Construction sites in the Bronx often require many trucks transporting building materials. Other machinery cars include forklifts, pettibone lifts, bulldozers, excavators, etc. When construction occurs within the city, it is almost impossible to avoid city traffic jams while passing over the site.
Therefore, every construction project within the city needs a Maintenance of Traffic (MOT) plan. These plans are intended to manage the safe movement of vehicles around construction sites.
Sometimes, car accidents in construction zones happen because there are no MOT plans or they exist but are not performed correctly. People not following rules equals injured people.
Our construction car accident lawyer at The Ward Law Group can help you whenever these incidents happen. We have built a reputation of success that grants us the knowledge and expertise to bring justice to those injured in car accidents on a construction site.
Vehicle Accidents At Construction Sites
Different types of accidents can occur on a construction site. Now, you will learn about them and how we can help you each time.
It can be an accident involving just construction workers when one or more people were negligent and while using cars inside the site or lack of signage at the place caused someone to get hurt.
Workers are protected by the workers' comp system, where they can file a claim and receive monetary compensation quickly without proving that someone else was negligent.
That is a clear benefit that, in most cases, is the final solution to the problem, but that happens when there is a minor injury. When serious injuries are involved, workers' comp can be somewhat limited.
If a worker is hurt by another worker from the same contractor or employer, they can't sue. If the boss doesn't hire the careless worker, injured workers can sue for personal injury.
Another accident can happen when traffic near the construction site and drivers ignore the signs. They may hit the people who are performing the MOT plan.
In that case, the construction worker can file a workers' compensation claim and is also entitled to file a personal injury claim against the negligent motorist.
Also, it can happen that a construction vehicle is being operated on the roadway where it turns out to be a dangerous instrumentality.
If they touch a passing vehicle, the driver and their employer will be responsible for any injuries.
Sometimes, construction vehicles present malfunctions due to defective components or products, which may cause accidents that could impair people around the site.
When these large construction vehicles leave the road, they may damage the street or create holes that might become a hazard to others. The construction crews must repair any damage that can cause accidents.
The DoT says that commercial vehicle and equipment accidents cause the most deadly accidents at construction sites. These accidents include run-overs, back-overs, and roll-overs.
The contractors or managers of the transportation company may be found liable for any accident where a construction vehicle or a large truck is heading to a construction site.
Liability and Legal Process
Construction site car accidents in the Bronx can result in devastating injuries and complex legal scenarios. Determining liability and understanding the legal process is essential to pursuing compensation for injuries sustained in such accidents.
Here's an overview of how liability is established, the steps involved in a legal claim, and the impact of New York laws on construction site car accident case
Determining Liability and Establishing Negligence
Liability in construction site car accidents hinges on establishing negligence. This means showing that someone didn't do their job properly, causing the accident and injuries.
In these accidents, potential parties at fault could include:
- Construction site operators
- Contractors
- Vehicle drivers
- Equipment manufacturers
Proving negligence needs proof that the responsible party caused harm by ignoring safety measures.
Steps Involved in Pursuing a Legal Claim
Pursuing a legal claim after a construction site car accident involves several crucial steps.
First, seek immediate medical attention and ensure your injuries are documented. Second, evidence from the scene, such as photographs, witness statements, and accident reports, must be collected.
Third, notify the construction site management, report the accident to the police, and consult with a personal injury attorney experienced in construction site accidents. Your attorney will help you gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and, if necessary, file a lawsuit.
Impact of New York Laws
New York laws play a significant role in car accident cases at construction sites. New York follows a comparative negligence rule, allowing injured parties to recover compensation even if they were partially at fault, as long as their fault was less than 50%.
However, their compensation will be reduced by the percentage of their fault. Knowing the laws is important for understanding the legal process and the time limit for filing a claim.
Injuries Related to Bronx Construction Site Car Accidents
We know the different types of accidents that can take place in a construction site or nearby. Depending on the nature of the accident, people involved can sustain from minor to serious injuries.
Generally, people in car accidents can suffer the following injuries:
- Traumatic brain injury
- Dismemberment
- Spinal cord injury
- Whiplash injury
- Soft tissue injury
- Internal organ damage
- Broken bones
- Lacerations
- Burns
- Bruises and contusions
We must not forget that physical injuries cannot be sustained only. When these accidents happen, people may get psychologically traumatized by them.
Post-traumatic stress Disorder (PTSD) is common in car accidents. Injuries can have long-lasting effects on people's lives, making them sad, unable to enjoy life, and losing bodily function. These damages can be claimed in a lawsuit.
Legal Representation and Compensation
Suffering injuries in a construction site car accident can lead to overwhelming challenges, including medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. Seeking legal representation is a crucial step toward pursuing the compensation you deserve.
Pursuing Compensation for Various Damages
Construction site car accidents often result in a range of damages, both economic and non-economic. Victims are entitled to compensation for medical bills, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and ongoing treatments.
Additionally, lost wages due to missed work while recovering can be claimed. In addition to financial losses, pain, suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life are also eligible for compensation.
A construction worker can get workers' comp and sue a third party if their employer doesn't employ that party.
Maximizing Compensation for Victims
Maximizing compensation involves comprehensively evaluating the accident's impact on the victim's life.
A construction site car accident lawyer is skilled and specializes in these types of accidents. They have extensive knowledge of the details surrounding such accidents. Additionally, they can create a strong argument that considers all damages. This includes considering possible future medical expenses and the long-term effects of the injuries.
It is important to negotiate well with insurance companies and the other party. This ensures that victims receive a fair settlement. The settlement should cover all their losses.
Construction Site Car Accident Lawyer in The Bronx
The Ward Law Group has been handling personal injury lawsuits for several years. Our team of legal professionals is an expert in construction site car accidents.
We have helped many people recover their expenses with fair settlements and, if necessary, provided high-level representation in trials.
We understand how it feels when a family member is in bed with many injuries from someone's carelessness. It is our goal to bring justice to you and your family. Every case is different; we guarantee our lawyers will be committed to yours and fight tirelessly.
Contact us through our direct line, 855-DOLOR-55, or our online chat. We always provide a free review of your case; don't hesitate to call.