Nashville Work Zone Accident Lawyers

What are the common causes of work zone accidents in Tennessee?

Our Nashville work zone accident lawyers work with investigators, the police, and accident reconstruction experts (if necessary) to show how your accident happened and what steps should have been taken to prevent the accident. We thoroughly question every witness, examine the vehicles, and review all the evidence that supports your claim.

Some of the common causes of work zone crashes include:

• Speeding. Drivers who exceed the speed limit or just drive too fast for traffic conditions are likely to slam into other cars or into the construction site because they don’t have the distance and time to respond to sudden changes, like detour signs and work caution signs.
• Driver distraction. Using a hand-held device, paying more attention to the radio, reading a map, or programming a GPS – all are examples of distracted driving. They all affect the driver’s ability to steer out of trouble.
• Improper signage. Tennessee requires that construction companies post signs indicating work zones. If the signs are not posted or are placed in an area that is difficult to see, drivers may not realize there are workers on the road.
• Lack of barriers. Temporary concrete barriers, hurricane fencing, or orange cones should be placed around work zones to indicate activity. If no barriers are put up, a driver may crash into the site or a worker, or drive the car off the road.
• Lack of shoulders. Work zones often eliminate the shoulder of the road, giving a driver no place to safely pull off to the side. If a car breaks down and cannot move over, a multi-car pile-up can occur.
• Limited visibility. Work done on winding roads or hills can limit a driver’s visibility. Drivers may also have difficulty navigating a work zone if there are 18-wheelers in the area, as the trucks can make it feel impossible for a driver to pass safely or to see what is ahead. A driver’s visibility and a worker’s visibility may also be affected if there isn’t adequate lighting or the bushes and trees around the site make it difficult to see.
• Improper safety equipment. Workers also face additional dangers while working on the road. Defective or improper safety equipment puts workers at risk of electric shocks, devastating falls, and traumatic brain injuries.
• Defective machinery. A defective crane, an overloaded forklift, or a faulty excavator can all lead to serious injuries. Workers whose heavy machinery fails or tips over could suffer crush injuries which may lead to paralysis, amputation of a limb, or death.