Savannah Work Zone Accident Lawyer

The state of Georgia has more than 100,000 miles of public roads, according to the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). At any given time, local governments and GDOT have multiple ongoing road construction and maintenance projects underway, including many in the Savannah area. 

The road projects often require the establishment of highway work zones to filter traffic through the stretches of the roadway under construction. With sudden lane mergers and traffic bottlenecks, work zones increase the risk of traffic collisions, especially those involving commercial trucks. If a reckless or negligent driver causes a work zone accident that injures you, then you may have the right to demand fair compensation for your medical bills and other expenses. 

If you were involved in a Savannah work zone truck accident, you may have significant injuries and thousands of dollars of medical expenses. The work zone accident attorneys at the law firm of Spiva Law Group can help you pursue the compensation you need to recover from a serious injury. Contact us today to learn more in a free consultation.

Why Truck Accidents Are Common in Construction Zones 

Construction zone managers typically install signage and barriers to reroute traffic and separate road workers from traffic. The construction zones may funnel multiple lanes of traffic into one lane and require sudden lane shifts. Unfortunately, commercial truck accidents are common in construction zones for the following reasons:

• Traffic flow changes – When the crews redirect the flow of traffic around construction zones, drivers may be required to make quick lane changes. Large trucks are harder to maneuver and unfamiliar lane shifts can cause accidents.  Inattentive drivers may collide with barriers, construction equipment, construction workers, or other vehicles.
• Congestion – Fewer available lanes, reduced speeds, and unexpected detours tend to increase congestion in work zones. Truck drivers who do not reduce their big rig’s speed when entering a work zone may not have enough time to respond safely to sudden traffic stoppages or lane changes. Some aggressive drivers cause accidents by tailgating or weaving between lanes.
• Obstructions – Construction barriers, traffic cones, and warning signs designate work zones and protect construction workers. Unfortunately, these fixed objects in the road can result in single-car collisions or multi-vehicle pile-ups.
• Reduced visibility – Barriers, fences, signs, and tall construction site vehicles or equipment can reduce visibility. Drivers are significantly more likely to crash when navigating unfamiliar routes with poor visibility.

How Often Do Construction Zone Truck Accidents Occur in Savannah?

According to research by the Federal Highway Administration and the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse:

• In 2019, there were 115,000 work zone crashes across the US, resulting in 39,000 injuries. Nearly 20 percent, of the crashes involved large commercial trucks.
• On average, there is one work zone fatality for every $112 million spent on roadway construction projects.
• In 2019, there were 762 fatal work zone crashes that resulted in 842 fatalities, the majority of which were vehicle occupants.
• There was an 11 percent increase in the number of fatal work zone crashes from 2018 to 2019, despite a two percent decrease in fatal non-work-zone crashes during that same period.

Common Causes of Savannah Construction Zone Accidents

Drivers of both passenger vehicles and commercial trucks must remain alert in construction zones to drive safely. When they fail to do so, their negligence often results in collisions. 

Some of the common causes of construction zone accidents include: 

• Distracted driving – Truck drivers who are distracted by phones, text messages, radios, navigation systems, conversations, or even the work zone itself are more likely to overlook potential traffic hazards and collide with other vehicles.
• Impaired driving – If a trucker’s senses are impaired by prescription drugs, over-the-counter (OTC) medication, alcohol, or illegal drugs, the driver’s impairment can prevent him or her from making safe driving decisions.
• Drowsy driving – Many commercial truck drivers work long hours and have demanding schedules that leave them dangerously fatigued at times. Fatigue can cause mental impairment similar to drunkenness, increasing the risk of work zone accidents.
• Aggressive driving – If a driver becomes aggressive due to slow-moving traffic or congestion in a work zone, their frustration and impatience can lead to erratic behavior such as lane weaving or tailgating that makes collisions more likely.
• Defective truck parts – When certain truck components fail, drivers may be unable to control their vehicles or avoid collisions. Faulty brakes, tires, or steering systems can cause the driver to lose control.

Who’s Liable in a Savannah Truck Crash in a Construction Zone?

Any of the following parties could be partially or fully responsible for a truck crash in a Savannah construction zone:

• Truck drivers – If a truck driver is distracted, impaired, drowsy, or reckless behind the wheel, the driver may be liable for the resulting accidents. It may also be possible to hold the trucking company that employs the driver responsible as well.
• Other car drivers – Even the most cautious trucker may cause a construction zone truck accident if a negligent car driver maneuvers unexpectedly and forces the trucker to swerve into traffic.
• Other road users – If a pedestrian, cyclist, or another road user crossing a work zone fails to exercise caution or obey warning signs, the road user could create traffic disruptions that lead to construction zone accidents.
• Construction companies – If the contractor that sets up the construction zones fails to design the zone with proper directional signage, the construction company may have liability for a work zone collision. 
• Government agencies – The government agency that has responsibility for maintaining the road or highway may be liable for an accident if a road construction zone has an unsafe design or the construction crew is qualified.
• Truck component manufacturers – Critical components such as brakes and steering systems sometimes fail and cause truck drivers to lose control. If a truck part fails due to manufacturer negligence, the product manufacturer might be responsible for resulting loss-of-control truck crashes.

Our Construction Zone Accident Lawyers in Savannah Can Help You

Construction zone truck accident claims can be confusing. At-fault parties such as trucking companies, construction zone companies, and government agencies have every incentive to deny responsibility. That is why you need an experienced personal injury lawyer on your side. 

Give yourself the best chance at success by working with a trusted personal injury attorney with experience handling work zone truck accident cases. Contact the law firm of Spiva Law Group today to learn more about how we can help in a free initial case review.