New Jersey Car Accidents in Work Zone Lawyers

traffic at a road construction work zone because of a car accident

New Jersey drivers are used to dealing with construction sites all over the state. From I-295 and I-195 to the New Jersey Turnpike, many roads throughout the state are constantly undergoing construction, especially in the summer. These construction zones can be poorly designed, and some drivers speed through them carelessly. These conditions make it more likely for car accidents to occur.

Car accidents in construction zones can be extra confusing due to the legal complications that arise when construction companies, contractors, and construction workers are involved. If you’re looking for a New Jersey car accident lawyer to help after a crash in a work zone, you’ve come to the right place. 

If you believe that your motor vehicle accident was caused by negligence on the part of the State of New Jersey, any county or city for the negligent design, maintenance, and operation of a construction zone, then you need to be aware of special laws and their requirements under New Jersey Torts Claim Act. This requires an injured person to notify the state, county, or town on a special form called a Torts Claim Notice responsible for within ninety (90) days from the date of the collision. It must be filed with the attorney general, county, or municipal clerk. You must also have or will have at least $3,600 in medical bills, because of permanent injuries. For this reason, it is urgent that you consult with and hire a personal injury lawyer family experienced with suing the State of New Jersey, its counties, and towns. 

You also need a trusted hand to help after a serious construction zone car accident. Don’t trust attorneys who put billboards all over town and solicit your business directly. Trust the attorneys that go to trial and get results. For more than 40 years, we have helped our clients recover more than $1 billion in compensation for victims of accidents and injuries.

The attorneys of Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. have represented injured people in New Jersey for over 40 years. We don’t charge any fees unless we recover compensation for your injuries. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you in claiming the compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of Car Accidents in Work Zones

While work zones present hazards for New Jersey drivers, many accidents result from negligence by construction companies or other parties.

Some of the most common causes of work zone car accidents in New Jersey include:

  • Poor Signage—Insufficient or unclear signs can make it difficult for drivers to navigate sudden lane changes, speed limit adjustments, and altered traffic patterns in work zones, leading to confusion and collisions. 
  • Speeding—Despite reduced speed limits in work zones, some drivers fail to slow down, increasing the risk of motor vehicle accidents. This is a particular problem in areas where workers and equipment are close to traffic.
  • Distracted Driving—With many distractions like signage, workers, and machinery, drivers might not pay full attention to the road, resulting in preventable accidents.
  • Narrow Lanes—Work zones often require traffic to move through narrowed or shifted lanes. If drivers aren’t careful, these tight spaces can lead to side-swipe accidents.
  • Abrupt Stops—Frequent and sudden stops are common in work zones due to merging lanes and other construction-related interruptions, which can cause rear-end collisions.

Injuries Suffered in Construction Zone Collisions

Construction zone accidents in New Jersey can cause grievous injuries, leaving victims in severe pain as they reckon with a pile of expensive medical bills. Common injuries in work zone collisions include:

  • Concussions and traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries, which can lead to partial or complete paralysis
  • Internal bleeding
  • Internal organ injuries
  • Severe burns
  • Crushed, severed, or amputated limbs
  • Broken bones
  • Soft-tissue injuries
  • Ruptured and herniated disc in the spine
  • Scarring and disfigurement
  • PTSD and other mental health conditions (anxiety, depression, nightmares, etc.)

What to Do After a Car Accident in a New Jersey Construction Site

After a car accident in a New Jersey construction zone, protecting your health and legal rights is essential. Once you’ve received medical attention, take the following steps to protect your interests:

  • Document Everything—Collect and organize all documents related to the accident and your injuries. This includes medical records, accident reports from the police, and any communication with insurance companies.
  • Photograph the Scene—If possible, return to the site with someone to help photograph any visible signs, barriers, construction equipment, or anything else that could have contributed to the accident. This can provide valuable evidence for your claim. If you cannot make this trip yourself, your New Jersey auto accident lawyer can gather this evidence for you.
  • Gather Witness Information—If anyone else saw the accident, get their contact information. Witness statements can be powerful in supporting your claim.
  • Notify Your Insurance—Contact your insurance company about the accident, but avoid making detailed statements or accepting settlements before speaking with a lawyer.
  • Consult a Lawyer—Contact a personal injury lawyer who understands New Jersey’s traffic laws and has experience handling construction zone accidents. A lawyer can offer guidance, help gather further evidence, and represent your interests in negotiations or court if necessary.
  • Make certain your Tort Claims Notices are filed within ninety (90) days of your accident

Who Is Liable for New Jersey Work Zone Car Accidents?

Work zones pose unique challenges to drivers, but that doesn’t absolve them, construction companies, government agencies, and other parties of their responsibility to take reasonable precautions to prevent accidents. When a car crashes into a construction site, the potentially liable parties may include:

  • Construction Companies—These firms may be liable if the accident occurred due to poor maintenance of the work zone, inadequate safety measures, or negligent management of the construction area.
  • Government Entities—Local or state government agencies overseeing the construction project can be liable if they fail to ensure the construction company follows proper safety regulations. They may also be liable if the design of the work zone is inherently dangerous.
  • Contractors and Subcontractors—If contractors or subcontractors failed to adhere to safety standards or were negligent in their construction practices, they could be liable for any resulting accidents.
  • Equipment Manufacturers—If the accident resulted from malfunctioning or defective construction equipment, the manufacturer might be legally responsible.
  • Other Drivers—Often, liability may also rest with other negligent drivers, such as those speeding through the work zone, driving while distracted, or failing to obey traffic signs.

Compensation Available in NJ Construction Zone Car Accidents

It’s vital to seek compensation for all your eligible losses in a construction zone car accident claim, as you typically have only one chance to recover any money for your injuries. Our New Jersey work zone accident lawyers can help you maximize your claim and pursue compensation for:

  • Past and future medical expenses related to the crash
  • Lost income resulting from the collision
  • Reduced future earnings due to your injuries or disabilities
  • Pain and suffering
  • Diminished quality of life
  • Emotional distress
  • Damaged personal property

Tips for Finding the Best Attorneys for New Jersey Construction Zone Car Crashes

Finding the right attorney for a New Jersey construction zone car crash can significantly impact the outcome of your case. Start by seeking an attorney with specific experience handling car accident claims involving construction zones, as their knowledge will be crucial for navigating complex laws and regulations. Learn about their reputation by reading online reviews and testimonials from past clients.

Make sure you go with an attorney with actual courtroom and trial experience. Be wary of attorneys who solicit you directly with police reports or focus more on billboard advertising than successful results. It’s also important to choose an attorney who communicates clearly and keeps you informed throughout the legal process. You want them to make you feel comfortable and confident.

Finally, consider hiring an attorney who works on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if they recover compensation for you. This approach aligns their interests with yours and reduces your financial risk. Taking these steps will help you find a skilled attorney who is well-prepared to handle your claim.

Talk to an Experienced New Jersey Car Accident Attorney Today

Time might be running out to file your claim. Contact our New Jersey car accident attorneys as soon as possible for a free, no-obligation consultation to help us secure your valuable evidence before it disappears. We’re happy to meet you at one of our New York or New Jersey offices or online via Zoom, FaceTime, or Skype. Our attorneys speak Spanish, and we offer translations in many other languages, including Russian, Polish, Portuguese, and more.

The Davis, Saperstein & Salomon, P.C. team recognizes the devastating consequences of work zone accidents and knows you’re suffering. We’re here to take the legal burden from you and help you claim the resources you need to make a complete financial recovery. Call us today or complete our contact form for a free consultation with an experienced New Jersey car accident attorney.