Construction zones are a common sight across Maryland, from major highways to busy roads in Laurel. While these areas are meant to improve infrastructure, they often create dangerous conditions for drivers and workers alike. Narrow lanes, abrupt detours, poor signage, and loose debris can all lead to sudden, serious accidents. If you were injured in a construction zone crash, you may be facing medical bills, missed work, and more questions than answers.
At McGowan & Cecil, LLC, we help injury victims understand their rights and pursue full compensation. Our team knows how to investigate these complex cases, determine who’s at fault, and stand up to insurance companies that try to shift blame. If your accident happened in a work zone, don’t wait to get help. Contact us today for a free consultation.
How Do Construction Zone Accidents Happen?
Construction zones are meant to slow traffic and improve safety, but that’s not always what happens. In fact, these areas are often confusing, unpredictable, and poorly marked. That creates a perfect storm for preventable accidents.
We’ve handled many work zone cases involving:
- Poorly marked or missing warning signs
- Inadequate lighting, especially at night
- Sudden lane shifts without proper guidance
- Loose gravel, uneven pavement, or exposed equipment
- Vehicles stopping or merging abruptly
- Construction workers or machinery entering active lanes
These factors can catch any driver off guard, especially in high-traffic areas around I-95, Route 1, and the Baltimore-Washington Parkway. When a crash occurs, determining what went wrong (and who’s responsible) is the first step in building your case.
Maryland Laws and Work Zone Enforcement
Maryland takes work zone safety seriously—and with good reason. The state has strict laws designed to protect both drivers and road crews, including:
- Enhanced fines for speeding in active construction zones
- Double penalties when workers are present
- Automated speed enforcement cameras deployed in many zones
- Mandatory signage and safety standards for all work zones
These rules aren’t just there to keep traffic flowing—they also establish a standard of care. If a driver, contractor, or government agency failed to follow them, they could be held liable.
Who’s Responsible for a Work Zone Accident?
Liability in construction zone crashes can be complicated. Unlike typical car accidents, there may be more than one party involved.
Depending on the details of your case, fault may lie with:
- A negligent driver who was speeding, texting, or not paying attention
- A construction company that failed to follow safety protocols
- A subcontractor operating dangerous equipment without warning
- A government agency responsible for poor planning or unsafe detours
At McGowan & Cecil, we take the time to dig into the details. We review traffic reports, work zone permits, dashcam or surveillance footage, and expert opinions to find out who should be held accountable—and then we go after them.
What to Do After a Construction Zone Crash
Accidents in work zones often happen fast and involve multiple vehicles or agencies. Here are steps you can take to protect yourself if you’re injured:
- Get medical attention right away, even for minor symptoms
- Report the crash to law enforcement and request a copy of the report
- Take photos of the scene, including signs, cones, vehicles, and debris
- Collect contact info from any witnesses or workers nearby
- Don’t speak to insurers before talking to a lawyer
You may be contacted by an adjuster who wants a quick statement or offers a low settlement. Before you agree to anything, let us evaluate the situation. Once we’re on your side, you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal side.
How McGowan & Cecil Can Help
Our firm has decades of experience representing injury victims across Maryland, including many clients hurt in construction zone crashes. These cases often involve aggressive insurers and complicated liability questions, but we know how to handle both.
When you hire McGowan & Cecil, we will:
- Investigate the cause of your crash and identify all liable parties
- Work with construction safety experts and accident reconstruction professionals
- Gather medical records, injury documentation, and lost wage details
- Handle all communication with insurance companies
- Negotiate for a full and fair settlement—or take your case to trial
We’re not a settlement mill. We work with a limited number of clients, so we can give each case the personal attention it deserves. And with our Platinum Concierge Service, you’ll always know what’s happening with your case.
Get Legal Support from a Laurel-Based Injury Team
At McGowan & Cecil, we’ve built our reputation by standing up for injured people in Laurel and across Maryland. We know the roads. We know the local court systems. And we know how to build strong cases that get results. If you’ve been injured in a construction zone accident, call us today to schedule a free consultation. There’s no fee unless we recover compensation for you.