Can You File a Lawsuit If Your Car Is Damaged in a Construction Zone?

Construction zones can be hazardous to drivers, which is why there are signs of impending dangers and reduced speed limits. It can also be confusing for drivers to navigate unfamiliar detours, uneven surfaces, and areas where people are actively working. If you have recently been involved in a car accident in a construction zone in Arizona, the dedicated Scottsdale car accident lawyers at Stone Rose Law can determine if you can file a lawsuit against the at-fault parties. Contact us online or call us at (480) 428-2697 to arrange a free case review. 

Common Causes of Construction Zone Accidents

Construction zone accidents are commonly caused by factors such as: 

• Distractions
• Impatient drivers
• Aggressive drivers
• Speeding
• Merging traffic 
• Uneven road surfaces
• Confusing signage 
• Weather conditions 

An experienced construction zone accident lawyer can analyze the situation and determine what caused the accident and who is liable for it. 

Parties Who May Be Responsible for Your Accident 

Just because you were injured in a construction zone does not mean the government is responsible for that accident. Parties who may be partially or fully responsible for your accident may include:

Another Driver

Another driver could have been distracted or disregarding traffic signs at the time of the accident. Construction zones can be confusing for drivers because of their hectic nature, loud sounds, and multiple signs. However, all drivers are responsible for acting cautiously and obeying all traffic rules and signs. 

The Government 

The government may be liable for your damages under some circumstances, such as if they:

• Did not mark hazardous areas
• Failed to create necessary, temporary lanes
• Did not erect clear signage to direct drivers
• Did not keep the construction zone free of potentially hazardous materials 

Construction Crews 

In some circumstances, construction companies’ negligence to fix or maintain the roads may be responsible for accidents. If the government outsourced the work to a third party, they may be responsible for your vehicle’s damage and your other accident losses.

You 

If your own negligence contributed to the accident, you may still have the right to pursue compensation for the damages you suffered. Under Arizona’s pure comparative negligence system, if you contributed to the accident through your own negligence, you can still pursue compensation for the harm you suffered, but your compensation will be reduced by your own degree of fault. 

Compensation You Can Recover in a Construction Zone Accident

If you were harmed in an Arizona construction zone accident, you may be able to recover compensation from the at-fault party or parties for losses you suffered, such as:

• Medical expenses you incurred, including ambulance transport, emergency care, and hospital treatment
• Medical expenses you anticipate incurring in the future, such as follow-up medical appointments and physical therapy
• Lost wages and employment benefits
• Lost earning capacity if the accident left you permanently disabled
• Property damage expenses
• Incidental costs, such as rental car expenses and travel expenses to medical appointments
• Pain and suffering 

Contact Stone Rose Law for Help with Your Claim 

If you were involved in a car accident in a construction zone, you may have questions about your right to recover. You have less time to make a claim when the circumstances involve the government. The experienced car accident lawyers with Stone Rose Law can explain your legal rights and options during a free consultation. Contact us online or by call us today at (480) 428-2697 to get started.