The massive I-45 expansion project, known as the North Houston Highway Improvement Project, promises a future of smoother commutes and improved infrastructure. However, for Houston drivers navigating the present reality, it means miles of concrete barriers, sudden lane shifts, and a daily obstacle course of construction equipment. While necessary for progress, these construction zones have become hotspots for serious and often complex car accidents. If you’ve been injured in a Houston construction zone, understanding your rights is the first step toward recovery.
Construction zones are inherently dangerous. According to the Federal Highway Administration, there are thousands of injuries in work zones across the country each year. These areas are a chaotic mix of civilian traffic and industrial activity, creating a unique set of hazards that can lead to devastating collisions. Common causes of construction zone accidents include:
- Poor Signage: Inadequate warning of lane closures, new traffic patterns, or reduced speed limits.
- Unsafe Lane Merges: Abrupt or poorly designed lane merges that don’t give drivers enough time to react.
- Debris and Equipment: Tools, materials, or debris left in the roadway.
- Uneven Pavement: Sudden drops or uneven surfaces that can cause a driver to lose control.
- Poor Lighting: Insufficient lighting during nighttime construction can make hazards nearly invisible.
When an accident happens in a work zone, determining liability is far from straightforward. While another driver’s negligence may be a factor, the construction companies and contractors overseeing the project also have a legal duty to maintain a safe environment for the traveling public. If they fail in this duty, they can be held responsible for the injuries that result.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Construction Zone Accident?
Unlike a standard two-car collision, a construction zone accident can have multiple at-fault parties. An experienced Houston personal injury lawyer will investigate all potential sources of liability, which may include:
- The General Contractor: The primary company in charge of the construction project has ultimate responsibility for site safety.
- Subcontractors: Specialized companies hired for specific tasks, such as paving, electrical work, or traffic control, can be held liable for their own negligence.
- Engineering Firms: The company that designed the traffic control plan for the work zone could be at fault if the design itself was flawed.
- Government Entities: In some cases, the government entity that commissioned the project (like the Texas Department of Transportation) could share some liability.
- Other Drivers: Of course, the negligence of other drivers on the road is often a contributing factor.
Proving negligence in these cases requires a deep understanding of traffic safety regulations and construction industry standards. It often involves obtaining and analyzing traffic control plans, safety manuals, and daily work logs to determine if proper procedures were followed. This is why it is so important to have a skilled car accident attorney on your side.
Protecting Your Rights After a Houston Construction Accident
If you are injured in a construction zone, the evidence needed to support your claim can disappear quickly as the project progresses. It is vital to act fast to protect your rights.
- Prioritize Safety and Health: Move to a safe location if possible and call 911 for medical assistance. Your health is the top priority.
- Document Everything: Use your phone to take extensive photos and videos of the accident scene. Capture the positions of the vehicles, any visible damage, and, most importantly, the surrounding conditions. Take pictures of the signage (or lack thereof), the lane markings, any debris on the road, and the general state of the construction zone.
- Identify the Construction Company: Look for signs that identify the construction company or companies working in the area. Take a picture of these signs.
- Get Witness Information: If there are other drivers or construction workers who saw what happened, get their names and contact information.
- File a Police Report: A police report provides an official record of the accident.
- Consult an Attorney: Before speaking with any insurance adjusters, contact a personal injury lawyer. The construction company’s insurance carrier will immediately begin working to protect their interests, and you need an advocate to protect yours.
For those who work in these hazardous environments, suffering an on-the-job injury adds another layer of complexity. A knowledgeable work injury lawyer can help you navigate the claims process and secure the benefits you deserve.
If you have been injured in a construction zone accident on I-45 or any other Houston-area roadway, do not assume it was simply an unavoidable accident. You may be entitled to significant compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. Contact The Stano Law Firm for a free consultation to learn how we can help you fight for the justice you deserve.