How these crashes happen
- A sidewalk is closed with no detour, forcing people into the street.
- A bike lane ends at a closure with no warning or room to merge.
- A temporary walkway has trip hazards, holes, or poor lighting.
- A driver confused by the zone strikes someone in a temporary crossing.
- Construction vehicles back up or pull out across a walkway.
Who may be responsible
The contractor
The company running the zone is generally responsible for providing and maintaining a reasonably safe route for people on foot, including people with disabilities.
A driver
Drivers must watch for pedestrians and cyclists, especially where the normal route is closed.
A property owner or agency
Depending on where the work is, a private owner or a public agency may share responsibility.
Evidence that matters
- Photos of the closure, the detour, and the place you were hurt
- Lighting and time of day
- Shoes, clothing, or the bicycle, kept as they were
- Witness names and any incident or police report
- Medical records from the first visit forward
Work zones change from day to day. If you can do so safely, capture the scene before it changes, and follow these steps.
Common questions
I tripped in a construction area on a sidewalk. Is that a work zone case?
It can be. Whether the work is in the road or beside it, the company doing the work generally must keep the public route reasonably safe or provide a safe alternative.
There was no crosswalk where I was hit. Do I still have a case?
Possibly. If the normal crossing was closed and no safe alternative was provided, that is an important part of the picture. Fault can be shared under Nevada law.