Road construction is a constant in Kern County. Whether it’s Highway 99 resurfacing or lane expansions on I-5, drivers encounter work zones almost daily. While these projects aim to improve safety, they can also create dangerous driving conditions. When accidents happen in these areas, determining who’s at fault can be far more complicated than in a standard collision.
Why Construction Zones Pose a Higher Risk for Drivers
Narrowed lanes, reduced speed limits, and sudden detours are common in local construction areas. Add Bakersfield’s commuter traffic, heavy agricultural trucks, or unpredictable weather, and hazards multiply quickly.
Frequent risk factors include:
- Poorly placed or missing warning signs
- Uneven pavement and abrupt drop-offs
- Construction vehicles merging into active lanes
- Inadequate lighting during night work
- Loose gravel or debris on the roadway
In Kern County, these conditions are often the backdrop for multi-vehicle pileups and rear-end collisions.
Who Can Be Liable for a Construction Zone Accident
Determining liability requires investigating every contributing factor. Possible at-fault parties can include:
The construction company – If workers fail to set up proper signage, leave equipment in active lanes, or ignore safety protocols, they can be held responsible.
Government agencies – In some cases, the city, county, or state overseeing the project may share liability if they failed to supervise the contractor or approve an unsafe traffic plan.
Other drivers – Speeding through a work zone, ignoring flaggers, or tailgating can make a driver fully or partially at fault.
Equipment manufacturers – If machinery or barriers malfunction, the manufacturer could be liable for resulting injuries.
Why Liability in Work Zone Crashes Is Complicated
Unlike typical car accidents, construction zone crashes may involve multiple layers of insurance and legal responsibility. For example, a contractor’s insurer might point to the government entity, while the city blames an individual driver. Victims often face delays, finger-pointing, and pressure to settle quickly — often for less than they deserve.
A Bakersfield car accident lawyer experienced in construction zone cases can gather CHP reports, examine construction contracts, and work with accident reconstruction experts to untangle these disputes.
Steps to Take After a Construction Zone Accident
- Get medical attention immediately, even for minor symptoms
- Report the crash to law enforcement and request a copy of the report
- Take photos or videos of the work zone, signage, and vehicle damage
- Collect witness contact information
- Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters until you have legal advice
The sooner an attorney investigates, the better the chance of securing evidence before it’s removed or altered.
How an Attorney Can Help
An experienced lawyer will:
- Identify every potentially liable party
- Secure maintenance and inspection records from the construction company
- Obtain dashcam or surveillance footage before it’s deleted
- Calculate the full extent of your damages, including lost wages and long-term medical care
- Negotiate aggressively with multiple insurers
When serious injuries occur in a construction zone, you need more than just legal knowledge — you need someone who understands the unique risks and regulations surrounding these sites.
Injured in a Construction Zone? Call Bakersfield Car Accident Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a construction zone crash anywhere in Kern County, you don’t have to navigate the process alone. The team at Bojat Law Group has the experience and resources to hold negligent drivers, contractors, and agencies accountable.
Call (818) 877-4878 today for a free consultation with a Bakersfield car accident lawyer who will fight for the compensation you deserve.