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Written by Jelena Tiemann and Peter B. Tiemann

Last Updated : December 22, 2021
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Sacramento Construction Zone Accident Lawyers

Were you in a car accident in a construction zone? Was it the result of inadequate warning signs or another driver’s carelessness? If so, you might be entitled to financial compensation. Since 1998, Tiemann Law Firm has represented clients in their injury cases to hold others liable for the harm they caused. You’ve suffered tremendously since the accident and shouldn’t be financially responsible for any of your expenses. You need a Sacramento car accident lawyer. We can help you pursue the compensation you need to cover all the costs associated with your case.

Although constructing new roadways and repairing existing ones is necessary, construction zones can create a hazard for drivers. Workers must place warning signs, create barriers, use adequate lighting at night, and take other precautions to facilitate traffic flow around the site. Failure to follow specific safety measures could result in a devastating accident. The construction worker or their employer could be at fault for your injuries if their actions were to blame for the crash.

Learn more about the legal services we offer and how we can help you after a car accident by calling Tiemann Law Firm at (916) 999-9000 for a free consultation with one of our Sacramento construction zone accident lawyers.

Common Causes of Construction Zone Accidents

Construction sites contain machinery, equipment, materials, and other hazards that could pose a risk to people driving by. It’s especially dangerous at night when there’s limited visibility. It’s not just the construction workers who are responsible for keeping motorists safe. Drivers should also maneuver their vehicles safely around construction zones so they don’t cause an accident.

Various factors could contribute to a car accident in a construction zone, such as:

  • Unexpected path – Revamping a highway might involve widening the road or moving the lanes. Traffic cones are in place, so drivers know the new path they’re supposed to take. Unfortunately, inattention or speeding may prevent the driver from noticing this change, resulting in a crash.
  • Missing barriers – Concrete barriers typically separate the road from the construction site. They inform drivers of the area where people are working, keeping them away. If there aren’t barriers, a motorist could drive straight into the construction site, causing injuries to the workers and themselves.
  • Inadequate warning signs – Warning signs should notify drivers that they’re about to enter a construction zone. Without these signs, it becomes a challenge to suddenly slow down or stop if a construction vehicle crosses the road or leaves the construction area.
  • Unsafe road conditions – Uneven pavement is common during road construction. However, markings should be clear so drivers know they’re approaching a dangerous part of the road and should slow down or change lanes. Without these markings, someone could hit the uneven pavement at high speed and lose control of their car.
  • Non-designated construction area – Equipment, materials, and debris left outside the designated construction site create hazards drivers must maneuver around. An unexpected piece of machinery in the road could cause a driver to panic, leading to a collision.
  • Driver inattention or errors – Construction workers and construction companies aren’t the only parties that could be held liable for an accident. The drivers you share the road with might be at fault if their negligent behaviors led to the crash.

Knowing who to hold responsible for a construction zone accident takes experience, knowledge, and skill. Tiemann Law Firm has been handling cases like yours for over two decades. We know how to investigate accident cases to determine who was at fault and recover full and fair financial compensation.

Laws You Must Follow After A Car Accident In Sacramento

There’s a fault system in California that determines who can be held liable after a car crash. A driver becomes financially responsible for injuries and losses if they cause an accident. Every motorist has a legal requirement to purchase auto insurance with liability coverage. If another driver involved in the accident was at fault for your injuries, you could file a claim with their liability insurance company.

Liability coverage requires minimum limits of:

  • $15,000 for bodily injury per person
  • $30,000 for bodily injury per accident
  • $5,000 for property damage

You can seek compensation up to the limits listed on the policy to cover the losses you suffered. These losses could include:

  • Physical impairment or disfigurement
  • Medical bills
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Property damage
  • Emotional distress
  • Lost wages
  • Lost earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering

If you choose to file a lawsuit against another driver or the construction company for their role in the accident, you would have to follow a strict deadline known as a statute of limitations. This is a timeframe for pursuing legal action against another person in the civil court system. California follows a two-year statute of limitations. You would have two years from the crash date to file your lawsuit, or you could lose your right to pursue compensation.

The amount of compensation you’re entitled to receive could diminish if the jury determines your actions partially contributed to the collision. The pure comparative negligence system in California reduces an accident victim’s losses by their percentage of shared fault. For example, if you suffered $20,000 in losses, but a jury assigns you 10%  of the fault for the accident, you could only pursue up to $18,000 in compensation.

Dealing With An Uninsured Driver

Even though the law requires every motorist to purchase liability insurance, many people drive around without it. If you’re involved in a construction zone accident with an uninsured driver, you might have other options for seeking compensation. Uninsured motorist (UM) is optional coverage available to every California driver. The auto insurance company should offer it to you when you purchase liability insurance. If you chose to opt-out, you won’t be able to file a UM claim.

However, if you have UM on your policy, you could file a claim for compensation for your medical bills and property damage. Most policies will also cover pain and suffering and lost wages. Tiemann Law Firm can request a copy of your policy to determine how much coverage is available and the losses your insurance company should compensate.

Pursuing Claims Against the Government

The city is another possible party that might be liable for the construction zone accident. Government entities are often responsible for constructing and maintaining roadways. Typically, sovereign immunity prevents anyone from filing lawsuits against them for accidents their employees cause. However, there is an exception to this rule.

You could potentially pursue compensation from the government if:

  • The accident occurred while a government employee was performing their job duties; and
  • The employee would be liable for your injuries if they were a private citizen.

Government agencies and employees know how to protect themselves during a legal case. If you intend to file a lawsuit against the state, city, or local municipality, it’s vital that you hire a Sacramento construction zone accident lawyer from Tiemann Law Firm. We know the laws, deadlines, and procedures we must follow to achieve a favorable outcome. You shouldn’t pursue this type of case on your own. You will likely encounter obstacles that you don’t know how to overcome and end up with a dismissed case.

You Might Be Entitled To Compensation for the Loss of A Loved One

If your family member died in a construction zone car accident, you should immediately contact Tiemann Law Firm. We can review the details of the case and determine if you deserve compensation from a wrongful death lawsuit.

California defines wrongful death as a person’s neglect or wrongful act leading to someone else’s death. You can only pursue this type of case if you are one of the following relatives:

  • Surviving spouse
  • Surviving domestic partner
  • Surviving child

If there isn’t a surviving spouse, partner, or child, the next person in line would be someone entitled to the deceased’s property through intestate succession.

Proof of financial dependence on the deceased could also qualify these family members to file a wrongful death lawsuit:

  • Surviving putative spouse and children they shared with the deceased
  • Surviving stepchildren
  • Surviving parents

Two forms of compensation exist in a wrongful death case. One is meant to compensate the estate for losses associated with the victim’s death. The other should compensate surviving family members for the losses they will likely suffer now that their loved one is gone. You could receive compensation for the following:

  • Funeral and burial costs
  • Loss of future financial support
  • Value of lost household services
  • Medical bills associated with the fatal injury
  • Loss of community, love, attention, support, guidance, and affection
  • Lost income, including future income the deceased would have been able to earn if they had survived

The statute of limitations in California for pursuing a wrongful death case is two years. You would have two years from the date your loved one died to sue the at-fault party. If the deadline passes, the court could dismiss your case if you attempt to file anyway.

Contact Tiemann Law Firm

If you suffered injuries in a car crash involving a construction site, do not hesitate to reach out to Tiemann Law Firm. Our dedicated and compassionate Sacramento construction zone accident lawyers will aggressively pursue the maximum financial award you need and deserve. You can depend on us to fight for justice and hold the at-fault party accountable for their actions.

Begin your recovery now by calling us at (916) 999-9000 for a free consultation.

Client Testimonials
Jennifer T. Testimonial
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I highly recommend The Tiemann Law Firm! I had never before been in a situation where I sustained injury and had to seek legal representation. I was nervous, traumatized, and had no idea what to expect. Jelena, Peter, and their staff walked me through each step of the process. They explained everything in detail. They patiently answered all my questions, responded quickly to every email, text message, phone call, etc. I felt totally prepared for each new phase of the legal process. Furthermore, they were fearless in their defense of me. In certain situations, when I felt attacked or scared my attorney protected me like I was family. Their diligence, honesty, integrity, and compassion provided a true sense of healing and closure for my family and I. The Tiemann Law Firm accomplished more for me than I ever thought possible and I am forever grateful.

S.B. Testimonial
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Here's the thing... Nobody really thinks much about lawyers until they need one.  Well, we needed one!  The Tieman Law Firm came through for us in a big way. They were professional, courteous, thorough, and had excellent staff as well.  Highly recommended...

Jereme S. Testimonial
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No one wants to have to hire a lawyer, but if you do. I prefer Tiemann Law. They helped a family member who was injured on the job, and the company did not want to compensate him even though, the injury occurred on the job on company time. Jelena was always professional in explaining the lengthy process of fighting a large corporation. 2 years later he finally is receiving the deserved compensation.

Hanna Padilla Testimonial
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From the very start of my case the Tiemann Law Firm was wonderful. Perter came all the way to my home to sit down and talk to me about my options. He made me and my partner feel very comfortable and promised us he would take the very best care of my case. Peter kept me informed every step of the way and was always on top of things. everything was done in a timely manor and I always felt like I was the only case he was working on because he was so fast. In the end Peter got me back way more money than I ever expected. I would recommend this law firm to everyone. I am very happy with the outcome of my case thanks to the Tiemann Law Firm! Thank you!

Matt H. Testimonial
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I was in a car accident a while back where I was injured and had to miss work for an extended period of time.  After nearly a year of fighting with the insurance company with no results and no progress, I met with Jelena Tiemann.  I couldn't have asked for a more responsive and supportive advocate.  We quickly reached a settlement and I finally was able to move from the stress and burden of feuding with my insurance.  I highly recommending meeting with Jelena if you're in need of a lawyer.