Highway & Road Construction Accident Claims
Highway and road construction zones are among the most dangerous work environments in the nation. The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) reports that hundreds of workers and motorists are killed in work zone crashes each year, with thousands more suffering serious injuries. Construction zone workers face the constant threat of being struck by vehicles traveling at high speeds, while motorists encounter confusing traffic patterns, reduced lanes, uneven pavement, and inadequate signage that contribute to crashes.
At Roden Law, our highway construction accident attorneys represent both injured workers and motorists throughout Georgia and South Carolina. Whether you are a construction worker struck by a passing vehicle or a driver injured due to inadequate work zone safety, we pursue full compensation from all responsible parties.
Georgia & South Carolina Work Zone Laws
Both states have enacted enhanced penalties for traffic violations in construction zones to protect workers and motorists:
- Georgia: O.C.G.A. § 40-6-188 doubles fines for speeding in active work zones when workers are present. Georgia law also authorizes enhanced penalties for reckless driving in construction zones.
- South Carolina: S.C. Code § 56-5-1535 imposes enhanced penalties for speeding in highway work zones, including doubled fines and potential license suspension for repeat offenses.
Violations of these laws constitute evidence of negligence per se in personal injury claims — meaning the violator is automatically considered negligent.
Common Causes of Work Zone Accidents
Highway construction zone accidents result from a combination of driver behavior and contractor negligence:
- Speeding through work zones: Motorists exceeding reduced speed limits, the most common cause of fatal work zone crashes
- Distracted driving: Cell phone use, GPS adjustments, and driver inattention in complex construction zone traffic patterns
- Inadequate traffic control: Missing or confusing signs, inadequate lane markings, and insufficient advance warning
- Impaired driving: Alcohol and drug impairment worsened by unfamiliar road conditions
- Rear-end collisions: Sudden stops in congested work zones causing chain-reaction crashes
- Heavy equipment conflicts: Construction equipment entering and exiting active traffic lanes
- Night work hazards: Poor visibility, glare from equipment, and driver drowsiness during nighttime construction
Injuries in Highway Construction Accidents
The combination of vehicle speeds and exposed workers produces severe injuries including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and paralysis, crush injuries from being pinned between vehicles and equipment, multiple bone fractures, amputations, burn injuries from vehicle fires, and wrongful death. Workers who are struck by vehicles while on foot suffer particularly devastating injuries due to the complete lack of protection.
Pursuing a Work Zone Accident Claim
Liability in highway construction accidents may rest with negligent motorists who violated work zone traffic laws, construction contractors who failed to implement adequate traffic control plans, government agencies (GDOT, SCDOT) responsible for work zone design and oversight, subcontractors responsible for signage, flagging, and traffic control, and truck drivers and trucking companies operating in work zones. Georgia’s comparative fault rule (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33) allows recovery if less than 50% at fault. South Carolina allows recovery if less than 51% at fault. Workers may also pursue workers’ compensation in addition to third-party claims. Our attorneys investigate crash reports, work zone plans, traffic control logs, and video evidence to build compelling cases. Contact Roden Law for a free consultation — no fee unless we win.