Car Accidents in Louisiana Construction Zones

Hurt in a work zone in Louisiana? A New Orleans car accident lawyer can fight for maximum compensation on your behalf

We see construction zones every day on major roads in New Orleans and throughout Louisiana. While protections are often put in place to prevent car accidents in Louisiana construction zones, the unexpected can occur in an instant. Motorists sometimes fail to drive safely and prudently, and those managing construction zones sometimes fail to follow safety procedures.

In 2022, work zone crashes resulted in 891 fatalities and 37,701 injuries across the United States. Motor vehicle drivers accounted for the highest number of work zone deaths at 584, representing 65% of all fatalities.

Passengers of motor vehicles followed, with 158 deaths (18%), while pedestrians suffered 136 fatalities (15%). Bicyclists accounted for 9 deaths (1%), and other or unknown categories made up the remaining 4 deaths (less than 1%). Louisiana had six deaths linked to work zone car accidents, which is a significant drop from the 17 deaths in 2021.

What causes car accidents in Louisiana construction zones?

Several factors contribute to car accidents in Louisiana construction zones. These include:

Speeding: Drivers often fail to reduce their speed when entering work areas.
Distracted driving: Using mobile phones, GPS devices, and other in-car technologies diverts drivers' attention from the road.
Inadequate signage or warnings: Some construction sites lack proper warning signs, confusing drivers and leading to sudden maneuvers.
Sudden lane changes or merges: As lanes narrow or shift in construction zones, drivers often make abrupt movements, increasing the risk of collisions.

How do construction companies contribute to these accidents?

While drivers bear significant responsibility, construction companies sometimes contribute to accidents through various oversights. Improper setup of work zones is one of the leading ways construction companies contribute to work zone car accidents. Sometimes, companies fail to create adequate buffer zones between workers and traffic.

Inadequate safety measures also pose problems. Some construction sites lack proper lighting for night work or fail to maintain clear lane markings. This can lead to confusion among drivers.

Equipment-related hazards present another risk factor. Improperly secured machinery or materials can fall onto roadways, forcing drivers to swerve dangerously.

What types of car accidents occur in Louisiana construction zones?

The most common types of car accidents in Louisiana construction zones include:

Rear-end collisions: These crashes often result from sudden stops due to lane closures or shifts.
Side-swipe accidents: These incidents typically occur when drivers attempt to change lanes in narrowed construction areas.
Collisions involving work vehicles: These accidents can happen when construction vehicles enter or exit work zones or operate in close proximity to civilian traffic.
Debris-related crashes: Loose gravel, fallen signs, or unsecured materials can cause drivers to lose control or damage vehicles.

What injuries result from car accidents in Louisiana construction zones?

Car accidents in Louisiana construction zones can lead to everything from minor injuries to fatalities. These often include:

Whiplash: This occurs when the head whips back and forth in a rapid motion and strains the soft tissue in the neck. It often results from the sudden impact of rear-end collisions.
Broken bones: Fractures of the arms, legs, and ribs are common and often require extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Head injuries: These include concussions and more severe traumatic brain injuries. The force of impact in construction zone collisions can cause significant head trauma, even in seemingly minor collisions.
Cuts and bruises: While often less severe, these occur in nearly all construction zone car accidents. These injuries can range from minor scrapes to deep lacerations requiring stitches.

How can you file a claim after a car accident in a Louisiana construction zone?

Filing a claim after a car accident in a Louisiana construction zone requires prompt action and attention to detail. Immediately following the crash, you should ensure everyone's safety and call emergency services if needed. You should also call the police to report the crash and wait for them to arrive and document the scene.

While waiting for the police, take photos of vehicle damage, the construction zone setup, and any relevant signage. Also, gather contact and insurance information from all involved parties, including construction workers or supervisors. Collect contact details from any witnesses, as their testimonies can prove valuable later.

After leaving the crash scene, seek medical attention promptly, even if you feel fine initially. Some injuries may not manifest symptoms immediately, and medical records are important evidence in your claim.

Then, report the collision to your insurance company as soon as possible. Provide them with all gathered information, but don’t speculate who was at fault. Stick to the basic facts so you don’t inadvertently say something that could be used against you to reduce or deny your potential claim.

Keep detailed records of all medical treatments, expenses, and any time missed from work due to injuries, and get legal advice from a car accident attorney as soon as possible. If any of the other parties’ insurance providers contact you, avoid giving them a recorded statement, as this can be used against you. Let your lawyer handle all communications with them.

Finally, follow all legal and medical advice to streamline your recovery and strengthen your claim.

What are my options for seeking compensation after a work zone crash?

Like many other states, Louisiana is an “at-fault” or “tort” state. This means you must seek compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance company and meet four key criteria to prove liability:

The at-fault party had a duty of care to uphold. That includes following all rules of the road and construction zone regulations, as well as acting in a way that is safe and prudent.
The at-fault party breached their duty of care by driving negligently or failing to meet work zone safety standards.
There was a direct cause between the at-fault party’s negligence and your injuries.
You accrued damages (e.g., medical costs and lost wages) due to the at-fault party’s negligence.

If you’re a roadside construction worker hurt in a crash, you may be able to seek compensation from the at-fault party’s insurer as long as they’re considered a 3^rd party (otherwise, you must file a workers’ compensation claim). This is someone other than your employer or a co-worker. For example, it can be a motorist, contractor, or the manufacturer of a defective car or construction vehicle.

Seeking justice after a work zone car accident

If you were injured in a car accident in a construction zone in New Orleans or another Louisiana community, it’s important to know your rights. While insurance companies will go to great lengths to shift the blame or use other tactics to reduce your settlement, the Law Offices of John S. Williams LLC stands ready to advocate for you every step of the way.

Attorney John S. Williams has extensive experience helping crash victims and their families get the compensation and justice they deserve, including:

$500,000 for a minor whose father was fatally injured due to a commercial vehicle improperly attaching a trailer hitch.
$195,000 for a client forced off the road by a tow truck.
$100,000 for a client injured while riding as a passenger on a bus that was struck by another vehicle.

Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don't pay unless we win your case. Let us fight for you while you focus on your recovery. Contact us online or call us today to schedule your free initial consultation.

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