What Happens When a Construction Worker is Struck by a Vehicle?

One of the most common construction projects you might see in New York is road work. Roads are of course one of the most vital parts of our society, and they need to be constantly repaired and maintained. This means that hundreds of construction laborers are working on roadside construction projects at any given time in the state of New York. Unfortunately, working on the side of the road comes with its own set of problematic dangers. The risk of being struck by a car while working is quite high.

So, what should you do if you have been struck by a vehicle while working on a roadside construction project? Your first step should be to get in touch with a qualified, experienced personal injury attorney in New York. These legal professionals can listen to your situation during a consultation and make recommendations based on the unique circumstances of your accident. They can also guide you forward, negotiate on your behalf, represent you in court, and ensure that you receive a fair settlement.

SUV Barrels into Brooklyn Construction Site

On August 7th of 2021, it was reported that the driver of an SUV had crashed into a construction site in Brooklyn after completely losing control of their vehicle. For whatever reason, the driver went over the curb and into the construction site, driving for a considerable amount of time before finally coming to a stop within the construction site itself. Fortunately, this particular incident resulted in just a few minor injuries suffered by the driver. No workers were harmed. But this incident shows that vehicles can easily find their way into construction sites, potentially harming workers.

Who Can I Sue?

If you have been injured by a wayward vehicle while working on a construction site, you may be wondering who you can sue. The answer is actually quite varied. Depending on the unique circumstances of your accident, there are a number of people you could potentially sue. The one entity you cannot sue is your own employer, since they are covered under Workers’ Compensation. However, you can file a claim through Workers’ Compensation in addition to your lawsuit.

The most obvious approach is to treat this like a normal pedestrian accident. If you are working on the side of the road and a vehicle hits you, it is possible to hold the driver liable for your injuries. This is because all drivers must slow down and drive with caution when approaching a construction site. If they have struck a worker, they obviously failed to do this. When you sue a negligent driver in this scenario, you will typically receive a settlement through their insurance company.

You may also sue the property owner or general contractor if you believe they provided you with inadequate protection against traffic hazards. This may be a good idea if the driver successfully argues that traffic signage was inadequate around the construction site.

Enlist the Help of a Qualified Attorney Today

If you have been struck by a vehicle while working on a roadside construction project in New York, reach out to The Glassman Law Group as soon as possible. We have helped numerous construction workers pursue legal action after suffering injuries, and we are passionate about helping laborers receive fair, adequate compensation. Your settlement will give you the ability to cover medical expenses, missed wages, and any other damages you might have incurred. Book your consultation today.