Road Construction Accidents and Catastrophic Injuries

What Kind of Catastrophic Injuries Are Caused by Road Construction Accidents?

It seems that there is always some form of road construction going on around western North Carolina and especially here in Asheville.

If you live in our area, you have probably noticed a delay in your daily commute due to road work on our ever-expanding highways and local roadways.

While we all understand that our mountain infrastructure needs are increasing, and that road construction is often necessary — at times the construction crew, NC DOT or others involved in the road construction process may not properly design their work zones.

This means that sometimes motorists, like you have difficulty traveling safely through these areas.

For example, improper placement of barriers or a failure to use proper signage to warn motorists of an upcoming construction area – including lane shifts, speed changes or truck entering and leaving the highway postings or a failure to provide an emergency pull-off area – can all endanger you or someone you love when they are driving.

Additionally, road construction also brings about more traffic congestion from larger vehicles on the road, such as tractor trailers, 18 wheelers, and other “oversized load” trucks, all of which may lead to serious injury to other motorists if the truck is not properly maintained and driven safely.

For example, on June 23rd, 2021, a dump truck carrying gravel for the construction work on I-26 overturned causing all lanes of Interstate 26 east to be closed.

The crash closed the interstate for 3 hours as crews worked to clear the road near Fletcher in Henderson County.

Thankfully, there were no major injuries in this accident, but it does demonstrate how devastating a crash these heavy vehicles could cause.

Mismanagement of trucks can cause catastrophic injuries to other drivers and pedestrians. These catastrophic injuries include:

• Loss of limbs,
• Spinal cord injuries,
• Head and brain injuries,
• Full or partial paralysis,
• Scarring and disfigurement

Catastrophic injuries often require extensive medical treatment and expenses, a loss of wages, rehabilitation and occupational therapy, and may result in permanent damage or disability.

Not to mention catastrophic injuries can also have damaging effects on the loved ones of the injured person.

A strong support system is required for the recuperation of the injured person. Oftentimes, loved ones must change their entire lives in order to care for the injured person — which can have long term emotional and financial repercussions.

Costs and expenses associated with catastrophic injuries may include:

• Lost wages
• Disfigurement
• Physical therapy
• Home Nursing care
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Medication expenses
• Occupational therapy
• Ongoing medical care
• Emergency medical expenses
• Diminished earning potential
• Ongoing psychological counseling
• Medical equipment for specialized needs
• Home remodeling to accommodate wheelchairs and other assistive devices

…

Financial hardship is often a major concern of anyone who is suffering from a catastrophic injury as well as those in their family.

If you or someone you love is suffering from a catastrophic injury, it is important to have the best legal representation you can in a fight for your rights and fair financial compensation.

Skilled and experienced professionals are an absolute requirement if you plan to file a claim regarding catastrophic injury.

Fisher Stark, P.A., has experience helping people with cases involving:

Traumatic Brain Injuries; causing lifelong problems; cognitive dysfunction, abnormal speech and language, emotional problems, even mobility issues.

Spinal Cord Injuries; causing partial or full paralysis, respiratory and circulatory problems, muscle reflexes and spasms, chronic pain, and loss of bowel and bladder control.

Severe Burns; often leading to infections, limb loss, disfigurement, and permanent disability depending on the location and severity of the burns.

Limb Loss; creating severe physical challenges and emotional issues for the amputee as well as for family and friends.

Ruptured Bowels, Kidneys, Liver or Spleen; happening because of a car crash or other accident, resulting in life-threatening internal bleeding.

At Fisher Stark, we know this sort of care can have serious financial and emotional repercussions. We take the time to investigate the accident to achieve the best outcome for you.

Let us handle the legal side and fight the insurance companies while you focus on getting better or caring for you or your injured loved one.

The emotional and financial hardship caused by catastrophic injuries can be debilitating in and of itself. Do not let corporate insurance companies protecting the guilty party control your care and compensation.

We invite you to call us at 1-828-505-4300 for a free consultation to discuss the options in your case as quickly as possible. The earlier that you call Fisher Stark for protection under the law, the greater the odds of success in your catastrophic injury case.