Who Is Liable For Car Accidents In Maryland Work Zones?

Car accidents occur for a variety of reasons.  Some accidents involving motor vehicles are caused by driver error, such as impaired driving, distracted driving, and violating traffic laws. Defective car parts or hazardous roads can also cause car accidents. An over-looked contributing factor to some car accidents is work zones. According to the Federal Highway Administration, crashes in work zones increased by 7.8 percent from 2014 to 2015. It is estimated that approximately 96,626 crashes occurred in work zones in 2015. In 25,485 crashes, at least one person was injured, and 642 crashes resulted in at least one fatality. In Maryland, work zone crashes accounted for six deaths in 2015. If you are injured in a work zone accident in Maryland, it is important for you to consult with a Maryland work zone accident attorney as soon as possible. Crashes in work zones involve specific and complex laws. The Pinder Plotkin Legal Team has experience handling these cases.  Let us help you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages. Causes of Maryland Work Zone Accidents As with other types of car accidents, work zone accidents occur for a variety of reasons. Determining the cause of the crash is crucial for your injury claim. You cannot recover compensation for your injuries unless you prove that another party was responsible for the cause of the crash. Therefore, a thorough accident investigation must be conducted to determine the cause, identify the responsible parties, and obtain evidence proving fault. Some factors that lead to work zone car accidents include:

• Pavement drop-offs that can cause motorists to lose control of their vehicle;
• Failing to maintain lanes with sufficient width for motorists to travel through the work zone safely;
• Uneven surfaces and debris left in the roadway;
• Failing to establish and clearly mark a transition zone sufficient for cars approaching the work zone to move into the correct lanes;
• Failing to establish and clearly mark a transition zone sufficient for cars to merge back into normal traffic after the work zone;
• Insufficient or missing signage warning motorists of a work zone ahead;
• Insufficient or missing signage advising motorists what to do when approaching the work zone;
• Improperly narrowing lanes or reducing the number of lanes for traffic;
• Confusing or improper cut off turn lanes;
• Motorists error can also be the cause of a work zone crash, including speeding, following too closely, distracted driving, and drowsy driving;
• Work zone equipment too close to traffic; and,
• Many other factors that may be attributed to drivers, crews, construction companies, government entities, and others.

Identifying the Liable Party in a Work Zone Accident Case As mentioned above, it is crucial to identify the party responsible for the cause of a work zone crash. However, identifying the liable party and proving fault can be a complex and difficult undertaking when the accident occurred in a work zone. When another driver’s actions led to the cause of the crash, the same laws apply in work zones as they do in other locations. If you can prove that the other driver was negligent, you are entitled to recover compensation for your damages. For instance, drivers who are texting or following too closely may be held liable for damages if they cause a work zone accident. However, work zone crashes may involve other factors.  For example, if the lack of signs, the width of the lanes, or construction equipment contributed to the cause of the crash, a contractor or subcontractor might be liable for damages. In addition, the work being performed in a construction zone is typically ordered by a government entity. Federal, state, and local government entities are responsible for maintaining safe roads. In addition to another driver and a contractor, you might also have a claim against a government entity. However, claims against government entities are complex and involve very short deadlines. Therefore, it is best to consult with a Maryland work zone accident attorney as soon as possible to avoid losing your right to file a claim for your injuries sustained in a work zone accident. Are You Entitled to Compensation for a Maryland Work Zone Accident? You might be entitled to recover compensation for your medical bills, loss of income, property damage, physical pain, mental anguish, and other damages. The first step is to discuss your case with a knowledgeable and experienced Maryland work zone accident lawyer. Maryland’s doctrine of Contributory Negligence can bar recovery in these cases.  Our attorneys perform free case reviews so that you can get the legal advice you need without worrying about paying a consultation fee. Contact Pinder Plotkin LLC by calling 410-525-5337 to schedule your free consultation with a Parkville work zone accident attorney.   The information provided in this website is provided for informational purposes only, and should not be construed as legal advice on any subject. The information contained in this blog is also subject to change and should not be relied upon. Contact the Pinder Plotkin Legal Team for a FREE consultation.