Grand Rapids Motorcycle Accident Lawyer: The Hidden Dangers of Road Construction Zones for Motorcycle Riders
Road construction is a routine aspect of road maintenance of Michigan roads, however, temporary job areas can be severe road threats for motorcyclists. These factors can make for a normal trip turn into an unsafe experience, loose gravel, uneven pavements, narrow lanes and confusing traffic patterns can all be hazardous. If any of these is a contributing factor to an accident that left a rider injured, it is important that he or she consults a Grand Rapids motorcycle accident lawyer to learn more about their legal options and if perhaps the other party may be held responsible.
Motorcycles have minimal protection against road hazards as compared to passenger vehicles. Just a slight height change in the pavement or a sudden obstacle of some type can cause loss of control for a rider.
Loose gravel and uneven pavement creating potential traction hazards for motorcycles in a road work zone.
How Construction Zones Increase Motorcycle Accident Risks
Drivers are asked to drive on new roads, through temporary traffic signs, have lower speed limits and abnormal lane changes to meet the demand in construction zones.
This may be caused by the presence of loose stones, sand, or metal plates and construction debris. Uneven pavement transitions can also cause instability, particularly if a motorcyclist is forced to brake or turn abruptly. Some temporary lane markings will overlap with the existing lane marking in some work zones and it may be difficult to determine which way to go.
Motorcyclist approaching a road construction zone with temporary barriers and uneven pavement in Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Who May Be Responsible for a Construction Zone Motorcycle Accident?
Finding the right party responsible for a motorcycle accident that has involved some of the work of construction trucks presents a graver challenge than if the driver had been a truck driver. It may be a responsibility of the construction contractor, the government agency where the construction was taking place, the road maintenance contractor, or another driver.
If the work area wasn’t properly maintained, materials were not removed from a travel lane or missing or needed warning devices, then the contractor may be responsible for the accident. Another government agency might be also relevant in case a dangerous road condition is relevant to its legal obligations. The liability rests on the facts, between the duties, contractual conditions and exceptions that may exist under the law.
If one driver was involved in a lane change and this change was unsafe, or caused a collision, another driver could be responsible, if they were speeding through the work zone, or driving too closely. Reordering the events necessitates evidence not assumptions that establish fault. Investigators can look at witness statements, police reports, maintenance history, photographs of the road and traffic controls and the accident, at the time of the accident.
Road construction supervisor checking warning signs and traffic barriers in a temporary work zone.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a construction company be held responsible for a motorcycle accident?
Possibly, if a construction company is involved in a violation of the standards of care required, and the negligence was a contributing factor to a dangerous work zone, then the company may be found liable. In the case of responsibility, it is related to the duties of the company, the evidence and the nature of the circumstances.
What compensation may be available after a construction zone motorcycle accident?
Medical expenses, lost wages, future treatment and pain and suffering are all potential types of compensation you may receive depending on the facts and the law. The types of insurance benefits and damages that are available may vary from case to case.
How long do I have to pursue a motorcycle accident claim in Michigan?
While many personal injury claims have a time limit of three years, that is not the case for all cases. Insurance claims relating to the government or other insurance benefits may have different deadlines, and injured riders need to check what insurance benefits apply to them, as soon as possible.
Conclusion
Keeping evidence and knowledge of the cause of an accident can assist injured individuals in determining if any parties other than the ballot answer could be held legally responsible. Road hazards that motorcyclists may not be able to predict or avoid may occur near work zones. It can be loose gravel, bad pavement conditions, poor warning signs and poor traffic control that can lead to serious collisions and permanent injuries.
When it comes to getting the right legal information, when you’re caught up in an accident, you may face medical bills, no income until you can get medical care and yet be uncertain of what you’re able to claim for recovery. When finding information on personal injury representation following a motorcycle accident lawyers at Monge & Associates Injury And Accident Attorneys might be the help that you need. It is important for riders to speak directly to a qualified attorney to learn the options for them in Michigan’s law.
