Rancho Cordova Construction Accident Claims Life
I’m Ed Smith, a Rancho Cordova car accident lawyer. A recent crash near a construction site on eastbound Highway 50 claimed the life of one man in Rancho Cordova when his vehicle went out of control and crashed. At the time of the crash, which happened in the middle of the night, Caltrans officials were at that site working. Several lanes of the highway were shut down following the accident, and officials with the California Highway Patrol (CHP) have not reported whether alcohol and drugs were factors in the collision. I want to send my heartfelt condolences to the deceased person’s family and friends for their loss.
Details of Incident
The collision occurred at about 2:00 in the morning along the highway near Hazel Avenue. According to authorities, the vehicle, identified as a Ford Fiesta, was traveling around 90 mph when the crash occurred. According to contractors who work for Caltrans, the driver did not appear to see the workmen until it was too late. Veering to the right, the Ford struck a traffic control truck, spun around, struck another truck and ended up crashing into the divide in the center of the highway.
Results of the Crash
Authorities reported that medics arrived at the scene and attempted to resuscitate the driver, but it was to no avail. No information has yet been released on the identity of the driver as of the time of this report.
Construction Zone Statistics
Driving through roadway construction areas can be dangerous. In California, with its network of highway transport, construction is a common sight as roadways are upgraded. California is one of the top four states for construction accidents.
Between 2014 and 2019, 4,400 individuals died in construction zone accidents, and 200,000 people were injured. The most common type of accident is one where a vehicle crashes into the rear of a construction truck. The majority of construction zone accidents happen in the summer and fall months during the daylight hours.
Most accidents that result in fatalities happen on highways and other roads where the speed limit is 50 mph. The stopping distance of a passenger vehicle on a dry road is 300 feet. Construction on wet roads increases the risk due to a longer stopping distance estimated at a minimum of 400 feet. Tractor trailers require an even longer stopping distance.
Construction Company Obligations
The Department of Transportation has established safety rules road construction companies must use:
- Work areas must be marked off with barricades, cones, panels or signs.
- Cones must be a minimum of 28 inches high and fluorescent yellow or orange.
- Traffic signals must be set up when needed.
- A buffer zone must be established between the workers, the barricade, and traffic.
- Lighting such as beacons, floodlights or warning lights should be used in construction zones when required.
- Channelizing devices such as lane dividers and cones are required by the U.S. DOT to provide drivers with safe routes.
Causes of Construction Zone Accidents
Assuming proper use of safety devices by a construction company, the most common accidents in work zones are:
- Speeding through a construction zone is a common cause of accidents.
- Jerking the steering wheel to avoid roadway debris or uneven surfaces at high speeds causing you to lose control of a vehicle happens commonly.
- Striking barricades or construction vehicles contributes to crashes.
- Recklessly racing against passenger and construction traffic when restricted to a single lane ahead causes a high number of collisions.
- Not seeing or ignoring construction workers on foot in an area leads to worker injuries.
Safety Precautions for Drivers
It is important for drivers to stay alert for dangers in construction zones, and use headlights in dim light to avoid accidents that can cause serious injuries. Merging into a single lane is common, and it is best to not wait until the last moment to do that. Warning signs that merging lanes lie ahead are routine. Speed limits are usually lowered and, aside from accidents, penalties for not obeying them are usually doubled in construction zones. If a crew member is giving motorists instructions, obey them. Drive knowing that other motorists may not choose to follow the rules, and be prepared for sudden problems.
Time Limit to Follow a Road Construction Accident Lawsuit
If the fault of an accident is due to Caltrans, a claim must be filed within six months of the accident. If the claim is rejected, a lawsuit must be filed within a specific period and if presented after this date it will not be heard. An attorney experienced in roadway construction accidents can ensure the filing restrictions are followed appropriately.
Rancho Cordova Auto Accident Attorney
I’m Ed Smith, a Rancho Cordova car accident lawyer. Losing a loved one is a heartbreaking experience that is amplified if that loss was because of negligence on the part of another person or entity. If this happened to you, please give me a call at (916) 921-6400 or on my long-distance line at (800) 404-5400 if you are out of the area. I am here to offer you free and friendly advice.
I am a member of the Million Dollar Forum, a group of nationwide trial attorneys with a proven record of a settlement or verdict in excess of $1 million for a client.
To see what others have had to say about my law practice and look over some of our prior cases, please visit the following links:
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