If you live or work in New Jersey or New York, you are likely no stranger to road construction. Road repairs, maintenance and new construction are beneficial in the long run, but ongoing construction poses a serious risk to both motorists and construction workers. Moreover, when a motorist or construction worker is injured it can be difficult to determine whose negligence caused, or contributed to, the injuries.

In 2010, 576 people were killed in motor vehicle crashes in work zones, down from 667 in 2009 and 720 in 2008, according to the Federal Highway Administration.  Traffic crashes in work zones killed five people in New York and six in New Jersey in 2010, according to the National Work Zone Safety Information Clearinghouse.

Nationwide, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports, 103 construction workers were fatally injured in work zone crashes in 2010. A report that looked at construction industry fatalities in work zones during 2003-2006 found that many involved construction equipment rather than cars, vans or tractor-trailers, according to statistics provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

When a construction worker is injured in a work zone accident, establishing negligence can become tricky because of the frequent involvement of multiple parties.  If you have 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.

Contact the New York and New Jersey car accident attorneys at Ginarte Gonzalez Winograd L.L.P., to find out what legal options you may have. 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 a free consultation.