Construction Crane Involved in Fatal South Texas Car Accident
Last week, two people traveling through a roadwork area on I-10 in South Texas were killed after a construction crane malfunctioned and a part landed on their vehicle. The unusual circumstances of this tragic car accident raise questions regarding an injury victim’s options for recovering compensation when an accident is caused by something other than another driver. In a complicated case such as this one, working with an experienced personal injury attorney is especially important.
Determining the Cause of a Construction Accident
When an accident resulting in injuries occurs in or around a construction site, there is a wide range of possible causes. Even if you know that a particular piece of equipment is responsible for the injuries, it is still important to determine the specific chain of events that led to the accident in order to make a strong case for compensation from the appropriate party. If you have been injured, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible to begin investigating the situation, including by visiting the scene of the accident, interviewing witnesses, and requesting records from construction companies and contractors who may have been involved.
The party from whom you can recover damages depends on the specific cause of the accident. For example:
- If a piece of equipment causes injury due to operator error, the worker responsible for operating the equipment could be considered negligent, as could their employer under certain circumstances.
- If equipment malfunctions due to improper maintenance, equipment owners and maintenance professionals could be liable for resulting injuries.
- If equipment malfunctions due to a design or manufacturing defect, the company that built the equipment could be considered negligent according to Texas product liability law.
- If an accident occurs because of a failure to uphold worksite safety standards, the contractor or property owner who is responsible for the site could be at least partially liable for injuries.
Compensation for Construction Site Injuries
Bystanders injured on or near a construction site have the right to pursue compensation for injuries caused by any negligent party. Workers injured on-site may also have grounds for a personal injury claim due to third-party negligence, though injuries caused by the negligence of an employer may have to be resolved through workers’ compensation. In the case of a civil injury lawsuit, recoverable damages include medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and damages due to a loved one’s wrongful death.
Contact a New Braunfels, TX Personal Injury Attorney
If you are injured in a car crash or any other accident in a construction area, The Bettersworth Law Firm can help you review your case to identify any negligent parties and recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us at 830-443-9193 for a free consultation with a New Braunfels construction accident lawyer.
Sources:
https://www.ksat.com/news/texas/2021/04/23/2-texas-men-killed-after-crane-falls-atop-truck-on-i-10/
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/CP/htm/CP.82.htm
