In 2022, 891 people died and 37,701 people were injured in work zone crashes, including accidents that occurred in construction areas. The data from the National Safety Council underscore the growing concern about driving in construction zones throughout the United States. Unfortunately, there is no shortage of Colorado construction zone truck crashes. Construction sites pose high risks for both the motorists traveling the areas full of signs, barrels, and lane changes and the workers assigned to build, repair, and keep the roads in good condition.
Understanding the causes and dangers of crashes in construction zones is important to stay safe. In this article, we discuss crucial factors that contribute to to truck accidents in construction zones, the injuries the parties involved suffer, and the damages to help them protect their legal rights and interests.
Why Colorado Construction Zone Truck Crashes are Common
In Colorado, construction zone truck crashes are common. The combination of large commercial vehicles, complex construction zone conditions, and increased traffic congestion aggravates the occurrence of catastrophic collisions. For the foregoing reasons, truck accidents are common in construction zones in Colorado:
Reduced space: Construction zones commonly have narrower lanes and less room for maneuvers, making it challenging for large trucks.
Abrupt changes in traffic flow: Truck drivers may be unprepared for lane closures, merges, and detours.
Increased stopping distances: Trucks need more time and distance to safely make a stop. In construction zones with lower speed limits and potential sudden stops, trucks may cause rear-end collisions.
Blind spots: Construction equipment, barriers, and altered road layouts can create additional blind spots for truck drivers.
Driver fatigue: Truck drivers are more susceptible to fatigue related to the monotony of driving long hours.
Distracted driving: Truck drivers and other motorists may become distracted by construction activities or signage in the work zone.
Poor visibility: Dust, debris, lack of proper lighting in construction zones, and weather conditions reduce visibility for all drivers.
Uneven road surfaces: Temporary road surfaces or abrupt changes in pavement can affect the stability and handling of a truck.
Inadequate signage: Lack of or unclear warning signs about construction zones can cause truckers to brake unexpectedly or change lanes.
Speed differentials: The combination of slow-moving construction vehicles and faster-moving traffic can result in dangerous situations, particularly for large trucks with limited maneuverability.
Causes of Colorado Construction Zones Truck Crashes
Colorado construction zone truck crashes can be contributed to several factors. The main causes of truck-related collisions in construction zones are:
Speeding: Truck drivers who fail to slow down in construction zones may cause a crash.
Fatigue: Truckers who have been driving for long hours can experience drowsiness or decreased alertness.
Distracted driving: Truck drivers who use phones or other gadgets, adjust GPS, are inattentive, or distracted due to construction activities may cause accidents.
Impaired driving: Truckers who operate commercial vehicles under the influence of drugs or alcohol can hit other motorists, pedestrians, or objects on the road.
Unsafe following distance: Collisions may happen when truck drivers do not maintain safe distances from vehicles in front of them.
Inadequate training: Truckers with a lack of proper training for safely navigating construction zones may collide with other road users or objects in the roadway.
Poor vehicle maintenance: Crashes may occur if the truck suffers from a brake failure, tire blowout, or other mechanical issues complicated by construction conditions.
Aggressive driving: Drivers who become impatient in slow-moving construction traffic may perform unsafe maneuvers and cause collisions.
Weather conditions: Rain, fog, or sun glare impact visibility in work zones. Adverse weather may affect the vision of truckers, contributing to the occurrence of crashes.
Inadequate markings in construction areas: Accidents may take place when a construction zone does not have appropriate warnings or signage or clear traffic flow instructions.
Poor road conditions: Uneven pavement, potholes, debris, and insufficient lighting in construction zones may contribute to collisions.
Sudden lane changes: Other motorists who execute abrupt moves to exit or merge force truckers to react quickly, increasing crash risks.
Construction equipment or workers on the road: Truck drivers who perform sudden evasive actions due to unexpected obstacles in the roadway may cause crashes.
Work pressure: Crashes may happen when truckers are pressured to meet deadlines and take risks to make up for construction-related delays.
Complex traffic patterns: Confusing temporary road layouts may result in navigation errors and cause accidents.
Types of Colorado Construction Zone Truck Accidents
Trucks can be involved in a variety of accidents in construction zones. The types of Colorado construction zone truck accidents include the following:
Rear-end collisions: Sudden stops are common in construction zones due to lane closures, slow-moving traffic, or workers on the road. Trucks, with their long stopping distances, can crash into the back of other vehicles when traffic slows abruptly.
Sideswipe accidents: A truck driver can sideswipe other vehicles as they try to navigate narrow lanes or sudden lane shifts in construction zones.
Jackknifing: If a trucker loses control on uneven road surfaces or during a lane change, the trailer can swing out to the side and jackknife.
Run-off-road crashes: Trucks may veer off the road due to tight lanes and reduced shoulder space in construction zones, or in an attempt to avoid a collision or obstacle.
Underride accidents: In construction zones where abrupt stops are frequent, a smaller vehicle that collided with the rear or side of a truck can slide underneath the trailer.
T-bone collisions: When a truck driver fails to yield or miscalculates the traffic flow in a construction zone, they can hit the side of another vehicle at an intersection or lane change area.
Rollover accidents: A truck may roll over because of uneven pavement, sharp turns, or sudden speed changes.
Improperly Secured Loads: A truck may overturn because of an improperly balanced load or unexpected swerving to avoid an obstacle.
Head-on collisions: A trucker may enter a lane that is temporarily diverted or with changed traffic patterns. In the process, the driver may crash into another vehicle head-on.
Crashes involving construction workers or equipment: A truck driver may hit construction workers or equipment if they fail to notice them or if the work zone is located on the travel lanes.
Multi-vehicle pileups: A trucker may cause a chain reaction of collisions if they fail to stop in time and hit another vehicle in construction zones with heavy traffic or sudden stops.
Blind spot accidents or no-zone accidents: A trucker may collide with other road users in blind spots. An accident may happen if the truck changes lanes or turns in construction zones where visibility is lessened and lanes are narrower.
Collisions with fixed objects on the road: A truck may crash into construction zone barriers, cones, or other fixed objects.
Injuries in Colorado Construction Zone Truck Accidents
Colorado construction zone truck accidents can lead to severe and life-threatening injuries because of the size and weight of the trucks, the force of the collision, and the hazardous conditions in the work zones. The most common injuries the victims may suffer are:
Internal injuries, including damaged liver, spleen, or kidneys, internal bleeding, and punctured lungs
Whiplash and soft tissue injuries
Burns ranging from first to third degree
Crush injuries
Amputations
Lacerations and abrasions
Facial injuries
Psychological trauma like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, and difficulty returning to work or normal life.
Fatal injuries
Damages in Colorado Truck Accident Attorneys
Victims of Colorado construction zone truck accidents may seek compensation for damages, depending on the degree of negligence and extremities of the injuries sustained by the individuals involved.
Economic Damages
Medical expenses include bills from the emergency room, hospitals, treatment, procedures, medications, ongoing care, and future medical bills
Lost wages includes lost income or benefits due to time off work while recovering from injuries
Reduced earning capacity if the injury is permanent and affects the ability of the victim to work
Property damage consists of damage to the vehicle or any other property of the victim
Home modifications and assistive devices include compensation for wheelchairs, ramps, prosthetics, or mobility aids for permanent disabilities.
Non-Economic Damages
Pain and suffering involves compensation for the physical pain and discomfort incurred by the victim.
Emotional distress includes post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, or depression.
Loss of enjoyment of life
Reduced quality of life
Permanent disabilities
Loss of consortium includes damages for loss of companionship, affection, and intimacy.
Disfigurement and scarring
Wrongful Death Damages
Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship and emotional support
Funeral and burial costs
Emotional distress by family members
Punitive Damages
In Colorado, a court may award punitive damages if a person or entity acted with recklessness, intentional misconduct, or gross negligence. Punitive damages are intended to punish the at-fault party for their negligent actions. Examples include driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, speeding, and deliberately ignoring construction zone warnings or safety measures.
Contact our Colorado Truck Accident Lawyers
At Bowman Law, we recognize the profound impact a personal injury can have on your life. Our Colorado personal injury lawyers understand the overwhelming challenges you may be facing. Do not go at it alone. Let us help. Our personal injury lawyers are committed to providing compassionate legal representation to help you navigate this challenging time.
Our client-first approach ensures your needs are at the forefront of everything we do. We pride ourselves on transparency, integrity, and clear communication, guiding you through each step of the legal process. From initial consultation to the resolution of your case, we will guide you through the process. Bowman Law will alleviate the stress of legal proceedings so you can focus on your recovery. With a proven record of success, we are dedicated to securing the compensation you deserve.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, do not face the challenges alone. Please send us a message or call us at 720-863-6904 to schedule a free case evaluation. Remember, you have one chance at attaining full and complete justice, and we are here to ensure you seize it. Let Colorado’s top-rated personal injury lawyers fight for your rights, protect your interests, and deliver the justice you deserve. We serve clients across Colorado’s Front Range and beyond, including Denver, Colorado Springs, Boulder, Fort Collins, Westminster, Lakewood, and Aurora. Call us now and take the first step toward reclaiming your life.
Jerry Bowman
Owner and Managing Attorney
Jerry Bowman, J.D., M.A., Owner and managing attorney of Bowman Law LLC, takes his responsibility to the legal profession seriously and dedicates his time and effort to providing quality and competent legal representation to clients in Denver and throughout all of Colorado. He holds an MA in Political Science from Wayne State University and earned his law degree in two and a half years from Michigan State University College of Law.
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