When driving on the highway or interstate, you have undoubtedly seen signs warning drivers to be more careful in work zones and also alerting drivers to significantly increased penalties for speeding or injuring a worker. The virtual maze of narrow lanes, signs, barrels, equipment, or workers make highway work zones a particularly dangerous place to drive. A car accident in a work zone can cause serious injuries which can require a hospitalization, missed work or loss of employment, long term medical care, and could even be fatal. If you have been injured in a work zone car accident, you should contact Coweta County auto accident attorney Shane Smith to have your case reviewed immediately.
According to the Federal Highway Administration, fatal accidents in work zones dropped from 716 to 667 in 2009, and the states with the highest rate of motor vehicle crashes were California, Florida, and Texas. In addition, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reported 101, 116, and 103 worker fatalities in 2008, 2009, and 2010, respectively, based on preliminary data. The states with the most worker fatalities, in order, were Texas, Florida, Pennsylvania, Illinois, and Georgia.
It is important for both drivers and work zone workers to be extremely careful when driving or working in a highway work zone. Some of the things that people can do to avoid work zone injuries include:
- Be sure to obey the work zone speed limit
- Turn off the radio
- Refrain from the use of cell phones or other devices
- Avoid work zones by planning alternate routes
- Do not drive fatigued or under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Contact a Coweta County car accident attorney for a free consultation
Car accidents can cause serious injuries that may result long-term periods of hospitalization, rehabilitation, loss of employment, or recovery. In addition to the emotional and physical toll of a car accident, dealing with the financial repercussions can often cost enormous sums of money, and it is important to explore all of your legal rights after dealing with a car accident. You may be entitled to recover damages for your pain and suffering, loss of wages, medical expenses, loss of consortium, or other issues. In order to determine whether you have a case, you should have your case reviewed by an experienced Coweta County auto accident attorney as soon as possible. The Law Office of Shane Smith is available to meet with victims of car accidents for a free and no obligation case review. In order to schedule your consultation with one of our accident attorneys, contact us today at (980) 246-2656.