Road construction can make our roads and highways safer. But they also pose a serious danger for motorcycle riders who could suffer severe injuries in a motorcycle crash.
If you were hurt in a motorcycle accident in a construction zone, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries if the negligence of another party caused it. It is important to understand the causes of these wrecks so that you can prove your case and obtain the damages you deserve from the insurance company.
Leading Causes of Construction Zone Motorcycle Crashes
While any collision in a work zone can result in serious injuries, they are especially dangerous on highways where vehicles and motorcycles are traveling at faster speeds. These accidents can be caused by the negligence of drivers and construction workers.
It is important to determine why a construction zone motorcycle wreck occurred so that a claim is filed with the correct insurance company. Top causes include:
- Debris and gravel. When construction workers are tearing up a road or highway, there can be debris or gravel strewn on the roadway that motorists and motorcyclists are driving on. This can be extremely treacherous for a motorcycle rider who may lose control of their bike or be hit by a motor vehicle if they have to swerve around the obstacles.
- Improper merging. Drivers and motorcycle riders often must merge into fewer lanes when one lane is closed due to construction. Drivers who fail to check their blind spot for a smaller motorcycle or merge when it is not safe to do so can cause a serious motorcycle accident.
- Tailgating. A motorcycle rider can be injured in a rear-end collision if an impatient driver tailgates their bike and has insufficient time to stop or slow down when traffic conditions require it.
- Distracted driving. Because of the congestion and stop-and-go traffic in a work zone, it is especially dangerous to eat and drink, fiddle with instrument controls, text, talk on a cellphone, or search the internet while driving.
- Speeding. Some drivers in a hurry will try to speed through a construction zone. They may not have enough time to stop due to their greater speed and could rear-end a motorcycle or cause a multi-vehicle wreck.
- Construction workers. A motorcyclist can be involved in a crash when construction workers work too close to traffic lanes and have to swerve out of the way to avoid hitting the worker.
- Improper signs. When private companies or local governments perform road repairs and construction, they must post sufficient signs warning drivers and motorcycle riders of the construction zone, reduced speed limits, and merging lanes. If they fail to provide adequate warnings, this could be the cause of an avoidable collision.
Contact Us If You Were Hurt in a Construction Zone Motorcycle Accident
Were you injured in a motorcycle crash in a work zone? At Tavss Fletcher, our experienced motorcycle accident attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation into the cause of your collision and pursue claims against any negligent drivers or other parties. To learn more about how we can assist you, fill out our online form or contact our Norfolk office at 877-960-3441 to schedule a free consultation today.
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