Construction work zones are part of daily life in California, whether you’re driving past a road repair site or walking under scaffolding in a busy downtown area. But when proper safety precautions aren’t followed, these zones can quickly become dangerous. Pedestrians, drivers, and workers alike can suffer serious injuries—and in many cases, those injuries could have been prevented.
If you or someone you love has been hurt in or near a construction zone, you may be entitled to compensation. At Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook, we understand how complicated these cases can be, and we’re here to help you understand your legal options.
Work Zone Safety Rules and Responsibilities
Every construction zone, whether it’s a street project or a building site, is supposed to follow clear safety protocols. These safety measures aren’t just for the workers on site; they’re also meant to protect the general public.
Common requirements include:
- Warning signs placed far enough ahead of the zone
- Physical barriers to block off hazardous areas
- Safe and secure scaffolding with netting or covers
- Traffic cones or flaggers for roadside work
Under both OSHA and Cal/OSHA guidelines, contractors and property owners have a duty to maintain safe conditions. That includes making sure equipment is secure, walkways are accessible, and debris is removed. If a third-party contractor or equipment provider is involved, they may also be held responsible for unsafe conditions.
Work Zone Accident Statistics
Work zones are more dangerous than many people realize. According to the National Safety Council, more than 891 people were killed and about 37,701 injuries occurred in work zone crashes in 2022 in the U.S. In addition, the California Department of Transportation reported that more than 10,000 work-zone crashes occurred in 2022 on California roadways, resulting in 117 fatalities and more than 4,500 injuries.
These numbers remind us that safety in work zones is a shared responsibility. When that responsibility is ignored, people get hurt.
When Pedestrians Are Injured Near Construction Zones
Construction zones don’t just affect workers—they also put pedestrians at risk, especially in busy cities. We’ve seen many injury cases involving people walking past scaffolding or work areas who were hit by falling objects, tripped on loose materials, or slipped on unmarked hazards.
Examples include:
- Being struck by tools or debris falling from an upper level
- Slipping on spilled substances with no warning sign
- Tripping over cords or materials left in public walkways
In these situations, liability often depends on who was responsible for maintaining the area. That could be:
- The property owner who authorized the work
- The general contractor overseeing the site
- A subcontractor who failed to follow safety rules
- The company that installed the scaffolding or provided the equipment
When multiple parties are involved, it takes careful investigation to determine who was in control of the space where the injury occurred. That’s where legal help makes a difference.
Driver Accidents in Roadside Work Zones
Driving through construction zones requires extra caution. Lanes may be narrow, detours can be confusing, and workers might be just a few feet away from moving traffic. Unfortunately, drivers often speed or fail to notice posted warnings. That increases the chance of crashes involving other vehicles, workers, or barriers.
Drivers can be held responsible if they:
- Ignore signs reducing the speed limit
- Use a phone or drive distracted in the work zone
- Fail to yield to construction vehicles or flaggers
However, liability doesn’t always fall on the driver. If a crash happened because the work zone was poorly marked or lacked clear signage, the construction company or the agency in charge of the project may be to blame. In California, speeding in a work zone can result in double the usual fines, but if signage isn’t clear, even the best intentions can lead to disaster.
Contact Our Experienced East Bay, Alameda County, & Contra Costa County Construction Zone Accident Attorneys
If you’ve been injured in or near a construction site, you may be dealing with more than just physical pain. Medical bills, time off work, and insurance claims can feel overwhelming. You shouldn’t have to deal with it alone.
At Casper, Meadows, Schwartz & Cook, we’re here to investigate your case, identify who was responsible, and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Whether the injury involved a fall, a crash, or a falling object, we’ll make sure your voice is heard.
We have decades of experience handling personal injury claims across California, including those involving construction zones. Contact us today for a free consultation, and let’s talk about how we can help you move forward.