Texas roads are no stranger to construction. From lane closures on I-35 to overnight work zones along U.S. 75, the state is constantly improving and expanding its infrastructure. But with that progress comes risk. Construction zones are hotspots for serious car accidents involving lane shifts, poorly marked detours, and distracted drivers. If you’ve been injured in a crash within a work zone, you may be wondering: who is responsible?

At JML Injury Law, we help injury victims across Texas navigate the complex liability issues involved in construction zone crashes. From negligent drivers to unsafe construction practices, there may be more than one party at fault. In this blog, we break down what you need to know if you’re hurt in a construction-related car accident and how to protect your rights.

Why Construction Zones Are So Dangerous

While construction zones are designed to enhance public safety in the long term, they can create dangerous short-term conditions:

Narrowed lanes and shoulder drop-offs
Reduced visibility due to signage or equipment
Sudden stops from merging traffic
Workers and flaggers in or near traffic lanes
Confusing detours or lane shifts

According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), there were over 25,000 work zone crashes in 2022, resulting in hundreds of serious injuries and fatalities. Many of these accidents occur because drivers don’t slow down, but others are caused by poor signage, lack of barriers, or negligent contractors.

Common Causes of Construction Zone Accidents

Understanding what caused the accident is key to identifying who may be liable. Common causes include:

Speeding through work zones
Distracted driving (texting, GPS use, etc.)
Improper or missing warning signs
Inadequate lighting or road markings
Construction debris or equipment left in the roadway
Unsafe lane shifts or poorly designed detours

The party responsible for the crash will depend on which of these factors contributed to the incident.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Construction Zone Crash in Texas?

Construction zone accidents often involve multiple parties. Here are the most common:

1. Another Driver

If another driver rear-ended you, sideswiped your car, or caused a multi-vehicle pileup, they may be liable for your injuries. Distracted or reckless driving is a major cause of work zone crashes.

2. Construction Company or Contractor

If the crash was caused by unsafe conditions like improper signage, unmarked hazards, or poor lighting, the construction company or subcontractor overseeing the work may be held liable.

3. The State or Local Government

Government agencies like TxDOT have a duty to ensure roads are safely maintained, even during construction. If the agency failed to approve safe plans or neglected inspections, they could be partially at fault.

4. Vehicle Manufacturers

In rare cases, a defective part (such as faulty brakes or tires) may contribute to the accident, which opens the door to a product liability claim.

What Should You Do After a Construction Zone Crash?

To strengthen your personal injury case, it’s important to take the following steps immediately after the accident:

Call 911: Request medical assistance and file a police report.
Document the Scene: Take pictures of road signs, construction equipment, your injuries, and any hazards.
Get Contact Info: Ask for the names of witnesses and the construction company on site.
Seek Medical Care: Even if your injuries seem minor, get evaluated. Many symptoms worsen over time.
Don’t Admit Fault: Avoid discussing the details of the crash with anyone besides your attorney.
Call JML Injury Law: We’ll investigate your claim and determine who is responsible.

Compensation Available for Construction Zone Accident Victims

If you were injured in a construction zone crash, you may be eligible to recover compensation for:

Emergency medical treatment and ongoing care
Lost wages and loss of future income
Pain and suffering
Rehabilitation and physical therapy
Property damage
Wrongful death (if you lost a loved one in the crash)

Our legal team will assess your damages and work to secure the maximum compensation available.

Why These Cases Require an Experienced Attorney

Construction zone accident claims are often more complex than regular car crash cases. There may be multiple parties involved, including private contractors and government entities with immunity protections. Additionally, many of these incidents involve poor documentation or missing video footage.

At JML Injury Law, we:

Investigate crash reports and construction site records
Subpoena contractor documents and government approvals
Interview witnesses and gather photographic evidence
Consult traffic engineers or reconstruction experts when needed
File all claims within the strict time limits required

We don’t just accept what the insurance company offers. We fight for what you truly deserve.

JML Injury Law: Local Knowledge. Statewide Advocacy.

As a trusted Texas personal injury firm, JML Injury Law understands the unique roadway hazards across Dallas, Plano, McKinney, and beyond. We know how TxDOT projects operate, how local construction crews manage detours, and how to trace accountability when things go wrong.

Our woman-owned law firm is committed to clear communication, tough representation, and compassionate care throughout your recovery.