Roadside Construction Zone Accidents Involving Motorcyclists

Over the course of 5 years, roadside construction sites have been the scene of close to 5,000 deaths and 200,000 injuries. 85% of these fatalities were motorists, not construction workers.

Motorcyclists are particularly vulnerable to accidents in a construction zone. If you were injured in a crash inside a road construction zone, you should immediately speak with a motorcycle accident attorney. Missouri has special laws that must be followed by a motorist upon entering a work area, but the state still has duty to protect individuals from harm. If a site is not properly maintained or equipped with signs, the state department of transportation may be liable for your injury.

Hazardous Conditions

Conditions that are known hazards to motorcycle enthusiasts are prevalent in construction zones such as: rocks and debris, uneven pavement, sudden stopped traffic and shifting lanes with no roadside shoulder. All of these can cause a sudden, severe accident to a motorcyclist. If a hazard in the road is unmarked or not visible in the dark you may have the right to file a claim for compensation. A Missouri biker successfully settled a claim with the Missouri Department of Transportation when he wrecked his motorcycle in a poorly lit construction zone. New asphalt was being laid, and there were no signs indicating that there was uneven pavement ahead. If a driver of a motorcycle makes a maneuver, such as a lane change, without knowing about an uneven roadway, he can lose control of his motorcycle and skid out. The driver in this case suffered a shoulder injury from the crash that needed to be surgically repaired. Thankfully no one else was hurt.

Last year a similar accident in Iowa killed a 44-year-old motorcycle rider. Similar to the Missouri case, the pavement was uneven and the driver lost control of his bike. There is a lot of activity and congested traffic while inside a construction zone. It is therefore difficult for a motorcyclist to be aware of all the hazards surrounding him under these conditions.

Safety in Construction Zones

Consider some things that can help keep a biker safe in a roadside construction zone:

• Be alert and give the roadway your full attention.
• Pay attention to and follow any posted signs or directives.
• Keep an eye out for the equipment, flaggers ,and workers.
• Remain calm and patient even when experiencing long delays
• Stay within the posted speed limit.
• Do not change lanes abruptly or tailgate other vehicles.

It is also important to be polite and remember that other motorists are just as anxious as you are to make it safely through the construction zone and continue on their way.

 St. Louis Motorcycle Accident Lawyers

Anytime that you are involved in a motorcycle collision, you should have an attorney evaluate your case. The specifics of each claim are vastly different and require some investigating in order to determine the best plan of action. Recovering from your injuries should be the number one priority, but having your medical bills and lost wages compensated is also important.

If you have been involved in a Missouri or Illinois motorcycle accident, contact the Zevan and Davidson Law Firm at (314) 588-7200 or fill out our Online Contact Form to request a free consultation.

photo credit: London looks