While drivers can typically tell that they are entering a construction zone by the orange warning signs and heavy equipment, most people presume that the slower speed limits, higher fines and warning signs are primarily designed to protect those performing work at Mississippi construction sites.  Although preventing injury or wrongful death to those performing road work in construction zones is one function of such safety measures, these safeguards are also designed to prevent motor vehicle collisions and pedestrian accidents.  Because of the many types of risks present in construction zones and the high number of distractions, these hazard filled areas account for almost 1,000 fatalities and 40,000 injuries each year.  At the Mississippi law firm of Barrett Law, we understand the unique hazards posed by unsafe drivers as well as poorly designed detours and diligently advocate for construction zone accident victims.

Because there is so much going on in construction zones, including driver detours, the presence of heavy machinery, workers in the roadway, barriers or other items obstructing traffic and more, construction zones can be extremely distracting.  The constant activity and enormous number of distractions can easily confuse a driver.  Oddly, there are no national safety standards that govern work zones, and state regulations and laws vary dramatically between states.  This lack of uniformity between states means that many times best practices are not implemented.

Since there are many parties who may exercise a lack of care causing a construction zone accident, there are many parties that may be a viable defendant depending on your Mississippi construction zone accident case.  Some parties that may share liability in a Mississippi construction zone crash may include general contractors, sub-contractors, architects, other motorists, public entities, and sign companies.  Our Mississippi construction zone accident attorneys at Barrett Law have the expertise to carefully investigate construction accidents on Mississippi streets and highways to identify all potentially viable defendants.

Based on the specific type of construction zone, there may be a variety of hazards that contribute to collisions, including the following:

  • Debris or refuse in the roadway
  • Heavy machinery obstructing traffic
  • Signs that are not updated
  • Signage that is confusing, poorly placed or missing entirely
  • Drivers that are distracted or confused
  • Poorly marked or designed detours

If you are involved in a car accident in a Mississippi construction zone, it is important to seek immediate legal advice because construction sites can change quickly and critical evidence can disappear.  Many times the negligence of public entities will contribute to a construction zone accident.  There are special procedures and timing requirements that apply in such cases so time is of the essence in seeking legal advice.  At Barrett Law, our experienced Mississippi personal injury lawyers represent injury victims throughout Mississippi.  Our law firm has roots that reach back 75 years so contact us today for your free initial consultation at (662) 834-2376 to see how we can help.