Unfortunately, there are thousands of work zone car crashes in Wisconsin each year. Work zones can present a number of challenges to motorists. Maneuvering around cones or debris on the road and making lane changes on uneven or narrow roadways can be dangerous.
If you or someone you care about has been in a work zone-related crash, you may be eligible to seek compensation for your injuries and damages. It may be that the construction company, one of its workers or another driver traveling through the work zone is liable for the crash. Several factors may be involved, which might make filing a claim more difficult. This is where an experienced lawyer can help.
At Sigman Janssen, we have successfully obtained millions in compensation for our clients. A consultation with an auto crash lawyer in Oshkosh costs nothing and is completely confidential.
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Work Zone-Related Crashes in Wisconsin
Over the past five years in Wisconsin work zones, there have been more than 13,000 crashes resulting in 5,000 injuries and 59 deaths. The state averages about 2,600 work zone crashes per year.
According to the Wisconsin Department of Transportation (WisDOT), a work zone crash was reported every three and a half hours in 2020. Most of these crashes involve drivers and passengers, and they are caused by speeding, following too closely (tailgating) or driving while distracted.
WisDOT continues to do everything possible to promote safe driving in work zones, encouraging drivers to remain alert and slow down when traveling by road construction. Other safety tips include moving into an open lane of traffic as quickly as you can when approaching a lane closure, checking for any blind spots and paying close attention to changing traffic patterns as well as work zone signs and directions.
Wisconsin takes work zone safety very seriously. Fines for moving traffic violations are doubled in work zones where workers are present and generally increase every year.
When a Construction Company May Be Liable
Motorists are not as cautious as they should be in work zones. There are times when they are careless and cause crashes. However, not all work zone-related crashes are motorists’ fault. There may be certain instances when a construction company may be liable for a crash:
- Road designs that force drivers to make sudden moves
- Inadequately displaying warning signs or inaccurate directions
- Placing cones and barricades too close to moving lanes of traffic
- Having construction vehicles or workers on or near the roadway
- Failing to pick up construction debris and other objects left on the road
- Moving construction equipment into the roadway without any warning
Construction companies have a duty to make a work zone as safe as possible. This means preventing hazards and warning others of known hazards. When a construction company violates this duty, they may bear liability for any damages caused. Construction companies can be vicariously liable for the careless or negligent actions of their workers of which could include supervisors, contractors and subcontractors.
When a Driver May Be Deemed Responsible
Other times the construction company and its workers adhered to safety protocols, but the actions of a driver caused a work zone crash. For instance:
- A driver failed to reduce his or her speed in a work zone, despite clearly visible warning signs.
- A driver rear-ended another vehicle that properly slowed down after tailgating them.
- A driver was distracted and ran his or her vehicle into a warning sign or construction equipment, causing a chain reaction where one or more vehicles hit him or her.
- A driver was weaving between lanes and passing, even though the work zone is a no-passing zone.
Many drivers fail to take precautions in work zones, and this can greatly increase the likelihood of a crash.
Pursuing Compensation After a Work Zone Crash
If the construction company or one of its workers was negligent in some way, you may be able to file a claim against them. If the crash involved a construction vehicle, you might look to the vehicle owner for compensation. More than one party could share responsibility. That is why it is important to have an experienced lawyer on your side to protect your rights and help evaluate your options.
You may be able to file a claim against the at-fault party’s insurance company to get compensated for your medical costs and other losses.
Let Our Firm Review Your Claim for Free
If you have been involved in a work zone crash, Sigman Janssen is ready to help you seek the maximum compensation possible. We have decades of combined experience fighting for injured accident victims.
Contact us to discuss your claim during a risk-free, zero-obligation consultation. Our legal services are provided at no upfront cost to our clients. We also charge no fees while we investigate and work a case.
Available 24/7 to take your call: (877) 888-5201