San Antonio Work Zone Crash Lawyer

Work zones, or roadside construction zones, are necessary to maintain San Antonio’s roads and highways. Unfortunately, construction companies do not always ensure the safety of work zones, nor do drivers always follow warning signs or pay enough attention to the road. If you get injured in a work zone accident in San Antonio, you may be able to collect financial compensation from the at-fault party to help you pay for your losses and move forward.

What Are the Dangers of Work Zones in Texas?

Work zones often have elements that are inherently dangerous for those passing through and the workers involved, as well. Roadside construction may take apart the road or temporarily change its structure, resulting in detours, narrowed lanes, potholes, debris or rubble, uneven surfaces, road closures, sudden changes in traffic patterns, reduced speeds, and heavier traffic, as well as the presence of construction workers and heavy construction equipment. These factors all create a higher risk of automobile accidents.

What Causes Most Work Zone Car Accidents in San Antonio? 

In 2023, over 26,000 work zone accidents in Texas caused the deaths of 190 victims. The majority of deaths (77 percent) were motor vehicle drivers and their passengers. Work zone accidents are generally preventable. They occur most often due to human error and negligence, meaning someone’s failure to act with proper care. If either party – workers or drivers – are negligent, this can result in a catastrophic collision.

Motor vehicle drivers may cause work zone accidents in San Antonio by driving carelessly or recklessly, such as by violating traffic laws and ignoring construction or work zone signs. Speeding, tailgating, failing to pay attention to the road, distracted driving, texting and driving, drowsy driving, and drunk driving are all driver errors that increase the risk of work zone accidents.

If a construction company does not maintain a safe work zone, on the other hand, this could cause a harmful accident. If a construction company does not properly train its workers, for example, they may stand too close to the road. Common issues include leaving tools and equipment too near the road, improper signage or lighting, poorly marked detours, and failing to warn drivers of hazardous road conditions.

Who Is Liable for a Work Zone Crash in San Antonio? 

Everyone present in a work zone in San Antonio is responsible for the safety of the area. This includes anyone employed or contracted by the construction company – construction workers, engineers, flaggers, supervisors, etc. – as well as all motor vehicle drivers who cross through the roadside work zone. 

Since Texas is a fault-based car insurance state, when a work zone crash occurs, the party most at fault is held financially responsible. Depending on the circumstances, liability could go to the construction company, the motor vehicle driver or a third party. After a work zone crash, contact a car accident attorney in San Antonio to investigate for you and determine fault. 

An attorney will assess the circumstances surrounding your crash to determine its cause. After identifying the liable party or parties, your specialized personal injury attorney in San Antonio will file your claim, handle settlement negotiations with an insurer or bring your personal injury case to trial, if necessary, in pursuit of the best possible results. 

If you wish to discuss a specific work zone accident case with an attorney in San Antonio at no cost or obligation, call Hill Law Firm Accident and Injury Attorneys today at (210) 960-3939.