Road construction is a necessary part of our society today. Without it, our infrastructure would crumble and we would be unable to maintain the lifestyle to which we have become accustomed. Although it can present a minor inconvenience, it is truly a necessary evil. Having said that, there are precautions that road construction crews can and should follow in order to minimize the risk of harm to motorists and workers alike. If you were harmed as a result of a failure to follow these precautions, you might be able to collect for your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and more.
Signage should alert motorists of the conditions
One issue that is common in the arena of construction zone accidents is a failure on the part of the construction crew to set out the necessary signs. Signs must be adequately sized and spaced to alert motorists of the construction, and should clearly communicate any special instructions.
If you were harmed in a construction zone accident, one thing your attorney should check for is whether the necessary signs were in place. If they were not—or if the signs that were set out did not conform to the applicable requirements—it might be evidence of negligence on the part of the construction crew.
Another thing your attorney should investigate is whether the signs were placed in the proper locations. A warning sign that was positioned in such a manner so as to be hidden from the view of motorists is hardly better than a sign that was never set out in the first place. These, and other, factors contribute to the strength of your case, so you should be sure to consult an experienced personal injury attorney.
Trucks and equipment should be properly used
In addition, trucks, pavement layers, steamrollers, and other machines should be used properly. These machines are large and slow-moving, and construction crews should take time to adequately warn motorists when they are entering or exiting the roadway. Failure to alert a motorist when a large vehicle is entering the road can result in a terrible accident, and can bring significant liability to the construction company.
If you have been harmed in a construction accident in the Melbourne, Florida area, we would like to talk with you. We have significant experience in helping people just like you, and we can help you to determine the strength of your case, the likelihood of counterclaims or cross claims, and whether mediation might be a viable alternative.