Between sudden lane changes, slower traffic, and confusing signage, traversing through a maze of orange cones and construction signs can be a nightmare. It can be easy to understand why so many accidents happen in these areas, whether you are in a vehicle or on foot.
Construction zones are some of the most dangerous stretches of road. Even though safety is a priority, one wrong turn can lead to an accident. These crashes often involve sudden stops, large vehicles, and unpredictable traffic patterns. That combination creates dangerous conditions where even a minor mistake can have significant consequences.
Whether you were rear-ended in a slowdown or struck by a piece of equipment, here are some common injuries after a construction zone accident.
Whiplash and Neck Injuries
Rear-end collisions are one of the most frequent accidents in work zones. Unfortunately, whiplash is a typical result. When your car is hit from behind, your head snaps forward and back quickly.
This is faster than your muscles and ligaments can handle. That can often lead to neck pain, stiffness, headaches, and long-term discomfort. Some accident victims may require physical therapy or chiropractic care.
Back and Spinal Cord Injuries
Back injuries are another outcome in a work zone accident, especially in high-impact crashes or when someone is struck by heavy equipment. Herniated discs, nerve damage, or spinal misalignment can cause chronic pain and mobility issues. In severe cases, spinal cord injuries may lead to partial or total paralysis. This can fundamentally change a person’s life and future needs.
Broken Bones and Fractures
Whether a sideswipe in a tight lane or a collision with a concrete barrier, the impact forces in a construction zone crash can be brutal. Broken arms, legs, ribs, and facial bones are common.
When airbags deploy or seat belts lock, these injuries can happen. Often, these injuries require surgery and lengthy recovery periods.
Head Injuries and Concussions
Even when wearing a seatbelt, your head is vulnerable in a crash. If you hit your head on the steering wheel, window, or side panel, you could suffer a concussion or a more severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). Accident victims can suffer from dizziness, memory issues, confusion, and emotional changes.
Internal Injuries
Some of the most dangerous injuries are not immediately visible. Blunt force trauma from a seatbelt or steering wheel can cause internal bleeding, organ damage, or collapsed lungs. These injuries may need emergency surgery and intensive care. Unfortunately, they may not show symptoms until hours after the crash.
Lacerations and Soft Tissue Damage
Flying glass, debris, and sharp metal edges can cause deep cuts and soft tissue injuries. While they may seem minor at first, these wounds can lead to infections. Some accident victims could experience long-term nerve damage.
Psychological Trauma
A sudden, violent crash, especially one involving road workers or large machinery, can leave lasting emotional scars. Anxiety, nightmares, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are not uncommon in victims of construction zone accidents.
Drivers Are Not the Only Ones at Risk
Pedestrians struck in construction zones often suffer severe, life-altering injuries due to the lack of physical protection and the force of impact. Some of these injuries can include:
- Traumatic brain injuries from being thrown to the ground or into equipment
- Spinal cord damage can lead to paralysis
- Multiple fractures to the legs, pelvis, and arms
- Internal organ damage or internal bleeding
Deep lacerations, severe contusions, and crush injuries are also common, especially when heavy machinery is involved. These injuries often require emergency medical treatment, surgeries, and long-term rehabilitation.
Why Construction Zone Injuries Are Often More Severe
According to the National Safety Council, 891 people were killed and 37,701 people were injured in work zone crashes in 2022. Construction zones create a perfect storm of risk factors: narrowed lanes, unpredictable traffic patterns, distracted drivers, and heavy equipment.
In some cases, the zone’s layout or a contractor’s actions may contribute to the accident. This can raise legal questions about fault and liability. For example, were signs missing? Did construction vehicles fail to yield or signal? Was the zone poorly lit or inadequately marked?
These details matter, especially when it comes to seeking compensation for injuries.
What to Do If You’ve Been Injured
If you’ve been hurt in a construction zone accident, your priority should be getting medical attention, even if you don’t feel injured right away. From there, you may want to speak with a personal injury attorney. Construction zone cases can be complicated. Multiple parties could be involved, including:
- Another driver
- The construction company or contractor
- The city, county, or state
- Equipment operators or third-party vendors
An experienced lawyer can help investigate what happened, determine who may be liable, and pursue the compensation you need for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Construction zones may be temporary, but injuries from accidents can have lasting consequences.
Whether you’re dealing with physical pain, emotional trauma, or financial stress, Titan Law is here to help. Reach out to see how we can assist with your claim.
