Getting into a construction zone car accident in WA can come with a variety of challenges for Washington residents. Especially when it comes to Seattle roadwork crash liability, you need to understand how this type of situation is different from the average auto accident.
At NBF Accident Law, our car accident attorneys in Seattle are dedicated to providing our clients with the best possible legal representation. Our auto accident lawyers will work tirelessly on your behalf as you file your claim, gather evidence, and negotiate a settlement.
Common Hazards from Road Construction
Construction zone car accidents in WA, while not incredibly common, can occur. These types of accidents come with a unique set of challenges and issues, especially if you weren’t the one responsible for the accident.
There are many ways that road construction can create hazards for drivers, resulting in a collision that could have otherwise been avoided. Here are some examples of how this could happen:
- Poorly maintained roads resulting in a tire blowout or limited control over the vehicle.
- Unclear construction signage or confusing detours.
- Blocked visibility or narrow lanes.
- Construction equipment or construction debris on the road.
If you are the victim of a construction zone car accident in WA, as a result of any of these hazards, you need to hire an attorney. An auto accident attorney can help you navigate the situation, ensuring you file a strong claim that proves negligence.
Who Can Be Held Liable in Construction-Related Accidents?
Now that you know what construction zone incidents could result in a road hazard accident in Seattle, who can be held liable? Determining Seattle roadwork crash liability is essential for when you file your claim. If you aren’t able to show that another party was clearly liable for the accident, you may not be able to get the compensation you need.
Here are some examples of the different people or entities that could be negligent.
Drivers
No matter the situation, Washington drivers hold a certain level of responsibility when it comes to how they behave on the road. So, drivers must adjust their behavior to accommodate road conditions, even if they are out of the ordinary.
For example, drivers could be held negligent if they fail to drive more slowly in construction zones or fail to read the signage.
Government Entities
Especially when it comes to construction zone accidents, you may be able to prove that government entities were responsible. Municipalities are responsible for maintaining roadways, ensuring they are safe for Washington drivers. If they failed to do this, you may be able to hold your city, country, or state liable for the accident.
Third-Parties
Additionally, other third parties may be negligent when it comes to construction zone collisions. Negligence may fall on contractors or construction companies hired to do work in that area. Examples of when this may be the case include instances where there wasn’t proper construction signage, there was limited visibility, or there was construction debris on the road.
How to Prove Negligence
Because government entities deal with a lot of lawsuits, it is essential that you take every step possible to thoroughly prove negligence. Without adequate proof, it is very likely that your claim would be dismissed, resulting in you not getting the compensation you need.
Because of this, you need to go above and beyond when gathering evidence to prove how the accident occurred and who was liable. To do this, you need to document the scene with photos or videos to showcase hazards and how the accident occurred. You also need to file a police report about the accident and get medical attention to establish any medical evidence.
Also, you should get the help of an attorney as soon as possible, as they will be able to help you take the next steps of your claim.
Suing a Government Agency in Washington
Before you move forward with a DOT lawsuit in Washington, you need to understand how to sue a government agency. Unlike auto accidents involving other drivers, suing a government entity comes with its own set of rules and guidelines.
Here are some of the rules you must follow in order to successfully file a claim against a Washington state government or entity:
- You must first file a claim with the Washington State Office of Risk Management with a tort claim form.
- After filing the tort claim, you must wait 60 days before filing a lawsuit.
- During the 60-day wait period, the office of risk management may offer you a settlement, which you can take instead of filing a lawsuit.
FAQ:
Can I sue the city or DOT for a construction-related crash?
In many instances, you can sue the city or DOT for a construction-related accident if you are able to prove that these government entities were responsible.
What if another driver caused the accident in a construction zone?
In this situation, you would most likely file your claim directly against the other driver, just like you would in any other auto accident. However, you may also want to file a claim against a government entity responsible for the construction zone if it directly contributed to the accident.
How do I prove road construction contributed to the accident?
You will need to document the site of the collision thoroughly, just like you would any other auto accident. So, you may be able to prove fault through things like photographs, eye witness accounts, police reports, and video footage.
Contact an Auto Accident Lawyer at NBF Accident Law
If you have been in a construction zone car accident in WA, you need to understand how this will impact liability. Car accident construction negligence can be quite complex, which is why you need to use every resource available when proving liability.
At NBF Accident Law, our auto accident lawyers will fight purposefully on behalf of our clients, helping you to navigate the complexities of suing a government agency. We can help you with every step of the process, from gathering evidence to filing your claim to proving liability.
Contact us today at 206-923-8888 to schedule a consultation with one of our attorneys.
