Long Island Construction Vehicle Accident Lawyer
Construction sites are busy, often hazardous environments, and motor vehicle accidents involving construction vehicles present significant risks to both workers and passersby. In New York, where construction is constantly in progress and busy streets surround work zones, the potential for accidents involving motor vehicles and construction equipment is a real danger. For construction workers injured on the job, it’s important to know that accidents and injuries caused by third parties (parties outside the employment relationship) fall outside of workers’ compensation. Construction workers can pursue legal claims against negligent third parties and hold them fully accountable for the harm they have caused. Doing so successfully requires skilled legal assistance.
At Jacobson Law, our Long Island construction vehicle accident lawyers represent injured parties in personal injury claims, including construction injuries, ensuring that the responsible parties are held accountable for their negligence. If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle accident or construction vehicle accident while employed on a construction project in New York City, our team of skilled litigators is ready to evaluate your case and pursue your claim for maximum compensation from the responsible parties.
Motor Vehicle Accidents Involving Construction Vehicles
Construction vehicles—such as dump trucks, bulldozers, backhoes, and cranes—are essential to building and roadwork projects, but they also pose dangers to workers and others near the construction site. These large, cumbersome vehicles have limited visibility and are difficult to maneuver in tight spaces, leading to a higher risk of accidents.
Workers and pedestrians can suffer serious injuries if struck by a construction vehicle. When this occurs, third-party liability may apply. If a construction worker is injured by a vehicle operated by a subcontractor or an outside vendor, the injured worker may be entitled to file a third-party personal injury claim in addition to a workers’ compensation claim.
While workers’ compensation provides coverage for on-the-job injuries, it does not allow workers to sue their employers for additional compensation. However, third-party liability claims offer a path to recovering damages from other responsible parties involved in the accident. For example, if a construction worker is injured by a driver from a separate company delivering materials to the site, the injured worker can pursue a claim against that company. This type of claim can provide compensation for pain and suffering, medical expenses, lost wages, and more, beyond the limits of workers’ compensation.
Motor Vehicle Construction Accidents on City Streets
Motor vehicle accidents involving construction workers are not limited to on-site incidents. Many workers drive vehicles as part of their job duties, including transporting materials, traveling between sites, or operating machinery on public streets. When an accident happens on city streets while someone is working, third-party liability can also apply.
For instance, a construction worker driving a company vehicle might be struck by another driver while on the road. In this situation, the worker may be able to file a third-party claim against the negligent driver for injuries sustained in the accident. This claim would exist outside the scope of workers’ compensation and could lead to substantial compensation depending on the extent of the injuries.
Alternatively, a construction worker could be injured while performing job-related duties near a roadway, such as directing traffic or operating equipment close to passing vehicles. In such cases, if a negligent driver causes the injury, the worker may be able to pursue a personal injury claim against the driver.
Determining Third-Party Liability
To establish a successful third-party liability claim in a construction accident, the injured party must demonstrate that the responsible party was negligent. This means proving that the third party owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused the injury through their breach. In the context of motor vehicle accidents on construction sites or city streets, negligence might include:
- Failure to follow traffic laws
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Distracted driving
- Poorly maintained vehicles that caused equipment failure
- Inadequate safety protocols at the construction site
At Jacobson Law, we conduct thorough investigations to determine who is responsible for an accident and build a strong case on behalf of our clients. We work with accident reconstruction experts, review safety protocols, and analyze vehicle maintenance records to identify any third-party negligence.
Recovering Compensation for Construction Accident Injuries
Construction accidents involving motor vehicles can result in severe injuries, such as traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, or internal injuries. The medical costs, rehabilitation, and long-term care needed after such injuries can be staggering, making it essential for injured workers and pedestrians to seek fair compensation.
A third-party personal injury claim allows the injured party to pursue damages beyond what workers’ compensation offers. Compensation can cover medical expenses, lost wages, future medical care, loss of earning capacity, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
How Jacobson Law Can Help
If you or a loved one has been injured in a construction accident involving a motor vehicle, you need an experienced personal injury attorney who understands the complexities of third-party liability. At Jacobson Law, we are committed to helping injured workers and other victims recover the compensation they deserve. We will guide you through the legal process, investigate the circumstances surrounding your accident, and fight for full and fair compensation in or out of court.
Contact our Long Island construction vehicle accident attorney today for a free consultation by calling 631-661-2030 to learn more about how we can assist you with your construction accident claim. Whether you were injured on the job by a construction vehicle on-site or while performing your duties on New York city streets, we are here to help you pursue justice.
