Hold Negligent Parties Accountable after a Construction Zone Accident
With so many moving parts, highway work zones are inherently dangerous for construction workers, drivers, and passengers alike. Injuries resulting from a highway construction zone accident have the potential to be catastrophic, and victims often require lifelong care. At The Tawwater Law Firm, we have represented clients in personal injury claims for over 26 years. Our team can advocate on your behalf to ensure you receive the care you need and the compensation you deserve from any and all negligent parties. If you have been injured in Oklahoma, contact a construction zone accident lawyer today for a complimentary consultation.
Local Highway Construction
The Oklahoma Department of Transportation (ODOT) is responsible for many of the highway construction projects in Oklahoma. Their current construction work plan extends through 2024 and will impact eight zones in the state. Construction is slated to affect the I-235, I-35, SH-74, and I-40, among other roads. With an increasing number of individuals on the road, there is a higher likelihood of accidents.
The Dangers of Highway Construction Zones
According to the Oklahoma Department of Transportation, there were 75 fatalities in Oklahoma highway work zones between 2012 and 2016 and 242 collisions in 2016 alone. Construction accidents can be caused by drivers who:
- Speed
- Are reckless
- Are distracted
- Are under the influence
In other cases, construction contractors are to blame. Accidents can result from:
- Improper maintenance of traffic (MOT) plans
- Improper signage or lighting
- Lack of proper barriers
- Unsafe scaffolding
- Failure to meet Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards
Collisions with trucks such as bulldozers, cement trucks, and dump trucks are especially dangerous and can prove fatal for other drivers.
Most Common Accidents
According to the Department of Transportation, the most common causes of injuries and death in roadway construction accidents are:
- Collision between vehicles or other transportable equipment
- Being caught between objects, or being struck by equipment
- Runovers and backovers, most commonly by construction vehicles
To determine who is at fault for injuries, our attorneys can work with police and construction experts. After performing a thorough investigation and compiling all necessary evidence, we can file a claim on your behalf.
How We Can Help
Our team can advocate on your behalf to ensure you receive the care you need and the compensation you deserve from any and all negligent parties.
An accident can be overwhelming for victims and their families. It is our goal to minimize your burden. We can ensure you receive the medical care you need so you can focus on recovery, and we will handle all aspects of your case. Depending on the extent of your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Property damage
- Intangible damages such as pain and suffering
If your loved one has been killed in a highway work zone accident, we can file a wrongful death suit to recover damages for funeral expenses as well as loss of consortium.
Schedule Your Consultation
Our attorneys encourage you to contact us as quickly as possible after an accident, as an delay can affect your case. To determine whether you are eligible for a personal injury claim, call our office at (405) 607-1400 or contact us online for your free consultation. We will work closely with your family and recommend the best course of action for your needs.
