3 Work Zone Areas with a High Number of Fatalities – 8 Tips for you to Stay Safe
A work zone is a designated working area for “construction, maintenance, or utility-work activities”, according to the US Federal Highway Administration.
A work zone is usually “marked by signs, channeling devices, barriers, pavement markings, and/or work vehicles”.
After a 20 year low in 2010, work zone deaths have increased 62 percent in the National Safety Council’s (NSC) most recent report.
According to the NSC, there are several common areas where work zone accident fatalities occur.
Construction zones – There were 946 preventable fatal construction injuries in 2021, and 55 percent of all work zone related accidents were in construction zones.
Unknown work zones – Data shows that roughly 36 percent of all fatalities were in a work zone not known.
Maintenance zones – While only 6 percent of a fatal work zone accident, maintenance zones, or specific days of the week set aside for specific street, sewer, water, etc. maintenance, are still a dangerous area.
Each work zone saw different work zone fatalities, such as:
- Drivers of motor vehicles
- Pedestrians
- Passengers of motor vehicles
- Bicyclists
- Other and unknown
The leading cause of deaths was drivers of motor vehicles, accounting for 66 percent of all fatalities examined.
Additionally, California had the second highest amount of work zone fatalities in 2021, trailing only Texas.
According to the California Department of Transportation, there are different ways to help maintain safety when traveling through work zones:
- Avoid speeding. Traveling at higher speeds can increase the risk of an accident.
- Drive cautiously to avoid workers and potential lane or traffic shifts.
- When encountering a lane shift, follow directions and “merge when directed to do so”.
- Don’t change lanes unless it’s required. This can help with the risk of hitting another vehicle.
- Avoid using your phone/texting.
- Be alert at night due to reduced visibility.
- Delays are possible. Remain patient.
- Leave enough space between you and the car in front of you.
There are a number of injuries one can suffer in a work area accident, such as:
- Head injuries
- Back pain or injuries
- Traumatic brain injury
- Broken bones
- Internal hemorrhaging
- Puncture wounds to vital organs like the kidneys, heart, or lungs
- Whiplash
- Chronic pain
- Cuts and lacerations
- Nerve and muscle damage
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Spinal cord injuries
- Wrongful death
Injured in a work zone? You could be eligible for compensation.
Think of a situation where you’re going through a construction zone. The traffic is supposed to sway, but there are no signs indicating to move, nor is there someone directing the flow.
In the process, you miss part of the swerve, and your car slips off the road and topples on its side. You suffer a concussion after banging your head on the roof.
In this situation, the construction zone did not provide proper warning that the car needed to move in a certain direction, nor did they keep you safe from a potential crash.
After a personal injury in a work zone, you may be entitled to recover damages that include:
- Pain and Suffering
- Medical Expenses
- Lost Wages
At C&B Law Group, our team of Los Angeles work zone accident attorneys want to help you receive both compensation and justice for your injuries.
We believe you can count on C&B Law Group to go above and beyond to make sure you receive the highest level of service possible. We have a dedicated team to help with questions, concerns, and updates regarding your case.
We will help you build a strong claim by:
- Gathering evidence
- Researching facts
- Fighting within our legal power
Our numerous five-star reviews and satisfied clients serve as proof that the LA lawyers at C&B Law Group are dedicated to seeing you receive the compensation you deserve.
Don’t hesitate to contact C&B Law Group today to receive a free consultation regarding your potential personal injury claim.
