Road construction projects are essential for maintaining infrastructure, improving road conditions, and making travel safer for motorists. However, construction zones disrupt traffic flow, increasing the risk of accidents—particularly involving large commercial trucks.
According to the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse, commercial trucks are involved in approximately 34% of work zone fatalities, even though they account for only about 5% of all vehicles on the road. The combination of heavy machinery, lane closures, and distracted or negligent driving creates dangerous conditions. If you have been seriously injured in a construction zone truck accident, it is critical to contact an experienced truck accident lawyer who can help you pursue the maximum financial compensation available.
What Are Common Causes of Virginia Beach Truck Accidents in Construction Zones?
Truck accidents in construction zones often result from a combination of driver behavior, road conditions, and external hazards. Common causes include:
- Speeding: Trucks require longer distances to stop, and excessive speed increases accident risk.
- Distracted Driving: Cell phones, GPS devices, or in-cab distractions can prevent drivers from noticing lane changes or obstacles.
- Impaired Driving: Alcohol or drug use impairs judgment and reaction time.
- Drowsy Driving: Fatigue is a major factor for long-haul truck drivers.
- Failure to Merge Safely: Misjudging gaps in traffic during lane closures.
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Mechanical failures, worn brakes, or tire blowouts can lead to crashes.
- Improperly Secured Loads: Cargo that shifts can destabilize a truck.
- Inadequate Construction Signage: Missing or unclear warnings for approaching truck drivers increase accident risk.
How Construction Zones Increase Truck Accident Risk in Virginia Beach
Construction zones present unique hazards that affect all drivers, but large trucks are especially vulnerable:
- Narrow Lanes and Reduced Space: Lane closures and narrowed lanes make maneuvering difficult for large trucks, particularly when other vehicles are merging.
- Sudden Lane Shifts and Merges: Trucks need more distance to change lanes or stop safely. Heavy traffic combined with sudden lane shifts increases the likelihood of collisions.
- Increased Traffic Congestion: Stop-and-go traffic is common near construction zones, raising the risk of rear-end collisions if a truck driver cannot stop in time.
- Limited Visibility: Construction equipment, barriers, and signage can obstruct drivers’ views. Nighttime conditions exacerbate this hazard.
- Debris and Uneven Surfaces: Gravel, construction materials, and uneven roads can cause trucks to skid or lose control, especially at higher speeds.
Who Is Liable for Construction Zone Truck Accidents in Virginia Beach?
Determining liability in a construction zone truck accident can be complex, as multiple parties may share responsibility:
- Truck Driver: If the driver was speeding, distracted, impaired, or otherwise negligent, they may be held liable.
- Trucking Company: Employers may be liable if they failed to properly train the driver, enforce hours-of-service regulations, or maintain the vehicle.
- Cargo or Loading Company: If improperly loaded cargo shifted during transit, causing the accident, the company responsible for securing it may be liable.
- Contractors or Government Agencies: If construction signage, lane markings, or detours were insufficient, poorly visible, or unsafe, liability may extend to the responsible parties.
How to Avoid Truck Accidents in Construction Zones
While drivers cannot control truck behavior, there are steps you can take to reduce your risk:
- Stay Alert: Pay attention to construction signs, lane closures, and surrounding traffic. Avoid distractions like phones or in-car devices.
- Maintain a Safe Following Distance: Trucks require more space to stop. Following too closely can block your view and increase the risk of rear-end collisions.
- Avoid Blind Spots: Trucks have large blind spots directly in front, behind, and on both sides. If you cannot see the driver in their mirrors, they likely cannot see you.
- Use Signals: Always signal lane changes or turns to give truck drivers sufficient time to react.
- Follow Traffic Rules and Speed Limits: Construction zones typically have reduced speed limits. Slowing down and keeping a distance from trucks improves safety.
Experienced Virginia Beach Truck Accident Lawyers at Anchor Legal®
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a construction zone truck accident, our Virginia Beach truck accident lawyers at Anchor Legal® can help. Our team conducts a thorough investigation to determine liability and guides you through every step of the claims process. To schedule a free consultation, call 757-LAW-0000 or contact us online. Located in Virginia Beach, we serve clients in Chesapeake, Norfolk, Suffolk, Portsmouth, Newport News, Hampton, Williamsburg, and Eastern Shore, Virginia.