How Construction Zones Contribute to Increased Motorcycle Accident Risks

While road construction is key to improving infrastructure, loose gravel, uneven roads, and inadequate signs can result in crashes – including motorcycle accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), motorcyclists are more than 26 times more likely to die in a crash than occupants in a passenger vehicle, as well as five times more likely to be injured. Most crashes (over 80 percent) result in injured riders or fatalities.

Here, we’ll discuss why construction zones are risky, common motorcycle accident injuries, and what to do if you’ve been in an accident.

Why construction zones are risky

Construction materials, heavy machinery, and ongoing work make construction zones unpredictable. Some key hazards are:

Loose gravel and debris

Loose gravel and debris are part of construction zones. They make roads uneven, making it hard for motorcycle tires to grip the road properly. As a result, motorcycles lose their balance and become prone to sliding, swerving, and general loss of control.

Water puddles and uneven roads

Construction zones often have poor drainage systems, leading to puddles and pools of water on highways. That, coupled with uneven roads or potholes, creates a death trap for motorcyclists.

Speeding

Impatience on highways and roads has become increasingly common, with drivers always rushing and often not yielding the right of way. Drivers often slow down to look at ongoing construction, only to accelerate unpredictably afterward and begin speeding. This can be especially dangerous for motorcyclists, as cars zip by them without checking blindspots or with drivers glancing back at roadside construction.

Improper merging & narrow lanes

When construction crews block or close lanes, motorcyclists and drivers may be forced to merge – these confusing traffic patterns can increase the risk of accidents.

Common injuries in construction zone motorcycle accidents

The following injuries are some of the most common that motorcyclists suffer in construction zone accidents:

• Lacerations and bruises
• Soft tissue injuries
• Head injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Road Rash
• Internal injuries
• Broken bones

Sometimes, these injuries prove fatal. If you have been in a motorcycle accident, you must get immediate medical help. Also, call a motorcycle accident attorney to protect your rights if you or a loved one suffered injuries in one of these crashes.

Steps to take if you have been in a construction zone motorcycle accident

Motorcycle injuries can be life-altering, so being extra careful when driving in the construction zone is crucial. However, if you do get into an accident, seek immediate medical assistance. Also, take the following steps:

Seek medical help

Being in an accident can be extremely overwhelming and confusing. The first thing you should do is to move away from the traffic to ensure your safety. Then, call 911 to report the accident and seek immediate medical help. Even if you feel you are fine and not hurt, you must get yourself checked by a medical examiner.

Document the scene

If possible, take photos of your injuries, motorcycle, and other vehicles involved in the accident. Also, take pictures and videos of the surroundings, including loose gravel, road conditions, and barriers that may have contributed to the crash. This evidence can be crucial in determining the cause of the accident and identifying the responsible party.

Notify your insurance company

You must contact your insurance company to report the accident. However, be cautious—only share the facts. Avoid sharing unnecessary details or admitting fault, as this can be used against you. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, and any admission of fault may work in their favor.

Contact a motorcycle accident attorney

In this difficult time, a personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the situation with compassion and expertise. They will negotiate with your insurance company to ensure you don’t end up shouldering the financial burden alone. Additionally, they understand critical legal timeframes, such as statutes of limitations, and will handle all necessary paperwork to file legal claims on time.

Who is liable for motorcycle accidents in construction zones?

Determining liability in motorcycle accidents can be complex as multiple factors may be at play. Here are some common causes of motorcycle accidents in construction zones:

Construction companies

Construction companies may be liable for accidents caused by unsafe construction zones. Typical forms of negligence include loose gravel, improper signage, and poor drainage, all of which can contribute to motorcycle accidents.

Government agencies

If construction sites fail to follow safety protocols or lack proper inspections to ensure the zones are safe for motorists, government agencies may be liable for negligence.

Other drivers

Other motorists, including drivers operating cars, often violate traffic rules by engaging in distracted driving, speeding, running red lights, or tailgating. Such reckless behavior makes the roads even more dangerous, especially for motorcyclists, who are more vulnerable due to their two-wheel design.

The motorcyclist

Sometimes, motorcyclists may also be at fault. For example, if they speed through a construction zone, knowing it is hazardous, they may be partially held responsible.

Shared liability

Often, more than one party may be liable for a motorcycle accident. For example, if the construction company failed to maintain a proper drainage system, causing the water pool on the road, and a speeding driver slid and collided with a motorcyclist, a court might hold more than one party responsible.

Have you been in a construction zone motorcycle accident?

Construction zones create hazards for all road users. However, they are even more risky for motorcyclists, who lack the stability and protection of a four-wheeled vehicle. Speeding, distracted driving, improper signage and other issues can make these zones even more dangerous. Unfortunately, these accidents can result in life-altering injuries.

If you or a loved one has been in a motorcycle accident in a construction zone, don’t hesitate to contact a motorcycle accident attorney. With the right experience and skills, they can protect your rights and help you secure fair compensation.

At Martin & Helms, our dedicated team of traffic accident attorneys advocates for those who suffer severe injuries, including motorcyclists. Call us or complete our contact form to schedule a free consultation in Huntsville or Decatur today. We also assist clients in Madison and Athens.