Traffic accidents are an unfortunate fact of life. At best, they represent a significant inconvenience. At worst, you can be severely injured or killed. And although an accident can seem to happen anywhere or anytime, there are some occasions which can be particularly deadly.
Work zones are full of distractions
According to the National Safety Council, 842 people were killed in 2019 due to accidents involving motor vehicles. That number represented an increase of 44% over the previous decade. Texas accounted for 157 of the nationwide total, more than any other state. And while the majority of those killed were the drivers of motor vehicles, nearly half of the deaths were made up of passengers, pedestrians and bicyclists. No one is exempt from the dangers of work zones.
Work zones frequently involve activity to which drivers are not accustomed. Loud noises from work being done can make it harder to hear what’s going on around the vehicle. Diverted traffic can force people to drive in ways with which they are unfamiliar. And construction and maintenance can provide distractions, taking a driver’s attention away from operating their vehicle in a safe manner.
Every driver in Texas owes you a duty to drive with a reasonable amount of care when they are around you. When they fail to do so, and cause an accident, they are legally negligent and can be held responsible for their actions. If you are injured by such a driver, a personal injury lawsuit is a powerful tool at your disposal. It gives you the opportunity to bring accountability to the driver who injured you and to be compensated for the injuries you suffered.