Top Causes of Roadside Construction Accidents

Roadside construction zones have become a common sight across Arizona as cities continue to grow and infrastructure expands. While these projects are essential, they also create hazardous driving environments that can lead to serious accidents. From narrowed lanes and detours to reduced visibility and unpredictable traffic patterns, construction zones require heightened attention from all road users.

Unfortunately, roadside construction accidents are all too common and often leave victims with severe injuries or dead. They can also lead to expensive vehicle repairs. Understanding what causes them can help drivers stay alert and victims seek the compensation they need and deserve. Here are some top causes of roadside construction accidents in Arizona and how to determine legal liability when the accidents occur.

1. Distracted Driving in Work Zones

Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of road construction zone accidents. Arizona laws prohibit activities like texting, eating, adjusting the radio, or using a GPS while driving. While these activities might seem harmless in regular traffic, in work zones, these distractions can quickly lead to serious accidents.

With road construction zones involving sudden stops, unexpected lane shifts, and barriers, a moment of inattention in these conditions can be dangerous. Some drivers may also disregard work zone signage or requirements like reduced speed limits, leading to collisions. Additionally, the unfamiliar layout in work zones can also distract drivers and lead to accidents.

2. Speeding in Construction Zones

In roadside construction zones, lanes are often narrower, workers may be present, and traffic patterns can change unexpectedly. These situations make the margin for error smaller, hence the need for reduced speed limits in these zones. When drivers disregard the regulations and speed through construction areas, they increase the likelihood of dangerous accidents.

Besides reducing the driver’s reaction time, speeding increases the severity of any potential collision. Arizona laws double penalties for speeding in work zones, even if no workers are present at the time of the offense. Despite the strict laws, many drivers fail to slow down, leading to catastrophic construction zone accidents that they could have avoided.

3. Poor or Inadequate Signage and Warnings

Drivers rely on clear and timely signage to navigate safely through roadside construction zones. When the signs are missing, placed incorrectly, or obscured, the confusion can lead to accidents. Arizona laws require construction companies to post proper warning signs, reflective cones, barriers, and detour instructions following federal and Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) guidelines.

Poor or inadequate signage can result in multi-vehicle pileups or single-car crashes, especially in high-speed or nighttime driving conditions. In such cases, the construction company or subcontractor may be held liable for failing to maintain safety standards for workers and road users.

4. Improper Lane Merging or Sudden Lane Changes

Roadside construction often requires lane closures and shifts that can force drivers into sudden or unexpected merges. When these lane changes are poorly marked, or if drivers make aggressive, last-minute moves, collisions are almost inevitable.

Tailgating, cutting off other vehicles, or merging without signaling can cause sideswipe accidents and chain-reaction crashes, especially during rush hour. Drivers should begin merging well in advance and remain patient, but unfortunately, many don’t. When this happens, injured parties may have grounds for a personal injury claim if the crash resulted from reckless or negligent behavior.

5. Construction Equipment or Debris on the Roadway

Another common cause of accidents in construction zones is the presence of debris or improperly stored equipment. Unsecured tools, fallen barriers, or leftover materials can cause unsuspecting drivers to swerve suddenly into other vehicles or off the road entirely. Other construction zone hazards include uneven surfaces that can make it hard for drivers to navigate work zones.

In some cases, construction vehicles also pose a risk, especially when they operate close to or on active roadways. Typically, when heavy machinery enters or exits the roadway without proper signals or safety escorts, drivers may not have time to react. In such scenarios, the construction company could be held liable for not following required safety protocols.

6. Inadequate Lighting or Nighttime Visibility

Arizona drivers often find themselves navigating construction zones during the early morning or late evening when visibility is low. Without adequate lighting, even well-marked zones become dangerous.

Proper lighting is crucial for guiding drivers through lane changes and alerting them to workers or obstacles. When contractors fail to provide appropriate lighting, the risk of accidents increases significantly, especially on highways and high-speed roadways. Legal claims in these instances often focus on the construction company’s failure to provide a safe work environment for both their workers and drivers.

7. Weather-Related Hazards

Unique Arizona weather challenges like monsoons, dust storms, and intense heat can also make road construction zones dangerous for drivers. For instance, a sudden dust storm can obscure lane markings or signs, while rain can create slick surfaces near newly poured pavement. Extreme weather can also force construction workers to stop work or add precautions. Failure to caution drivers in such situations can lead to accidents.

Legal Liability in Roadside Construction Accidents

Determining liability in a roadside construction accident can be complex, considering several parties may be liable for the same accident. These potentially liable parties include:

• Negligent drivers who were speeding, distracted, or reckless
• Construction companies that fail to provide proper signage, lighting, or cleanup
• Government agencies responsible for approving work zone safety plans
• Equipment manufacturers, if a mechanical failure causes an accident

A skilled Arizona personal injury attorney can help investigate the accident, gather evidence, and identify the liable parties. The lawyer will also provide guidance on compliance with Arizona-specific regulations, including the statute of limitations that require victims to file a personal injury claim within two years.

Contact a Scottsdale Road Construction Accident Lawyer

While roadside construction zones are inherently risky, caution, proper signage, and compliance with safety standards can help prevent many accidents in these work zones. Many of the causes of these accidents are avoidable. Unfortunately, when one or more parties are negligent or irresponsible, innocent people can sustain severe injuries in related accidents.

If you or a loved one is a victim of a roadside construction accident in Arizona, the law entitles you to compensation. A personal injury lawyer can help you recover damages. If you are in Scottsdale, AZ, contact our skilled road construction zone accident attorneys at Huselid & Huselid Law. We will guide you through the legal process and help you get the compensation you need and deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation and to learn more about our services.