Road work is extremely common in Houston. In 2022 to 2023, the city plans to spend a staggering $12.4 billion on improving roadways, including the ongoing expansion of I-45. While roadwork is necessary and inevitable, road construction accidents can result in severe injuries, property damage, and even fatalities. When such incidents occur, it is crucial to determine who can be held responsible for the damages caused.
Liability in construction zone accidents can be complex, as multiple parties may be involved, and consulting with an attorney is crucial to establish liability and recover damages suffered after a road construction accident.
Who Is Potentially Liable in Road Construction Accidents?There are a number of parties who could be responsible for an accident involving road construction. This can include:
1. Construction CompaniesIf construction company negligence or failure to follow safety protocols contributed to the accident, they may be held responsible. This could include inadequate signage, improper road markings, or failure to enforce traffic control measures.
2. Contractors and SubcontractorsContractors and subcontractors working on the construction site can also be held responsible if their actions or negligence led to the accident. For example, if subcontractors fail to secure equipment properly, leading to a collision, they may be liable for the resulting damages.
3. Drivers If the accident involves a vehicle, the driver may be partially or entirely responsible for the accident. For example, over 30% of fatal work zone accidents involved speeding in 2021. In such incidents, the driver can be held accountable. 4. Government EntitiesHouston road construction accident responsibility could also fall on government entities, such as the city or state. If they were aware of hazardous conditions or failed to address known safety issues on the construction site, they could be held responsible for the resulting accidents.
How Is Liability Determined After an Accident?Determining liability in Houston road construction accidents requires a thorough investigation of the circumstances surrounding the incident. Texas uses a modified comparative negligence model. This means that damages are recoverable even if you share some fault. Texas follows the 51% bar rule, which does not allow damages to be recovered for parties 51% or more at fault.
It is recommended to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer, like those on our team who can help identify the responsible parties and navigate the legal process, ensuring that you are protected and able to recover your losses.
Carabin Shaw is Here to Fight for You | Free Case ReviewUltimately, holding the responsible parties accountable for their negligence is essential in ensuring justice for the victims of road construction accidents. The Houston Texas attorneys at Carabin Shaw are here to help. It is our mission to ease your burden and help you get back to your life. We will advocate for you and fight relentlessly to get you the compensation that you deserve so that you are able to recover and move forward, as you can see from Carabin Shaw’s client reviews.
Get started today recovering your damages and reclaiming your life by calling us toll-free at 800-862-1260 for your free case review / initial consultation. We have both English AND Spanish-speaking staff standing by 24/7 to help.
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