If you work in road construction, it is important to be aware of the hazards specific to work zones. Heavy machinery, lane changes, construction debris, and stressed drivers can all be present, creating a uniquely challenging working environment.
If you were injured in a work zone accident, a workers’ compensation attorney can help you file a claim to obtain compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other covered losses. An Orange County work zone accident lawyer could advise you about your situation and help you decide how to deal with your claims.
What Are Some Common Hazards in Work Zones?
Driving in California traffic already presents plenty of challenges, but work zones have their own unique hazards that increase the risk of accidents.
Heavy Machinery
Heavy machinery, such as cranes, bulldozers, and pavers, is constantly present in these work zones. These bulky vehicles can obstruct a driver’s view or force them into narrower spaces, making collisions more likely. Additionally, the movement of these machines at work can be distracting for some drivers, making it harder for them to react to other hazards in time to avoid a crash.
Traffic Redirection
Workers are constantly reconfiguring the roadways as they move from one part of a project to another. Drivers are forced to navigate an unfamiliar traffic pattern and dodge unexpected traffic barrels or other markers. Sometimes, drivers will need to change lanes or squeeze through a narrowed lane. Rear-end crashes and collisions with road signs or other equipment may become more frequent when these types of hazards are present. Drivers may also become impatient, endangering workers in the construction zone.
Awareness of these hazards is crucial for people working in construction zones. Understanding the potential dangers can help workers make safer decisions while navigating through construction areas. If you were injured in a work zone accident, an Orange County attorney could help with your workers’ compensation claim.
Pursuing a Work Zone Accident Claim
People injured in a work zone accident can pursue workers’ compensation benefits through the appropriate legal channels. It is best to seek advice from an Orange County attorney as soon as possible after the work zone accident to ensure that you file the claim in time. A lawyer could also help you obtain and preserve important evidence while it is still available, in case the claim is challenged or denied and you need to pursue the appeals process.
Additionally, an attorney could help identify all liable parties and determine whether other types of claims need to be filed beyond the workers’ compensation claim. Multiple parties could have contributed to a construction zone accident, including other drivers, the construction company, or even a government agency.
Contact an Orange County Attorney About a Work Zone Accident Case
If you or someone you care about was hurt at work in a construction zone, you should seek legal guidance to understand your rights and options for pursuing a workers’ compensation claim.
An Orange County work zone accident lawyer at Silberman & Lam, LLP could talk with you about what you went through and how your injuries may affect your future. Our team could explain your options and how you may pursue a fair and just outcome in your case. Contact us today to learn more.
