Houston Highway Construction Accident Attorneys
Board-Certified Specialists—Among Only 10% in Texas
According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), there are over 3,200 active road construction and maintenance work zones in the State of Texas. Tens of thousands of crashes occur in work zones each year, resulting in hundreds of serious injuries and fatalities. Last year there were over 26,000 work zone crashes in the State, resulting in the deaths of 138 motorists and passengers, five construction workers, and 24 pedestrians and bicyclists.
Houston is home to some of the most congested roadways in America. To ease the gridlock, many freeways in the area are under almost constant construction in order to expand their existing infrastructure. Expansion projects and construction zones can have deadly consequences for both drivers and construction workers. Harris County had the most work zone crashes and work zone fatalities in a single year.
What should I do first if I am involved in a highway construction zone accident?
If you are involved in a Houston work zone accident, you should first assess whether there are any injuries to yourself, passengers, or other people involved in the incident. You should always seek emergency medical treatment for any injuries.
In the immediate aftermath of a collision, you may be in shock and unable to determine the full extent of your injuries. Law enforcement can assist with contacting emergency services and getting the assistance you need. As with any car accident, you will want to get the information of any other involved parties or witnesses.
If you can document the road condition, signage, and whether there were any construction workers present at the site. The more information you can provide, the more helpful it will be in the long run.
Before speaking with the insurance company, consult with a construction accident lawyer regarding the accident and your injuries. You should be made aware of your legal options and whether you should pursue a lawsuit against a negligent party.
If you’ve been injured in a highway construction accident, call our experienced injury attorneys today at (713) 751-0025 for a free consultation.
What Causes Highway Construction Zone Accidents?
Highway construction accidents can have several contributing factors. It is imperative to consult with a knowledgeable attorney prior to accepting any settlement. In some cases, there may be multiple parties that can be held liable, including the construction company or the State, if there was an unsafe condition at the construction site.
Insurance companies will often attempt to get you to settle quickly for the least amount of money possible; they are not your representative or your advocate.
The two leading causes of work zone crashes are speeding and driver inattention. The most common kind of work zone crash is a rear-end collision, which can result in catastrophic injuries.
According to the TxDOT, work zones present a number of obstacles that can make it more difficult for a driver to navigate, including:
- Uneven pavement
- Narrow lanes
- Concrete barriers
- Slow-moving heavy equipment
- Vehicles that make sudden stops
- Highway Construction
Houston Highway Construction Accident Statistics
- Work zones can make roadways extremely dangerous for both drivers and workers. In 2019, the TxDOT reported that there were 138 motorists and passengers killed in work zones in addition to five (5) construction workers and 24 pedestrians/bicyclists. The leading cause of work zone accidents in the State: speeding and driver inattention.
- Harris County had the most Work Zone Crashes in a single year (2018) compared with all other counties in the State. There were 3,124 total work zone crashes. Of those crashes, 15 were fatal, resulting in 17 total fatalities.
- Houston area roadways are some of the most congested in the nation. One of the reasons for this congestion is the ongoing construction on many highways in the area. Expansion projects across the metroplex are constantly put in place with the hopes of easing gridlock on some of the nation’s busiest roads. Unfortunately, the congestion and subsequent construction have had fatal consequences.
- The Highway 288 Expansion led to the death of a construction worker who fell from an overpass at Beltway 8 South and Highway 288, according to ABC 13 (KTRK). In February of this year, a construction worker was injured when he was hit by a cement mixer truck on SH 288. Another construction worker was killed on the US-90 Crosby Freeway while putting out safety cones, according to the news source.
- Recently, Houston embarked on a multi-billion dollar I-45 expansion project known as the North Houston Highway Improvement Project (NHHIP) designed to increase mobility throughout the County.
Houston Highway Construction Accident Statistics
If you or a loved one is injured in a highway construction zone accident, you need to consult with an experienced attorney. A knowledgeable Houston highway accident lawyer can assist you in getting the maximum recovery available in your case. Without the help of an attorney, you may be settling for far less than your case is worth.
It is important to remember that you only have a limited amount of time to take legal action in a Houston highway construction accident case. Even if you are partially at fault for the accident, you may still be able to collect damages. Always speak with an attorney before making any statements about the accident.
Why Hire Our Highway Construction Accident Lawyers?
At Fibich, Leebron, Copeland & Briggs, we have over 100 years of combined experience. We have recovered over $1 billion for our clients and are board-certified personal injury lawyers. Our attorneys are seasoned litigators who are not afraid of taking cases to trial to get the best possible outcome.
Highway construction accident cases often involve complex legal issues and require expertise in many areas. We are nationally recognized trial attorneys who are champions for our clients. If you have been seriously injured in a Houston highway construction accident, you need attorneys with a proven track record who will not rest until you get the maximum compensation available in your case.
Contact our office today at (713) 751-0025 to schedule a free consultation.