Construction zones on Tennessees roads and highways pose a serious threat to truck drivers and workers alike. When truck accidents occur in construction zones, the injuries can be severe and sometimes fatal.
If you or a loved one was injured in a Tennessee construction zone accident, you may be eligible to seek legal action. Contact an experienced auto accident attorney to learn about the legal rights available to injury victims.
For additional information about filing a legal claim, complete the Free Case Review form on this page.
Causes of Truck Accidents in Construction Zones
Truck accidents in construction zones are more likely to occur in the warmer months since the weather is more conducive to roadway work. If more drivers were informed about the dangers of construction zones then injuries and fatalities would greatly decrease.
Some common factors that often contribute to construction zone accidents include speeding, disobeying temporary traffic signs, caution signals or traffic directions, distracted driving, merging issues.
Speeding
One of the most common causes of construction zone accidents is speeding. Typically, the traffic in construction zones is stop-and-go. Commercial vehicles such as tractor-trailers require more distance to stop than passenger vehicles; when drivers misinterpret a trucks limitations the results are often devastating. Following the posted speed limit will reduce the chances of an accident occurring.
Disregarding Traffic Signs, Cautions Signals and Traffic Directions
When Tennessee drivers disregard traffic signs, directions and caution signs they put themselves, as well as the construction workers in harms way. Truck drivers need to be on the alert for negligent drivers. Occasionally, truckers may need to stop suddenly or make a quick maneuver to avoid a potential collision in the construction zone. The purpose of the signs and signals is to warn drivers about upcoming road conditions and detours, its important for all drivers to follow these signs.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving is any activity that takes the drivers mind off the task of driving. This is an extremely dangerous activity to occur in a construction zone. Oftentimes, construction zones will have slow-moving machinery on the roadside. These machines will sometimes move into a motorists path; thats why it is important to be aware of your surroundings in a construction zones. Also, drivers need to be aware that construction vehicles have large blind spots that reduce their visibility of the road. Staying focused on the road will reduce your chances of being involved in a crash.
Issues with Merging
Many accidents in construction areas occur when motorists merge into traffic at high speeds or they merge late. Usually, the number of lanes and the lanes width is reduced in a construction zone. Vehicles that merge at the last minute or merge while exceeding the speed limit can cause a side-impact collision.
Contact a Tennessee Auto Accident Attorney
If you or a family member was injured in truck accident that occurred in a construction zone, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages and property damage. Accident victims should seek legal guidance from a Tennessee auto accident attorney today. A knowledgeable attorney can discuss with you the legal options available to injured individuals.
At Greg Coleman Law, our lawyers offer free legal consultations to injury victims. An experienced lawyer will review the facts surrounding your accident and recommend the best course of action to take.
We are available to assist accident victims in Knox County and the surrounding areas.
To schedule a free case evaluation with Greg Coleman Law, complete the contact form on the right.
