Colorado Work Zone Fatalities Surge 75% in 2024
If you have been injured in an accident in a work zone, or any other place on a Colorado road, you may be entitled to substantial financial compensation. The experienced Aurora car accident attorneys at The Frickey Law Firm can help. We have been handling these types of cases for over 50 years.
The bipartisan infrastructure law has resulted in a substantial increase in road projects. That is only part of the reason why there are more work zone fatalities across Colorado. Poor state planning and reckless driver behavior also has contributed to the surge in serious accidents and work zones.
You can take control of your legal destiny by scheduling a free initial consultation with an Aurora car accident lawyer at The Frickey Law Firm. We pride ourselves in treating our clients well and providing excellent customer service, at the same time that we put pressure on the insurance company.
Increased Construction and Potential State Actions Have Led to an Increase in Work Zone Accidents
2024 was an especially deadly year for motorists and those present in Colorado highway work zones. By November of the year, the state saw a 75% increase in work zone fatalities, recording as many in eleven months of the year as there were in the prior two years combined. As a result of the deteriorating situation, state lawmakers have begun to ask questions of the federal government about its oversight of the state Highway agency.
All parties have acknowledged that there is a record amount of road construction, both in Colorado and across the country, as a result of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Increased funding means that states now have the ability to perform critically needed road construction projects that they may have deferred in the past. More construction zones naturally mean more serious accidents. However, that may not tell the entire story.
Despite increased efforts to educate drivers about safety in construction zones, they continue to ignore the law and drive recklessly. Interestingly, the total number of construction zone accidents has decreased markedly in 2024, while the number of fatalities and serious injuries have increased sharply. This may be the result of a structural problem.
There are allegations that the Colorado Department of Transportation is partially to blame for the increased dangers and work zones. For example, there are allegations that the agency withheld traffic flow plans from contractors who were working in the zone and did not properly use safety equipment. To maximize safety for both drivers and construction workers, it is vital that the state and contractor work together to the fullest extent possible.
Why Work Zones Can Be Deadly
There are many reasons why you face a special degree of danger when traveling through work zones, including the following:
- Many drivers do not heed the reduced speed limit and work zones, and they speed through them
- There are sudden changes in traffic patterns that motorists struggle to navigate
- Drivers are distracted, and they may not see a work Zone, or they may be doing something else behind the wheel when passing through them
- There may be work equipment either left on the road or in very close proximity
- Travel lanes in work zones tend to be narrower, and motorists can drift out of their lane
Who Can I Sue for a Workzone Accident?
If you have been injured in a work zone accident, you may be entitled to substantial financial compensation. Work zone accidents present their own complexities because there are more potential things that could go wrong. Accordingly, you would need a more in-depth investigation of the accident itself and a close look at parties who could potentially be to blame for your injuries. Bottom line, get a Lawyer!
You may be able to sue the following defendants in a work zone accident case:
- Another driver was delaying for the crash
- The contractor who was working in the zone
- Subcontractors who are also present at the site
- The state, for improper design of the roads or work zone traffic patterns
It is possible that there may be more than one defendant in your case. Your car accident attorney will help you cast as broad of a net as possible, filing claims or lawsuits against all responsible parties, in an attempt to maximize your compensation. All parties who share in the blame for the accident are jointly and severally liable for your injuries.
Contact an Arvada Car Accident Law Firm Today
If you have been injured in a motor vehicle crash in a work zone, reach out to an Aurora car accident lawyer at The Frickey Law Firm. The first step in the legal process is to schedule a free initial consultation, which you could do by visiting our website or by calling us today at 303-237-7373. You never owe us anything unless you win your case.
Adam M. McClure was recently selected for membership in “The National Trial Lawyers: Top 40 Under 40” organization, making him one of only 40 Colorado lawyers to be awarded this honor. Mr. McClure is an exceptional litigator. He has been a key member of The Frickey Law Firm since 2003. Learn more here.