the road. Defective or improper safety equipment puts workers at risk of electric shocks, devastating falls and traumatic brain injuries.
- Defective machinery. A defective crane, an overloaded forklift or a faulty excavator can all lead to serious injuries. Workers whose heavy machinery fails or tips over could suffer with crush injuries which may lead to paralysis, amputation of a limb or even a wrongful death.
Here at the Rocky McElhaney Law Firm, we understand exactly how serious a work zone accident can be. Even though Tennessee requires that work zones be marked by signs, and increases the ticket penalties for speeding, they largely leave workers’ and drivers’ safety in the hands of the construction company. We’ve seen firsthand what kind of effects a devastating accident can have on a victim’s life and on the lives of the family. That’s why we are relentless in the courtroom and boardroom when it comes to protecting your rights and fighting for justice on your behalf. We tailor your case to meet your future needs, and we fight hard to obtain the compensation you so richly deserve. You can count on us to never back down from the insurance companies who put their profits before your safety and security. We don’t stop until we know you have what you need to move forward.
After a construction zone accident, we are by your side
At the Rocky McElhaney Law Firm offices in Nashville and Knoxville, we take on complex cases involving accidents in a work zone. We are zealous advocates for our clients, and we want to help you too. Please call 615-425-2500 or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team. We proudly serve clients throughout Tennessee, including those in Chattanooga, Columbia, Hendersonville, Kingsport, Memphis and Murfreesboro.