Texas construction accidents lawyers with Jim S. Adler & Associates represent family members of an auto accident fatality and victims seriously injured in a car accident that occurred in a highway construction zone. Texas leads the nation in the number of fatalities and injuries in highway construction work zones.

However, the construction sites themselves aren't necessarily the cause. In Texas, contributing factors include a longer construction season and more highways under construction at any given time. Also, in a majority of cases, driver inattention and carelessness within construction sites contribute significantly to safety problems. Visibility and a driver's ability to easily detect upcoming work zones are critical safety issues. The sooner drivers become aware of highway construction sites, the sooner they can maneuver safely through them.

Jim S. Adler & Associates' construction zone safety tips

• Stay alert and give full attention to the roadway.
• Pay close attention to signs and work zone flaggers.
• Turn on headlights so workers and other drivers can see your vehicle.
• Do not tailgate - leave plenty of room for those sudden stops.
• Do not speed. Slow down to the posted speed limits.
• Keep up with the traffic flow.
• Do not change lanes in work zones.
• Minimize distractions in vehicles. Avoid changing radio stations and using
  cell phones.
• Expect the unexpected.
• Keep an eye on workers and their equipment.
• Be patient. Remember work zones are necessary to improve roads and make them safer.

Minor accidents in construction zones

One of the biggest frustrations for drivers is sitting in a traffic jam and then seeing that the traffic tangle was caused by a fender bender not moved off the roadway. It may make you feel better to know that this is actually illegal in Colorado and many other states. There is a little known law (Colorado Revised Statues 42-4-1602) that says motorists involved in minor accidents on divided highways must move their vehicles off the road if possible. Do this only if the vehicle is drivable, no drugs or alcohol are involved, and there are no injuries.

If you are involved in an accident on the highway:

1. Assess the situation.

   • Injuries? Stay put, and call 911 immediately.
   • Determine if vehicles are drivable.
   • Determine if drugs or alcohol are involved.
2. Move your car to a safe place.
   • If your car is drivable, move it to the shoulder, an emergency pullout, or off-ramp shoulder.
3. Call 911.

   • Notify the 911 operator of your accident and location.
   • TIP: I-25 has painted mile markers on the concrete median barriers in the construction zones.
4. Exchange information.
   • Name, address, phone number, driver's license number, license plate number, vehicle make, model, year, color, insurance carrier and policy number.

DISCLAIMER: The Texas law firm of Jim S. Adler & Associates, located at 3D/International Tower, 1900 West Loop South, 20th Floor, Houston, Texas 77027, is licensed to practice law in Texas, but also works in conjunction with local and outside attorneys to litigate claims in other states, as is  necessary, including these states:

Alabama | Alaska | Arizona | Arkansas | California | Colorado | Connecticut | Delaware | Florida | Georgia | Hawaii | Idaho | Illinois | Indiana | Iowa | Kansas | Kentucky | Louisiana | Maine | Maryland | Massachusetts | Michigan | Minnesota | Mississippi | Missouri | Montana | Nebraska | Nevada | New Hampshire | New Jersey | New Mexico | New York | North Carolina | North Dakota | Ohio | Oklahoma | Oregon | Pennsylvania | Rhode Island | South Carolina | South Dakota | Tennessee | Utah | Vermont | Virginia | Washington | West Virginia | Wisconsin | Wyoming

Jim S. Adler & Associates also has offices at City Place Building, 2711 North Haskell Ave., Suite 2100 LB40, Dallas, Texas 75204-2887; Bank of America, 12605 East Freeway, Suite 400, Houston, Texas 77015-5619 (serving Channelview, Texas); and San Pedro Plaza, 7330 San Pedro Ave., Suite 700, San Antonio, Texas 78216-6237.

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