Work-related vehicle accidents can occur to anyone, even if you do not drive for a living. While the last thing a construction worker might be worrying about is getting into an accident while on site. Unfortunately, they occur all too often. If you or a loved one was hurt in a vehicle accident on the job, you may be eligible to recover compensation. Call a New York work-related vehicle accident lawyer for help.
The attorneys at Buttafuoco & Associates have the experience you need to recover the compensation you deserve: 1-800-NOW-HURT.
Types of Construction Vehicle Accidents
Vehicle accidents on road construction sites are very common at all times of the day. According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), from 2003-2010, over 950 workers were killed in road construction accidents. The primary cause of death was being struck by a vehicle.
While the risk of vehicle accidents is high on road construction sites, it is not absent from other types of construction sites. Any site with vehicles in use, such as dump trucks and bulldozers, carries a risk for vehicle accidents.
A vehicle accident may occur while inside the vehicle or outside of the vehicle. Driver or passenger injuries usually involve running into another vehicle or fixed object. Accidents that occur outside of the vehicle occur when a worker is accidentally in the path of a moving vehicle.
Backover accidents are very common with large vehicles, as the driver cannot see well enough behind the vehicle to notice human obstacles. From 2005 to 2010, the Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) reported the following:
- 16 fatalities from pick-up truck backovers
- 20 from garbage truck backovers
- 21 from forklift backovers
- 30 from truck backovers
- 40 from semi or tractor-trailer backovers
- 67 from dump truck backovers
Vehicle accidents might be more common on construction sites for several reasons. The hectic and fast-paced nature of the workplace can distract vehicle operators, especially when attempting to back up or transfer materials.
The noise of a construction site can also prevent workers from hearing backup alarms, horns, or the sound of oncoming vehicles.
Common Injuries Resulting from Construction Vehicle Accidents
While a worker can suffer any of the common vehicle accident injuries, such as whiplash, sprains, spinal cord injury, or head trauma, there are several unique injuries that occur more often in these cases.
Run over and crush accidents are common on construction sites where heavy vehicles maneuver in tight spaces. These accidents might result in:
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Soft tissue damage
- Spontaneous amputation
- Crushing injuries requiring the need for delayed amputations
Seeking Damages after a Vehicle Accident
Vehicle accidents on construction sites are unique cases in that they may both be a workers’ compensation claim and a personal injury negligence claim. If a driver who is not part of the construction crew causes the accident, you might have the right to file a claim against the driver’s car insurance as an injured pedestrian.
The first thing to do is to file an injury claim with your employer. A workers’ compensation claim will qualify you for certain benefits. These benefits will provide for basic medical needs related to your accident and a portion of your normal wages during recovery.
To recover damages beyond workers’ compensation, you will need to file a personal injury claim against the third party that caused your accident.
Protecting Your Rights after a Vehicle Accident on a Construction Site
When a vehicle accident injures you on a construction site, you should not have to deal with the aftermath alone. You are entitled to medical care and wage compensation at the very least, and potentially more in a lawsuit against a negligent party.
Buttafuoco & Associates helps injured New York construction workers settle their workers’ compensation and workplace injury claims. Call 1-800-NOW-HURT for a free case review.
