Construction zone collisions happen frequently, and the victims and surviving family members often feel that accident could have been prevented. Construction zones typically have plenty of signs, flags and even warning lights alerting people to slow down. But sometimes this isn’t enough, and crashes happen.
Three Workers Struck in Construction Zone on Bluegrass Parkway
On Tuesday, November 19, 2019, three construction workers were injured when a vehicle struck them seriously injuring two. According to the Kentucky State Police, the accident happened when a car stopped at the construction site, and another vehicle swerved to miss that car and struck three workers who were at work paving a section of the highway.
The crash happened on the Bluegrass Parkway near mile marker 51 close to the Anderson-Mercer County line. Two of the injured were taken to the University of Kentucky Medical Center in critical condition and were later upgraded to stable. The third worker was treated at the scene.
Liability in Construction Zones
In some ways, a construction zone accident is no different than any accident when it comes to compensation. The at-fault driver is responsible for the injuries caused by his or her negligence. In most construction accidents, it’s usually pretty clear that the driver that struck the workers is going to be at fault, and these injuries are usually covered by the driver’s insurance policy.
However, there may be other sources of compensation for the injured workers. If the damages are more than the cap on the insurance policy, then the worker may need other sources of compensation.
Worker’s Compensation
As employees, an injured worker will most likely be able to file for worker’s compensation benefits that will immediately cover their medical bills and lost time from work as well as other benefits. However, these benefits are limited in the amount and types of compensation that an injured person is entitled to receive under Kentucky’s personal injury law.
Third Party Claims
Another option for injured construction zone workers is to file a claim against any of the companies (except for the worker’s employer) that are vendors or subcontractors at the site. If any of these were the cause of the accident, then this third-party company could be held liable.
Claims Against the State
In some cases, the state of Kentucky might be to blame (fully or partially) for the accident, and if so, then the state could be sued. Although the circumstances where this would happen are rare, it is possible. In that case, a claim can be brought against the state for negligence, and some of the compensation could be paid by the state.
In any of these cases, it is good to talk to an attorney who will understand the laws governing a construction zone accident as well as third party and state claims.
Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
Accident victims often wonder if they need an attorney, and the answer is almost always yes. The insurance company agents have years of experience and are good at their job which is to pay you as little as possible or nothing at all. You need someone just as experienced to help you level the field. Talk to someone you can trust to be on your side and get you what is yours under the law.
The attorneys at Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC, have that knowledge and a combined 100 years’ experience in helping clients get the results they deserve. To discuss your case, call Kaufman & Stigger, PLLC today, at (800) 937-8443 or click here to contact them online.
