According to a report from KMBC, a major crash within a highway construction zone on Interstate-70 (I-70) in Kansas City led to hours of delays. The crash, which is still under a more comprehensive investigation by law enforcement, involved two vehicles and resulted in reported injuries. It is another reminder of the sensitive nature of highway work areas. Here, our Kansas City car accident attorney provides an overview of construction zone crashes in Missouri.
Why So Many Crashes Happen: Highway Work Zones Can Be Dangerous
Highway work zones present a number of different, unique, and heightened safety risks for drivers, passengers, and road workers. By the very nature of their work, construction crews alter normal traffic patterns. They may narrow lanes, shift shoulders, and install temporary signage. Drivers must process new information quickly while maintaining control of their vehicles at highway speeds. Even a brief lapse in attention can cause a bad crash. Traffic congestion also increases in and around work zones. Sudden slowdowns can lead to rear-end collisions and/or multi-vehicle pileups.
Liability and Legal Considerations After a Work Zone Crash
These cases can be more complicated. A driver may be liable for a highway work zone crash in Kansas City. That said, the construction company or government entities may also bear some degree of fault. Determining liability in a highway work zone crash requires a thorough investigation. Police reports, witness statements, traffic camera footage, and construction plans can all provide critical evidence. In some cases, investigators must analyze whether proper warning signs, lighting, and traffic control devices were in place.
To be clear. Drivers have a clear duty to exercise reasonable care, reduce speed, and follow posted instructions in construction zones. When a driver breaches that duty and causes a collision, the injured victim may pursue a personal injury claim for damages. However, liability does not always rest solely with a motorist. If a contractor failed to implement required safety measures or created an unreasonably dangerous condition, that party may also be held responsible.
Recovering Compensation for a Car Accident in Kansas City
Car accident victims have the right to seek compensation for the full extent of their damages, including for non-economic losses. At House Law LLC, we help motorists and passengers in Kansas City fight for the full and fair compensation that they deserve. Depending on the nature and severity of your construction zone accident, you may be able to recover for:
- Vehicle repairs;
- Emergency room care;
- Hospital bills;
- Other medical expenses;
- Loss of current and future wages;
- Pain and suffering;
- Long-term disability; and
- Wrongful death.
Speak to Our Kansas City Construction Zone Car Accident Lawyer Today
At House Law LLC, our Kansas City car accident attorney has the knowledge, skills, and experience to handle construction zone accident claims. If you were hurt in a crash in a highway construction zone, we can help. Please do not hesitate to contact us today for a free, no-obligation case review. With an office in Kansas City, our firm handles claims in Missouri and Kansas.
Tags: brain injury, personal injury, traumatic brain injury
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