Construction Traffic Accidents

Many construction workers perform their jobs from or alongside our roadways.  They must operate equipment and walk on shoulders and cross bridges next to speeding cars, speeding trucks, speeding SUVs, speeding buses, and speeding tractor trailers that to not slow down, do not yield, and do not move over to avoid striking a construction worker. 

Frequently, the roadways are not closed to prevent traffic accidents – so construction workers have no choice but to sit, stand or drive within inches of thousands of cars and trucks, many of whom are operated by drivers: 

  • talking to their passengers;
  • talking on their cell phones;
  • soothing restless children;
  • eating;
  • reading the newspaper;
  • shaving; and
  • applying makeup.

When drivers do not follow the rules, construction workers are at increased risk for being hit by passing vehicles, hit by passing cars, hit by passing trucks, pinned between vehicles and walls, and crushed in roadway accidents that take place as cars and trucks approach construction sites and reduced speed zones. 

In addition to a claim against those who hit them, a construction worker may have a claim against those who were responsible for construction site safety. 

New York State has special laws, known as “Labor Laws” that protect construction workers from injury or, if injured, that permit construction workers to recover from some or all of the people or companies that caused or contributed to their injury.  The specific provisions of the New York State Labor Law are: 

  • Section 200;
  • Section 240; and
  • Section 241(6).
Section 200 is a general provision that requires jobsite owners and contractors, and their agents, to provide a safe workplace for construction workers and lawful visitors, and imposes liability for injuries sustained at an unsafe workplace.  Section 240 is a specific provision concerning precautions that must be taken to prevent construction site falls, or falls from a height, and liability for fall-related injuries.  Section 241(6) is a specific provision concerning steps that must be taken to ensure compliance with the New York State Industrial Code, and liability for violations of the New York State Industrial Code.

The trial lawyers at Bottar Law, PLLC, have decades of experience investigating, prosecuting and trying to verdict cases involving construction site traffic accidents.  If you or a loved have been hit by a car while working at a jobsite, you and your family may be entitled to compensation for lifelong health care, medical expenses, medical bills, loss of income, and pain and suffering. 

To discuss your case or concerns with an experienced Central New York construction car accident attorney, contact us now at (315) 422-3466, (800) 336-LAWS, or by e-mail at info@bottarleone.com.