I-35 Construction Accident Claims in Texas

If local construction zones are dangerous, then construction zones on interstates are a recipe for disaster. In 2021, the Texas Department of Transportation reported over 26,000 road traffic accidents in interstate construction zones. These crashes resulted in 244 fatalities and 856 severe injuries. 

Multiple factors can lead to car accidents in interstate construction zones, but these incidents can also involve construction workers operating vehicles or oversized equipment. In Texas, this is especially true on I-35, with its construction, traffic congestion, and factors such as tractor-trailers, distracted driving, and speeding. I-35 is considered extremely dangerous and is rated as one of the deadliest highways not only in Texas, but nationwide as well. 

If you were recently injured in a construction zone car accident on Interstate 35, you could be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more. The experienced Texas car accident lawyers at the Law Office of Sandy McCorquodale, P.C., can help. Call us today to schedule a confidential case consultation.  

How Does Texas Define Construction Zones?

Construction zones, also referred to as “work zones,” are stretches of roadway designated for maintenance, repair, or improvement activities carried out by road crews. Construction zones are usually indicated by flashing lights, signs, barriers, or barrels, and require drivers to operate at reduced speeds. Workers do not have to be on-site and working in order for these areas to be considered construction zones.  

Who Is Liable for An I-35 Construction Zone Accident?

Like any car accident, figuring out who’s responsible for a crash in a Texas construction zone can be complicated. Fault isn’t always clear, and Texas has its own set of rules that apply specifically to construction and work areas.

The Construction Company

A Texas car accident lawyer can help you prove fault. Construction companies have a legal and moral duty to provide safe working environments for their employees, ensure their workers are properly trained, and maintain safe passage for the public. If a construction worker is determined to be at fault for an accident, the construction company could bear liability for your damages.  

Common causes of I-35 accidents where the construction company could be liable include:

• Poor design: The layout of the work zone forces drivers to make sudden or unsafe maneuvers.
• Improper signage: Warning signs or barriers are missing, misplaced, or inaccurate.
• Equipment interference: Construction machinery blocks or restricts the safe flow of traffic.
• Untrained workers: Operators of construction vehicles or equipment lack proper training.

The Driver

The majority of car accidents on Interstate 35 in Texas are the result of reckless and distracted driving. Scenarios in which the other driver could bear liability for a construction zone accident include:  

• The driver was recklessly operating their vehicle, including sudden lane changes or speeding. Due to the added risks, speed limits in I-35 construction zones are generally lower than normal to protect both drivers and construction workers.
• The driver was distracted, such as making a phone call or texting while behind the wheel.

Texas and Modified Comparative Fault

Even if you are unsure about who is at fault for your accident, you might still be able to file a claim for your Interstate 35 car accident. Texas follows the rules of modified comparative fault. This means if you are found to be more than 51% at fault, you could still be eligible to collect partial damages if a court or judge rules in your favor. A skilled Texas car accident lawyer from the Law Office of Sandy McCorquodale, P.C., can evaluate your case, assess your damages, determine your eligibility for compensation, and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.

Contact the Law Office of Sandy McCorquodale, P.C.

If you were recently injured in a car accident in a construction zone on I-35 in Texas, you may be entitled to damages for your medical bills and other accident-related losses. To schedule a confidential legal consultation, call our firm at (833) 712-4472 or fill out the quick contact form on our website.