Road Construction Zones on Car Accidents in Summerville

Road construction zones are some of the most dangerous places to drive in South Carolina. Lane shifts, heavy equipment, and workers on the road raise the risk of a serious crash.

Summerville residents face this risk daily, especially with the SC 41 Wando River Bridge project creating major hazards. If you were hurt in a construction zone crash, Crantford Meehan can help you get the money you deserve.

Why Construction Zones Are So Dangerous

Construction zones change how drivers use the road. These changes raise the risk of crashes in several ways:

Altered Roadways

Narrow lanes force cars closer together
Sudden stops happen more often at bottlenecks
Barriers, equipment, and dust clouds block the view

Speeding and Aggressive Driving

Drivers who speed through work zones cannot stop or swerve in time. Aggressive lane changes and tailgating make things worse in areas that are already packed with traffic.

Distracted Driving

Drivers who focus on phones, GPS, or the construction activity instead of the road cause many work zone crashes. Distracted driving accounts for more than 20% of Summerville crashes. These zones demand extra focus, but many drivers fail to give it. This leads to more construction zone collisions.

Environmental Factors

Missing or unclear signage
Poor barriers that fail to protect workers
Potholes, debris, and uneven surfaces
Drivers who do not know the altered traffic patterns

When construction companies fail to maintain safety standards, they may face liability claims.

Construction Zone Crash Statistics

Summerville sees more than 3 crashes per day on average. Large trucks make things even worse — they are involved in about 30% of work zone crashes. When a truck accident happens in a construction zone, the results are often catastrophic due to the vehicle’s size and weight.

Who Is Liable?

Construction zone crashes differ from normal car accidents because multiple parties may share blame. Figuring out who is at fault requires careful review.

Possible Liable Parties

The at-fault driver — For speeding, distraction, or other negligent driving
Construction companies — For bad signage, missing barriers, or unsafe conditions
Government agencies — For defective roads or poor warnings
Equipment makers — For defective equipment that caused the crash

Comparative Negligence

South Carolina uses a comparative negligence system. Fault can be split among multiple parties. For example, a driver might be 60% at fault for speeding, while a construction company is 40% at fault for bad signage. You can still recover money even if you share some blame, but your award is reduced by your share of fault.

Serious Injuries From Work Zone Crashes

The tight spaces, poor visibility, and heavy equipment in work zones make injuries worse than in normal crashes.

Traumatic brain injuries — Concussions, skull fractures, and brain bleeds that may cause lasting disability
Spinal cord injuries — Can cause partial or full paralysis and need lifetime care
Broken bones — Compound fractures may lead to infection, disability, or amputation
Whiplash and soft tissue damage — Neck strain, shoulder injuries, and chronic pain
Wrongful death — Families can pursue claims for funeral costs, lost income, and loss of companionship

What to Do After a Construction Zone Crash

Your actions right after the crash can make or break your case:

Get Safe and Document the Scene

Call 911 if anyone is hurt
Take photos of vehicle damage, road conditions, equipment, signage, and barriers
Note the weather and lighting

Get Witness Info

Get names and phone numbers from anyone who saw the crash. Witness statements are often key in proving who was at fault.

See a Doctor

Get medical care right away, even if you feel fine. Some injuries show up hours or days later. Medical records link your injuries to the crash.

Report the Crash

Tell your insurer, but keep your statement short. Do not admit fault or guess about the cause. Note the construction company name and any safety violations you saw.

Call a Lawyer

Contact an experienced construction accident attorney as soon as you can. These cases involve complex liability and multiple defendants. Crantford Meehan is available around the clock. Call (843) 832-1120.

How These Cases Differ From Normal Car Crashes

Multiple Liable Parties

Instead of one at-fault driver, you may have claims against the driver, the construction company, equipment makers, and government agencies — each with its own insurance and legal defenses.

Bigger Insurance Policies

Construction companies carry work zone insurance with higher limits than normal auto policies. This can mean more money for your claim.

Government Immunity

South Carolina gives limited immunity to government agencies, but this does not shield them from all claims. Claims against the government often have shorter deadlines and special notice rules.

How Crantford Meehan Handles These Cases

Investigation

We dig into construction company records, regulatory compliance, and road conditions. We find every liable party and pursue claims against each.

Dedicated Representation

We negotiate with insurers, construction companies, and government agencies to get you the most money. When a fair deal cannot be reached, we take cases to trial.

What You Can Recover

Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
Lost wages during recovery
Lost earning power for permanent disability
Pain and suffering
Permanent disability damages

No Fees Unless We Win

We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case.

Free Consultation

We offer free consultations to review your claim. Contact Crantford Meehan today to protect your rights.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do right after a construction zone crash?

Call 911. Take photos of the scene, vehicles, equipment, and signage. Get witness contact info. See a doctor even if you feel fine. Report the crash to your insurer without admitting fault. Call a lawyer right away.

Who is liable for a construction zone crash?

Multiple parties may share blame:

The at-fault driver
Construction companies (for bad signage, poor barriers, or unsafe conditions)
Government agencies (for defective roads or poor warnings)
Equipment makers (for defective equipment)

South Carolina’s comparative negligence rule lets you recover even if you share some blame.

How much money can I get?

It depends on your injuries, medical costs, lost wages, and how the crash affects your life. Construction company insurance often has higher limits. An attorney can review your case and give you an honest estimate.

How long do I have to file a claim?

South Carolina gives you three years from the date of the crash. But claims against government agencies may have shorter deadlines. Act fast to protect your rights.

Can I recover money if I was partly at fault?

Yes. Your award is reduced by your share of blame. For example, if you were 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you get $80,000.

Why do I need a lawyer?

Construction zone cases involve complex liability, multiple defendants, and specialized insurance. Construction companies and government agencies have experienced defense teams. You need a lawyer who can level the playing field and fight for full payment.