Road construction zones present some of the most dangerous driving conditions in South Carolina. A Summerville construction zone car accident is a serious risk when projects alter traffic patterns, reduce lanes, and introduce equipment and workers into roadways. These changes significantly increase the risk of accidents and require extra caution from drivers.
Summerville residents face this challenge regularly, particularly with the SC 41 Wando River Bridge improvements—an ongoing project creating significant construction zone hazards. Understanding how construction zones create hazards, who bears responsibility when accidents occur, and what steps to take after a crash can protect your rights and help you recover fair compensation.
If you’ve been injured in a construction zone accident, the experienced legal team at Crantford Meehan can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
Why Road Construction Zones Create Dangerous Driving Conditions
Construction zones fundamentally change how drivers navigate roadways. Lane narrowing forces vehicles into closer proximity, reducing reaction time and increasing the likelihood of collisions.
Altered Roadways
Sudden stops become more frequent as traffic flows through bottlenecks created by equipment placement and lane closures. Construction barriers, equipment, and dust clouds reduce visibility, preventing drivers from seeing hazards ahead.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Driver behavior often deteriorates in construction zones. Speeding increases as drivers attempt to navigate through congested areas quickly.
Speeding and aggressive driving through work zones often result in collisions. Drivers who exceed the posted speed limit in a construction zone reduce their ability to stop or maneuver around obstacles. Aggressive lane changes and tailgating increase the risk of collisions in already congested areas. Understanding these common causes helps establish liability in the event of an accident.
Distracted Driving
Distracted driving becomes more prevalent when drivers focus on construction signage rather than the road. Aggressive lane changes occur as motorists try to avoid slower traffic or construction equipment. These dangerous behaviors contribute significantly to the high rate of construction zone collisions.
Distracted driving accounts for more than 20 percent of Summerville accidents. Construction zones demand heightened driver attention, yet many motorists focus on phones, navigation systems, or construction activity rather than the road ahead. This dangerous behavior frequently contributes to construction zone collisions.
Environmental Factors
Unclear or missing signage and inadequate barriers fail to warn drivers of hazards or protect workers. Defective equipment and poor road conditions—potholes, debris, uneven surfaces—create additional dangers.
Driver unfamiliarity with altered traffic patterns causes hesitation, sudden stops, and erratic maneuvers that trigger collisions. When construction companies fail to maintain proper safety standards, they may face liability for resulting accidents.
Construction Zone Accident Statistics in South Carolina
Construction zone accidents in South Carolina reveal the severity of this problem. According to the 2022 South Carolina Traffic Collision Fact Book, construction zones recorded 2,544 collisions statewide. These crashes resulted in 723 injury accidents and 19 fatal accidents—a stark reminder that construction zone accidents carry serious consequences. You can find all the South Carolina Traffic Collision Fact Books at the South Carolina Department of Public Safety.
Local Accident Rates
Summerville and Dorchester County experience particularly high accident rates. Dorchester County records more than 4,500 vehicle accidents annually. Summerville accounts for approximately 1,350 of those accidents—roughly 30 percent of the county’s total. This means Summerville experiences an average of more than 3 crashes per day. These statistics underscore why residents need access to experienced legal representation after accidents.
Large trucks present additional hazards in construction zones. Commercial vehicles are involved in approximately 30 percent of work zone crashes. When a truck accident occurs in a construction zone, the consequences often prove catastrophic due to the vehicle’s size, weight, and stopping distance requirements. Victims of truck accidents in construction zones may face particularly severe injuries requiring specialized legal expertise to pursue maximum compensation.
Liability in Construction Zone Accidents
Construction zone accidents differ fundamentally from standard traffic collisions because multiple parties may bear responsibility. Determining liability requires careful analysis of each party’s actions and duties. This complexity is why experienced legal representation proves essential for accident victims.
Who Is At Fault?
The at-fault driver bears responsibility when their negligence causes an accident. However, construction companies also face liability when they fail to maintain safe conditions. Government agencies responsible for road maintenance and oversight may bear liability for defective road conditions or insufficient warnings. Understanding comparative negligence principles helps accident victims pursue fair compensation.
What Is Comparative Negligence?
South Carolina applies a comparative negligence standard to accident cases. This means fault can be apportioned among multiple parties based on their degree of responsibility. A driver might be 60 percent at fault for speeding, while a construction company might be 40 percent at fault for inadequate signage. You can recover damages from the at-fault parties even if you bear some responsibility, though your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Who Faces Liability for Accidents?
- Construction companies carry specific insurance coverage for work zone accidents.
- Government entities may claim sovereign immunity in certain circumstances, though this protection has limits.
- Equipment manufacturers may face liability if defective equipment contributes to an accident.
- Regulatory violations serve as evidence of negligence. When construction companies violate OSHA standards, fail to maintain required signage, or breach traffic control protocols, these violations demonstrate breach of duty and support liability claims.
Serious Injuries from Construction Zone Crashes
Construction zone accidents frequently result in severe, life-altering injuries. The confined spaces, reduced visibility, and presence of heavy equipment amplify injury severity compared to standard traffic accidents. Victims often require extensive medical treatment and long-term care.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) and Head Trauma
Traumatic brain injuries and head trauma occur when impact forces cause the brain to move within the skull. Concussions, skull fractures, and brain hemorrhages can result in cognitive impairment, memory loss, personality changes, and long-term disability. These catastrophic injuries often require specialized medical care and ongoing treatment.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis represent catastrophic consequences of construction zone accidents. Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis, requiring lifetime care and adaptive equipment. Victims facing these life-altering injuries deserve maximum compensation to cover medical expenses and lost earning capacity.
Broken Bones and Fractures
Broken bones and fractures heal slowly and often incompletely. Compound fractures involving multiple breaks or bone penetration through skin carry infection risks and may result in permanent disability or amputation. Back and neck injuries cause chronic pain and limited mobility. Herniated discs, spinal fractures, and nerve damage can produce lifelong consequences affecting work capacity and quality of life.
Whiplash and Soft Tissue Damage
Whiplash and soft tissue damage from sudden acceleration-deceleration forces cause neck strain, shoulder injuries, and chronic pain conditions.
Wrongful Death
Wrongful death claims arise when construction zone accidents prove fatal. Families of deceased victims can pursue claims for funeral expenses, lost income, and loss of companionship.
What to Do Immediately After a Construction Zone Accident
Your actions immediately following a construction zone accident significantly impact your legal claim and recovery. First, call emergency services if anyone requires medical attention. Even injuries that seem minor may have serious underlying consequences that emerge later.
Prioritize Safety and Document the Accident Scene
Document the scene thoroughly. Take photographs of vehicle damage, road conditions, construction equipment placement, signage (or lack thereof), barriers, and the overall scene. Photograph the weather conditions and lighting. These images provide crucial evidence of hazardous conditions that may support your liability claim.
Gather Witness Information
Obtain names, phone numbers, and addresses from anyone who saw the accident. Witness testimony often proves critical in establishing liability, particularly in cases involving construction zone hazards.
Seek Medical Attention
Seek medical attention promptly, even if you feel fine. Some injuries may manifest hours or days after an accident. Medical records create documentation of your injuries and establish the connection between the accident and your medical condition.
Report the Accident
Report the accident to your insurance company, but limit your statements. Provide basic information without admitting fault or speculating about the accident’s cause. Preserve evidence of construction zone hazards. Note the construction company name, project details, and any violations you observed. Photograph construction signage, barriers, and equipment.
Get Legal Representation
Contact an experienced construction accident attorney as soon as possible. Construction zone accidents involve complex liability issues and multiple potential defendants. An attorney protects your rights and ensures you pursue all responsible parties. Crantford Meehan offers 24-hour availability to help accident victims protect their legal rights. Call (843) 832-1120
How Construction Zone Accidents Differ from Standard Car Accidents
Construction zone accidents present unique legal challenges that distinguish them from standard traffic collisions.
Multiple Liable Parties
Multiple liable parties complicate claims significantly. Rather than pursuing insurance from a single at-fault driver, construction zone accident claims may involve multiple parties, including the driver, construction company, equipment manufacturer, and government agency—each with distinct insurance coverage and potential legal defenses.
Construction Companies’ Insurance
Construction companies carry specific insurance coverage designed for work zone accidents. These policies often include higher limits than standard auto insurance, potentially providing greater recovery opportunities.
Government Immunity
Government immunity considerations affect claims against state and local agencies. South Carolina law provides limited immunity to government entities, but this protection does not shield them from all liability. Establishing government negligence requires careful legal analysis.
OSHA Standards and Violations
Regulatory violations serve as powerful evidence in construction zone accident cases. When construction companies violate OSHA standards, fail to maintain required signage, or breach traffic control protocols, these violations demonstrate negligence and support liability claims.
Work zones carry heightened duty of care requirements. Construction companies and government agencies must maintain safer conditions than standard roadways because they control the hazardous environment.
How You Defend Yourself
Crantford Meehan brings extensive experience handling complex multi-party construction accident claims. Our attorneys are well-versed in the regulatory framework governing construction zones, the insurance coverage available, and the litigation strategies necessary to hold all responsible parties accountable. Our legal team successfully recovered substantial compensation for clients injured in construction zone accidents throughout South Carolina.
Protecting Your Rights After a Construction Zone Accident in Summerville
Construction zone accident claims require specialized legal expertise. An attorney experienced in construction accident litigation understands the unique liability issues, regulatory requirements, and insurance coverage involved.
Investigation
The Crantford Meehan approach to construction zone accident cases begins with thorough investigation. We examine construction company records, regulatory compliance documentation, and expert analysis of road conditions and traffic control measures. We identify all potentially liable parties and pursue claims against each.
Dedicated Representation
Our attorneys conduct dedicated representation on behalf of injured clients. We negotiate with insurance companies, construction companies, and government agencies to secure maximum compensation. When settlement negotiations fail, we litigate cases through trial.
Getting Compensation
Compensation available in construction zone accident cases includes medical expenses—past, present, and future. We pursue recovery for lost wages during recovery periods and for permanent disability that affects earning capacity. Pain and suffering damages compensate for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. Permanent disability damages address long-term consequences of serious injuries.
You Don’t Pay Unless You Win
Crantford Meehan represents clients on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront costs. We advance case expenses and recover our fees only when we secure compensation for you. This arrangement aligns our interests with yours—we succeed only when you recover.
We’re Here Whenever You Need Us
Our firm maintains 24-hour availability for accident victims. We understand that accidents can occur at any time, and immediate legal guidance is essential to protect your rights. We develop personalized case strategies tailored to your specific circumstances and the severity of your injury.
Get a Free Consultation
We offer free consultations to evaluate your construction zone accident claim. During this consultation, we explain your legal rights, discuss potential liability, and outline the path forward. Contact Crantford Meehan today to protect your rights and pursue fair compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a construction zone accident in Summerville?
Call emergency services if anyone requires medical attention. Document the scene with photographs of vehicle damage, road conditions, construction equipment, signage, and barriers. Gather witness information. Seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor. Report the accident to your insurance company without admitting fault. Preserve evidence of construction zone hazards. Contact an experienced construction accident attorney to protect your rights.
Who is liable for a construction zone accident in South Carolina?
Multiple parties may bear liability in construction zone accidents. The at-fault driver bears responsibility for negligent driving. Construction companies face liability for inadequate safety measures, poor signage, or insufficient barriers. Government agencies may bear liability for defective road conditions or inadequate warnings. Equipment manufacturers may face liability for defective equipment. South Carolina’s comparative negligence standard allows recovery even if you bear partial fault, though your recovery is reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
How much compensation can I receive for a construction zone accident?
Compensation depends on injury severity, medical expenses, lost wages, and long-term disability. Cases may recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and permanent disability damages. Serious injuries resulting in catastrophic consequences may warrant six or seven-figure recoveries. An experienced attorney evaluates your specific circumstances to determine appropriate compensation.
What makes construction zone accidents different from regular car accidents?
Construction zone accidents involve multiple liable parties, including construction companies and government agencies. Construction companies carry specific insurance coverage for work zone accidents. Regulatory violations serve as evidence of negligence. Work zones carry heightened duty of care requirements. Government immunity considerations affect claims against state and local agencies. These factors require specialized legal expertise to navigate successfully.
How long do I have to file a claim after a construction zone accident?
South Carolina’s statute of limitations generally allows three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, claims against government entities may have shorter notice requirements. Prompt action protects your rights and preserves evidence. Contact an attorney immediately after an accident to ensure compliance with all deadlines.
Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault in a construction zone accident?
Yes. South Carolina applies comparative negligence, allowing recovery even if you bear partial fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of responsibility. For example, if you were 20 percent at fault and your damages total $100,000, you recover $80,000. An experienced attorney maximizes your recovery by minimizing your assigned fault percentage.
Why do I need a lawyer for a construction zone accident claim?
Construction zone accident claims involve complex liability issues, multiple defendants, and specialized insurance coverage. Construction companies and government agencies employ experienced defense attorneys. An experienced construction accident attorney levels the playing field, thoroughly investigates the case, identifies all liable parties, and pursues maximum compensation. We handle all legal matters, allowing you to focus on recovery.
Contact Crantford Meehan for Your Construction Zone Accident Claim
If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a construction zone accident in Summerville or elsewhere in South Carolina, Crantford Meehan stands ready to help. Our attorneys and staff bring decades of combined experience in handling complex personal injury cases, including those involving construction zone accidents. We understand the unique challenges these cases present and know how to hold all responsible parties accountable.
William C. Crantford and Jerry A. Meehan Jr. are both AV-rated attorneys and Trial Lawyers College graduates. They bring trial advocacy expertise and a commitment to dedicated client representation. Our firm maintains offices in Charleston, Summerville, and Florence to serve clients throughout the state of South Carolina.
We offer complimentary consultations to assess your claim and discuss your legal options. We represent clients on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Contact Crantford Meehan at (843) 832-1120 or visit our website to schedule your free consultation. Available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
