Richmond Work Zone Accident Lawyers
Strong advocacy for Virginia clients injured at or near roadway construction sites
Richmond is constantly undergoing construction for new roads and structures and maintenance and repairs of old roads and structures. The city is a major hub for the rest of Virginia, and when companies put profit over safety, they put drivers, workers, and passers-by at risk of injury.
If you were injured in a Virginia work zone, or if your loved one died in a collision near roadway construction, we want to help. Phelan Petty has secured millions of dollars on behalf of injury clients in Richmond and throughout the Commonwealth. We understand the unique challenges that work zone accidents present, and have the skills and resources to build a case for compensation. Contact us today to get started on your claim.
How can we help?
What is a work zone?
A work zone is any area of roadway that is currently under construction of some kind. In some cases, the road itself is under construction; in other cases, work is being done to utility poles, streetlights, roadside landscaping, or other nearby structures. Typical examples of work zone construction include:
- Clearing, grading, placing gravel on, and paving roads and highways
- Tree, flower, shrub, and other types of landscaping
- Building tunnels, sidewalks, fences, and drainage facilities
- Installing traffic lights and road signs
- Painting dividers on the roads
- Bridge and trestle work
- Quarry work
- Railway and other mass transit work
- Electrical work
Construction work includes public and private construction.
Why do work zone accidents happen in Richmond?
Most work zone accidents involve negligent drivers. Speeding, texting, driving while drunk or drowsy, tailgating, weaving in and out of lanes – all of these actions are dangerous when the road is wide open. In a work zone, which typically has narrower lanes and lower speed limits, a collision can be far more catastrophic. Not only can a car crash trigger a chain reaction with other vehicles, but vehicles are likely to be thrown into concrete jersey barriers.
One of the reasons why work zone accidents are so common is that there is a lot of activity going on at once. There may be multiple trucks traveling on the road, and multiple workers moving in and out of certain areas. Road construction is usually done at night, too, which necessitates large, bright lights, which can be distracting.
However, traffic accidents in work zones are not always the fault of drivers; the construction company and its workers can also create risky environments – for themselves and for others. Construction site owners and the contractors, subcontractors, and engineers who work for them can cause a Richmond work zone accident if:
- The road cones and barriers are improperly positioned or missing.
- The detour signs are missing, unclear, or wrong.
- The signs warning drivers to slow down are missing or placed improperly.
- The lighting around the work site is poor.
- The construction warnings are too close to the actual work site preventing drivers from having enough time and distance to adjust.
- Failing to keep drivers away from uneven or unstable roads.
- The construction workers aren’t kept as far away as possible from traffic.
- Many other failures, depending on the type of construction work and other factors.
At Phelan Petty, we work with construction professionals who understand the correct and incorrect ways to construct roads, bridges, sewer lines, and other types of infrastructure. Correct oversight helps to reduce traffic, explain where drivers need to drive, and protect the workers at the construction site.
How dangerous are work zones?
According to the Federal Highway Administration, in 2021, 778 drivers and passengers were killed in work zone accidents, and 173 pedestrians and bicycle riders were killed. Nearly one-fourth of work zone deaths involved a rear-end collision, one-third involved a commercial vehicle, and speeding was a factor in slightly under one-third.
Who is liable for a roadway construction accident in Richmond?
As with any vehicle crash, the driver who hit you can be held liable for any injuries you sustain. However, that driver may not be the only liable party. Phelan Petty can determine if other parties share responsibility for the crash, including:
- The Virginia Department of Transportation
- The City of Richmond
- The construction company and/or its employees, contractors, and/or subcontractors
- Other drivers, including truck drivers (and, potentially, trucking companies)
- Manufacturers (auto parts, truck parts, construction materials, etc.)
How much is my work zone claim worth?
Our Richmond car accident lawyers are skilled at evaluating each part of your damage claim. We work with your doctors, and our network of doctors if necessary, to explain what injuries you have, what medical care you need, and what types of care you may need in the future. We may also work with financial planners, life care planners, and employment experts to assess your loss of earning potential along with your loss of wages, as well as any potential financial burdens you may face later in life.
Based on the exact circumstances of your case, you could be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income and benefits
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of bodily function
- Changes in your quality of life
- Loss of consortium
- Property damage
If the work zone accident was fatal, we can file a wrongful death claim on behalf of the family members.
Do you have a work zone accident lawyer near me?
Phelan Petty Injury Lawyers is located at 3315 West Broad Street in Richmond. We’re near several state courthouses. If you are too ill or injured to come to our office, Phelan Petty can make arrangements to meet with you at your home or a healthcare facility or conduct video or phone conferences by appointment.
Contact our skilled and respected Richmond work zone accident lawyers today
Construction work helps to make Richmond a more beautiful and practical place to live. That doesn’t mean construction companies should be allowed to cut corners. At Phelan Petty, our Richmond work zone accident lawyers hold construction companies accountable for any injuries or deaths their lack of planning or failure to monitor their work site causes. We also file personal injury claims against drivers and anyone else who may be responsible for a work zone accident. To discuss your rights with an experienced personal injury attorney in Richmond, call us or fill out our contact form to schedule a free consultation. We represent personal injury victims across Virginia.