A recent accident that occurred in Suffolk, Virginia, raises questions about the safety of construction sites. It also made us consider liability for auto accidents that involve related vehicles or workers.
In this article, we will discuss the incident that occurred at the start of November, and go over some details about accountability and prevention for construction-related collisions.
The Accident
The police are currently investigating the cause of an accident that involved a construction vehicle on the evening of November 3, 2019. Two people from the passenger vehicle and one from the backhoe were transported to an area hospital.
One victim was severely injured, and the two other passengers sustained non-life threatening injuries.
Other Incidents
When construction vehicles aren’t directly involved in accidents, they can still have an impact on road safety. Also, on November 3, 2019m, there was a multi-vehicle incident on Interstate 70 in Belmont County, Ohio. The pile-up was caused by construction work on the other side of the bridge.
There was significant congestion due to the road-work. The first collision happened because a car was not able to stop in time, which caused a chain reaction. One vehicle crashed into another, and soon the accident resulted in two injuries. After the crash, traffic was backed up for over ten miles.
Construction Related Accidents: Who’s Responsible?
A construction company will be held liable in the case that they are negligent. They must make sure that the site is safe and that they warn against any dangers that may exist. If that responsibility is not met, they are held liable.
When the negligence of workers or subcontractors causes an accident, the business may also be held responsible.
A driver is responsible in a situation where their actions caused a collision. For example, if a driver rear-ends another driver who had slowed responsibly, or stopped, they would be liable. Another instance where the driver would be held accountable is if they were distracted and hit another vehicle or construction equipment.
It is not always obvious who is liable. For an accident to be considered a construction zone crash, workers must have been present or involved.
Preventing Auto-Accidents
When construction is taking place on a highway, it essential to be vigilant. Pay attention to everything that is going on in front of you. Drivers often break unexpectedly and sometimes lose focus on the act of driving while using their phones.
When hiring a contractor for construction services, it’s essential to make sure that the company is reputable and has the necessary insurance policies in place before they start. According to Boom Trucks, construction machinery is all completely safe as long as it’s appropriately operated.
The Verdict
Sometimes it seems like there is constant, ongoing construction on our highways. When there is excessive road-work, it can cause traffic congestion and sometimes even auto-accidents. If you are driving, it is essential to stay aware of your surroundings.
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