Vehicle Accidents /

Construction Zone Accidents

Construction / Work Zone Accidents

Tacoma Construction Accident Lawyers – Protecting Your Rights After a Work Zone Vehicle Collision

When driving through a construction worksite, hazards can appear at a moment’s notice. Uneven lanes, shifting traffic patterns, and heavy machinery are all factors that can increase the risk of vehicle accidents. In Washington, the laws governing construction zone safety are strict, but accidents still happen. If you’ve been injured in a construction zone vehicle accident, Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC is here to help you navigate your legal options and seek compensation.

 

Why Construction Accidents Happen

Construction sites are demanding environments. From heavy machinery and power tools to high scaffolding, there are many hazards that make construction one of the most dangerous jobs. Even with strict safety rules, accidents still happen.

Car accidents that occur in a construction zone or highway work zone often cause substantial property damage, serious personal injury or wrongful death. There are unique issues and laws regarding how a construction zone is set up and how motorists are to drive through such a zone.

For these reasons, the legal issues surrounding construction zone accidents can be complicated.There are two primary groups of people who are vulnerable to construction zone accidents—motorists and individuals working in a construction zone. Construction workers and flaggers are at great risk for serious injury or wrongful death in a construction zone because they must work in close proximity to moving vehicles.

 

Liability in Construction Site Accidents

When an accident takes place in a work zone, liability falls on one of two parties – the motorist or the entity that set up the construction zone. Establishing liability determines who will be held responsible for any damages or injuries resulting from the accident.

These at fault parties may look like:

Other Drivers – If a driver was speeding, tailgating, or otherwise driving recklessly, they could be held accountable.

Additionally, drivers may be liable for negligent driving behaviors such as:

  • Tailgating
  • Improperly changing lanes
  • Not watching the road
  • Failing to respond to flagger instructions or temporary signs
  • Unsafe speed
  • Distractions from a radio, children or cell phone
  • Failure to follow signs or instructions
  • Aberrant behavior caused by work zone delay and frustration

Construction Companies – When construction zones lack proper signage, barriers, or safe navigation routes, the construction company or its contractors may be responsible.

Government Agencies – In cases where a poorly designed or maintained work zone causes an accident, government entities may bear responsibility.

In other situations, the driver may be exercising appropriate caution, but there are unavoidable hazards present in the work zone. Those hazards include:

  • Improper or missing signage
  • Construction vehicles improperly moving into or out of traffic
  • Hazardous areas or work zones that are not properly barricaded
  • Improper or incorrect direction of traffic or detours

When these factors result in an auto accident, the motorist may be entitled to compensation from the entity that was in charge of the work zone.

 

Steps to Take After a Construction Zone Accident

After a vehicle accident in a construction zone, it’s essential to follow these steps to protect your rights:

  1. Get Medical Attention – Your health is the priority. Seek immediate medical care, even if your injuries seem minor.
  2. Report the Accident – Notify the police and obtain an accident report. Documentation is key in construction zone cases.
  3. Document the Scene – Take photos or videos of the accident scene, including any signage, barriers, or unusual road conditions.
  4. Gather Witness Information – Collect the contact information of anyone who saw the accident.
  5. Contact a Construction Accident Lawyer – Vehicle accidents in construction zones often involve complex liability issues. Consulting with an attorney as soon as possible can help you protect your rights and start your accident claim.

 

Common Injuries in Construction Zone Accidents

When motorists drive through a construction zone, they must be particularly cautious. Construction zones typically have a reduced speed limit. When drivers neglect to follow this limit, they are less able to negotiate narrow lanes, lane shifts, sharp turns or unexpected obstacles in the roadway.

Speed is a major factor in work zone accidents and can determine the severity of injuries.

Construction zone accidents can lead to a wide range of serious injuries, including:

  • Broken Bones – Crashes in tight spaces can cause fractures and other catastrophic injuries.
  • Brain Injuries – Traumatic brain injuries are common in high-impact collisions.
  • Spinal Cord Injuries – These can lead to paralysis or chronic pain.
  • Soft Tissue Injuries – Injuries to muscles, tendons, and ligaments are often painful and may require long-term rehabilitation.

 

Compensation for Construction Zone Accident Victims

If you’re injured in a construction zone vehicle accident, you may be entitled to compensation, which could cover:

  • Medical Expenses – Including immediate care and long-term treatment medical bills.
  • Lost Wages and Future Earnings – Compensation for time missed from work or reduced earning capacity due to injuries.
  • Pain and Suffering – For the physical and emotional toll of the accident.
  • Property Damage – To cover repairs or replacement of your vehicle.

If you have been involved in an automobile accident in a highway work zone, it is important to remember that relevant evidence may be very temporary. Additionally, there are special limitations placed on how and when an individual can file a claim against a government agency. For these reasons, you should seek legal counsel as promptly as possible.

If you or a loved one has suffered injury in a work zone, call the trial lawyers of Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC, now at (253) 383-5388 or click here to inquire about a FREE case evaluation. Let our experience work for you. Our initial consultation is free of charge and we only get paid for our services if you receive monetary compensation.

 

Do you have a case?

At Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC, we understand the unique challenges of construction zone accident cases in Tacoma and throughout Washington. Here’s why clients trust us with their personal injury claim:

Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers – With decades of experience in personal injury and vehicle accident cases, we know what it takes to build a strong claim.

Local Knowledge – We’re familiar with the specific regulations and safety standards for construction zones in Tacoma, Seattle and across Washington state.

Client-First Approach – Our law firm is committed to making the legal process as stress-free as possible. From our initial consultation to case resolution, expect legal representation that puts you first every time.

 

Schedule a Free Consultation Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction zone vehicle accident, don’t navigate this alone. Our Tacoma-based personal injury attorneys at RHHK are here to help you seek justice and fair compensation. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about your options.

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It is not necessary to retain a lawyer to file your personal injury lawsuit. You should base your decision to involve an attorney on a reasonable assessment of the pros and cons. Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC is a highly reputable personal injury law firm that has served Washington since 1959. We deliver value to our clients that far outweighs the fees we collect. But before you retain any attorney, you have to be satisfied that the benefits exceed the costs. We offer these points for your consideration.

 

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A statute of limitations is state law; throughout the country, different states set different time limits for identical causes of action. Within each state, different causes of action have different time limits. In Washington, for personal injury lawsuits, the statute of limitations is three years.

 

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The great advantage of filing a personal injury lawsuit is that most attorneys operate on a contingency fee basis. That means that rather than charging upfront legal fees or an hourly rate, the attorney works without compensation until the case resolves through a jury verdict or settlement. At that time, the attorney takes a percentage of the award. The contingency fee arrangement helps plaintiffs who could not otherwise afford the costs of civil litigation to pursue just compensation without worrying about expenses. It also means that your ability to retain an excellent lawyer does not depend on your ability to pay, but rather on the attorney’s assessment of the strength of your case, or the importance of delivering justice to someone in your particular circumstances.

 

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At Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler PLLC, we want our clients to have an accurate picture of what a personal injury lawsuit entails. The process is rarely quick and easy; defense counsel and insurance companies often employ delay tactics to wear a plaintiff down. We offer this page as a primer for anyone who has a cause of action and is considering a personal injury lawsuit.

 

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  • Our experience with Dan Kyler and Vern Harkins was excellent from the beginning and we were very satisfied with the end results.
  • Dan Kyler and Mike Fisher were professional and dedicated throughout the entire process. I would recommend this law firm to anyone.
  • Vern Harkins perseverance and hard work made it possible to get the maximum settlement from the insurance company. I know he had my interest in mind as demonstrated by his actions.
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  • Michael was outstanding. He was always professional, prepared, available for questions, and on top of my case. I highly recommend him and will always consider him to be my first choice for legal matters I need resolved.
  • Mr. Fisher has helped me in the past and is very trustworthy and sincere. I would recommend Michael and of course anyone else at Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler.
  • My father was sick and dying, I needed assistance and I need it fast. With a single call to Mr. Fisher’s office, I was warmly welcomed, swiftly assisted and free of the concerns... I am forever grateful to Mr. Fisher for his exquisite services in my time of need.
  • The office staff were courteous, pleasant and kept me informed as to what was going on throughout the whole ordeal.
  • I am extremely satisfied with the service I experienced with this firm and I would recommend them to anyone that needs legal representation. Michael Fisher and his staff are great people.
  • John Wilson demonstrated his professionalism by keeping us current on our case, explaining our options, giving us realistic expectations and demonstrating the highest level of ethics and integrity beyond reproach. We have the highest confidence that we were well represented.
  • I have been a client of Dan Kyler’s since 1996. Having had numerous car accidents, I rely upon the Tacoma auto accident attorneys at RHHK to help me through them. The most obscure questions have been answered and help is given on all levels.
  • Mr. Fisher has helped me in the past and is very trustworthy and sincere. I would recommend Michael and of course anyone else at Rush, Hannula, Harkins & Kyler.
  • Our experience with Dan Kyler and Vern Harkins was excellent from the beginning and we were very satisfied with the end results.
  • The office staff were courteous, pleasant and kept me informed as to what was going on throughout the whole ordeal.
  • Having a motorcycle accident was bad enough, let alone dealing with insurance companies. John Wilson and his staff made everything easy to understand and hassle free.
  • John Wilson demonstrated his professionalism by keeping us current on our case, explaining our options, giving us realistic expectations and demonstrating the highest level of ethics and integrity beyond reproach. We have the highest confidence that we were well represented.
  • Michael was outstanding. He was always professional, prepared, available for questions, and on top of my case. I highly recommend him and will always consider him to be my first choice for legal matters I need resolved.
  • Mr. Fisher is an outstanding lawyer. He’s knowledgeable, responsive, and kept me informed at all times. I would definitely recommend him to anyone in need of a good attorney.
  • My father was sick and dying, I needed assistance and I need it fast. With a single call to Mr. Fisher’s office, I was warmly welcomed, swiftly assisted and free of the concerns... I am forever grateful to Mr. Fisher for his exquisite services in my time of need.
  • Mike Fisher is an example of a quality attorney who sets high standards in servicing his clients in the highest regard as an attorney and he is part of a great firm.
  • Vern Harkins perseverance and hard work made it possible to get the maximum settlement from the insurance company. I know he had my interest in mind as demonstrated by his actions.
  • I am extremely satisfied with the service I experienced with this firm and I would recommend them to anyone that needs legal representation. Michael Fisher and his staff are great people.
  • Having a motorcycle accident was bad enough, let alone dealing with insurance companies. John Wilson and his staff made everything easy to understand and hassle free.
  • Dan Hannula’s hard work helped to settle my auto accident case.
  • John Wilson demonstrated his professionalism by keeping us current on our case, explaining our options, giving us realistic expectations and demonstrating the highest level of ethics and integrity beyond reproach. We have the highest confidence that we were well represented.
  • I have been a client of Dan Kyler’s since 1996. Having had numerous car accidents, I rely upon the Tacoma auto accident attorneys at RHHK to help me through them. The most obscure questions have been answered and help is given on all levels.
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