In California, motorists should always be aware of traffic disruptions along U.S. Highway 101. In Los Angeles, Caltrans is completing a major pavement rehabilitation project through the Cahuenga Pass, affecting approximately four miles of the highway. As a result, many are predicting delays, congestion, and heavy traffic. Understanding these types of situations and ways to help protect yourself is important the next time you are in a vehicle.
Understanding Highway Construction
The following details are important in understanding when dealing with highway construction issues.
- Specific location of the construction
- Project area
- Impact on traffic
- Cost of the project
- Improvements and repairs
- Expected completion date
During scheduled construction, multiple northbound lanes may be closed at one time. Certain ramps near Universal Studios Boulevard and W.C. Fields Drive may also be affected. This is important to note as many drivers are usually in those areas of the city.
Drivers and Their Awareness on the Road
Drivers should expect a change in traffic patterns for the time being. It is important to understand and make note of these to ensure the safety of yourself and others. As a result, it is important to be aware that a normal lane may suddenly merge, an entrance ramp may be unavailable, or traffic may slow more quickly than drivers are used to or expect. In addition, motorists traveling through the construction area may encounter the following.
- Reduced lanes and sudden merging
- Slower or stopped traffic
- Temporary barriers and lane markings
- Construction vehicles and equipment
- Closed or restricted ramps
- Detours
- Uneven or recently repaired pavement
Since construction schedules and roadway arrangements may change, drivers should always be alert even if they regularly travel this section of Highway 101.
Accident Risks are Increasing
Construction zones usually require drivers to react to changing conditions. Reduced lanes can cause sudden congestion, while merging traffic can increase the likelihood of sideswipe or rear-end collisions. Common causes of construction-zone accidents may include but aren ot limited to, the following.
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Unsafe merging
- Following too closely
- Failing to adjust to traffic conditions
As a result, drivers should reduce their speed when necessary and leave additional space between their vehicles and the ones around them.
Who may be Accountable?
The following individuals may be held liable after an accident happens in a construction zone much like the one on Highway 101.
- Drivers who are showing negligent behaviors
- Construction contractors
- Other parties
Government and Liability
Since Highway 101 is public property, California’s laws regarding dangerous conditions of public property may apply in certain cases. Under California Government Code Section 835, a public entity may potentially be liable when an injury is caused by a dangerous condition of its property and other statutory requirements are satisfied. In addition, an investigation may consider conditions such as inadequate warnings, dangerous pavement, unsafe barriers, or other roadway hazards.
Also, construction does not automatically make a highway legally dangerous. The specific condition, how it contributed to the accident, and whether the government entity had the required notice or involvement must be evaluated.
Government Claims Have Special Requirements
Accidents involving government entities can also involve different filing requirements. Under California Government Code Section 911.2, a claim relating to personal injury against a public entity usually must be presented within six months after the claim arises.
This can be much shorter than the deadline when dealing with other ordinary personal injury lawsuits. As a result, identifying whether a government entity may be involved can be an important part of evaluating a construction-zone accident.
Necessary Steps to Take
Since construction conditions can change quickly, documenting the accident scene may be especially important. Victims should consider taking the following steps after being involved in a collision.
- Moving to a safe location when possible
- Seeking medical attention
- Reporting the accident when appropriate
- Photographing vehicle damage
- Documenting construction signs and barriers
- Photographing lane markings and road conditions
- Obtaining witness and insurance information
- Preserving dashcam or cellphone footage
In addition, photos and videos may help show exactly what the construction area looked like when the collision occurred.
Highway 101 Construction Accidents and California Law
Highway 101 construction is supposed to improve roadway conditions for drivers in California. However, the following situations may require additional caution.
- Reduced lanes
- Ramp closures
- Congestion
- Changing patterns in traffic
If a Highway 101 construction zone accident occurs, determining liability may require examining the actions of other motorists as well as roadway conditions, construction activity, and traffic-control measures. In addition, when a government entity may be involved, special claim requirements and shorter deadlines can apply. Understanding these distinctions can be important for motorists injured in a California construction-zone accident.
Speaking to a Legal Professional
It may be beneficial to speak to a legal professional when dealing with Highway lane closures and vehicle collisions to better help you understand your rights and legal options moving forward. Oftentimes, these types of cases may be extremely difficult to navigate on your own. As a result, it may help to speak to an attorney who can review the specific facts of your case, speak to insurance companies, and preserve the necessary pieces of evidence needed moving forward.
How KAASS LAW Can Help
Our personal injury attorneys at KAASS LAW are determined and ready to be of assistance to victims who have been involved in a vehicle collision, especially one on a Highway. Understanding your rights and the necessary steps to take to recover may be overwhelming to work through on your own. Our legal team wants to help. Call KAASS LAW today for a confidential consultation and to learn more about your case.