If you drive the I-64 corridor between Charleston and Nitro, you already know what the conditions are like out there. Narrow lanes, shifting traffic patterns and construction equipment parked close to moving cars have made the stretch harder to get through safely, especially around the Nitro-St. Albans bridge project. When a crash happens in one of those zones, figuring out who is responsible is not always a straightforward answer.
Why construction zone crashes are different
In a regular accident, you usually have two drivers and one question: who caused the collision? In a construction zone, the picture gets considerably more complicated.
The road configuration itself may be part of the problem. Lane closures that were not properly marked, signs placed in confusing locations or barriers that reduced visibility can all contribute to a collision. If the contractor or crew responsible for the work zone failed to maintain reasonably safe conditions, that may factor into who carries liability.
Sudden stops create another layer of difficulty. Construction zones force traffic to slow or halt quickly, sometimes without sufficient advance warning. If the driver behind you could not stop in time, their following distance and reaction are part of the picture. But if the zone itself did not provide adequate notice, that is also a factor that matters.
Who can be held responsible
Depending on the circumstances, potential liability may fall on the other driver, the construction company managing the zone, a subcontractor on the project or a government agency responsible for maintaining the work area. Sorting out those responsibilities typically requires a careful review of the zone’s layout, any signage violations and the actions of each party before impact.
That is not something you can realistically work through on your own while also dealing with vehicle repairs, medical appointments and lost income.
What to do after a construction zone accident on I-64
- Write down everything you remember as soon as you can (lane configuration, any signs you passed, where equipment was positioned and how traffic was moving)
- Take photos if the situation allows
- Get the names of any witnesses
- Get in touch with an experienced car accident attorney who handles these cases
Construction zone liability involves different considerations than a standard car accident claim, and the physical evidence at a work zone can change quickly once construction moves forward.
Peyton Law Firm, P.L.L.C., has been helping people injured in serious accidents since 1994. If you were hurt in a construction zone crash, contact us today for a free consultation to go over your options.