Falling debris from a construction accident caused a multi-vehicle collision  in Buffalo, New York, WIVB reported. A New York Department of Transportation crew was working on a bridge when a conduit – a long metal tube – housing phone or cable wires slipped and fell onto a van. The conduit damaged the van’s windshield and led to a four-vehicle crash. Thankfully, no one was seriously injured; however, Route 33 was closed for several hours.

Work construction zones are dangerous for both workers and motorists. In one recent year, work-zone accidents killed three motorists in New York and 10 in New Jersey. The Bureau of Labor Statistics tells us that almost eight percent of all construction industry fatalities are the result of accidents at road work sites. Nearly half of the road work zone deaths are due to a worker being struck by a vehicle or mobile equipment. Construction vehicles are involved in more of work zone deaths than cars and large trucks, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Despite warnings, many drivers fail to slow down or navigate safely through shifting lane patterns, which can result in deaths or injuries to workers and motorists.

When a construction worker is injured in a work zone, establishing negligence can be tricky when multiple companies and individuals are involved.  If you are a worker who has been injured in a New York or New Jersey road construction accident, you could be entitled to third-party compensation in lieu of, or in addition to, workers’ compensation. If you are a motorist who was injured in a construction-zone accident, you may be entitled to compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.

The New York/New Jersey accident attorneys at Ginarte Gonzalez Winograd L.L.P., can help you determine your legal options. With seven offices conveniently located in the New York/New Jersey metropolitan area, we have an office near you. Call 888-446-2783 or fill out our online contact form for your free consultation.