There was a deadly construction accident in Pottawattamie County, Iowa on May 16, 2024. According to reports, a worker in the Interstate 80 construction zone was struck and killed by a UPS driver. At the location where the incident occurred, the lanes were merging. The UPS driver attempted to pass backed-up traffic in that location, and ended up hitting the victim, an employee of the Iowa Department of Transportation. After hitting the worker, the truck then collided with a DOT maintenance pickup hauling an asphalt trailer. The driver of that vehicle is believed to have sustained injuries as a result. The victim has been identified as Matthew Dickerson of Neola, Iowa. Our thoughts and prayers go out to those impacted by this deadly accident.
Highway construction workers face significant risks of being hit by vehicles, which are amplified when drivers make the reckless decision to go around traffic. One of the primary dangers stems from the unpredictability of driver behavior in construction zones. Drivers who attempt to bypass traffic congestion may suddenly change lanes, drive on shoulders, or even enter closed-off areas, catching workers off guard. These abrupt and unanticipated movements can lead to collisions with construction workers who are often focused on their tasks and may not have enough time to react to these erratic maneuvers.
Additionally, when drivers try to circumvent traffic, they often do so at higher speeds, increasing the likelihood and severity of accidents. Speeding in a construction zone drastically reduces a driver’s reaction time and the ability to stop quickly. This not only endangers the lives of the workers but also exacerbates the risk of fatal injuries due to the force of high-speed impacts. Construction zones typically have reduced speed limits for this very reason, but drivers who ignore these regulations pose a substantial threat to the safety of everyone in the vicinity.
Moreover, the chaos created by drivers going around traffic can lead to a more hazardous environment for construction workers. These workers rely on clear and predictable traffic patterns to safely navigate the site and carry out their duties. When drivers deviate from designated lanes or pathways, they disrupt the established flow of traffic, creating confusion and increasing the risk of accidents. This can also complicate the efforts of traffic control personnel who are responsible for managing vehicle movement through the construction zone, further compromising worker safety.
Tragically, there have been a number of recent deaths and injuries on construction projects. A worker fell from a ladder when he was electrocuted in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on May 8, 2024. A worker was run over by an excavator in Center Township, Pennsylvania on May 8, 2024. Two workers became trapped after a cherry picker accident while performing work on Loop 1604 in San Antonio, Texas on May 8, 2024. There was a deadly trench collapse in Noblesville, Indiana on May 13, 2024.
Despite being a vital part of the economy, construction projects often pose severe hazards both to construction workers and to the general public if precautions are not taken. Each construction project poses its own unique risks and hazards based on the work being done. Risks that may present themselves during a project must be carefully evaluated before the job begins.
Our experienced lawyers have handled personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits of all kinds and have the skills needed to represent the families of loved ones who have lost their lives or those who have been seriously hurt. The experienced construction personal injury and wrongful death attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was a victim of an accident at a work site.
Our lawyers have represented numerous workers who have sustained serious and catastrophic injuries on a job site as a result of the negligence of another party. There are strict and short time limits on making claims, so please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or to learn more about your legal rights.