Highway construction crash in San Antonio causes delays

San Antonio, TX – There were news reports out of the San Antonio area about a severe motor vehicle crash that caused highway delays and other issues [1].

Accident requires significant rerouting by local police

On Monday, August 14, a significant traffic disruption occurred on Highway 90 East at Hunt Lane in San Antonio, resulting in the closure of lanes and causing extensive delays for drivers. The incident, initially described as a “major accident,” prompted the shutdown of sections of Highway 90. Commuters were faced with standstill traffic on the main road and were seen diverting to the access road as a result of the incident.

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) provided updates regarding the situation. TxDOT officials indicated that the disruption was due to “emergency construction.” According to the agency, the disruption was caused by a contractor involved in paving operations in the area. This contractor accidentally struck an overhead sign with a crane, leading to the closure of portions of Highway 90. As a consequence of this incident, commuters were advised to anticipate delays in the affected area.

The closure had a significant impact on traffic flow in the region. Traffic cameras captured the scene, depicting drivers in stationary positions along the highway, with congestion extending beyond Loop 1604. The situation prompted authorities to encourage drivers to seek alternate routes and avoid the affected stretch of Highway 90 East at W. Military Drive.

TxDOT San Antonio took to social media, specifically Twitter, to provide real-time updates to the public. The official account shared information about the closure, advising drivers to utilize alternative routes. As per the updates, the closure was expected to persist until around 2 p.m. on the same day.

In light of the incident’s implications, local authorities and traffic management agencies, including TxDOT, worked diligently to address the situation promptly and to ensure the safety of both drivers and construction personnel. The incident serves as a reminder of the potential disruptions that unforeseen events, such as accidents or construction-related incidents, can have on urban traffic networks.

Who is liable for accident damage caused by construction in Texas?

Determining liability for accident damage caused by construction in Texas involves a complex interplay of legal principles and contractual obligations. The responsibility for such accidents often hinges on factors such as negligence, contractual agreements, and the degree of control exercised over the construction site. To navigate this issue effectively, it’s crucial to understand the roles of various parties and the legal framework governing construction liability.

In Texas, the primary parties involved in construction liability include contractors, subcontractors, property owners, architects, engineers, and governmental entities. The allocation of liability varies depending on the circumstances of the accident and the relationship between the parties.

  • Contractual Agreements: Construction projects typically involve numerous contracts that outline the responsibilities and liabilities of each party. The contractual agreements may specify who is responsible for what aspects of the project, including safety measures. If a breach of contract occurs and leads to an accident, the party failing to fulfill their contractual obligations might be held liable.
  • General Contractors and Subcontractors: General contractors oversee the construction project and are responsible for coordinating various subcontractors. If a subcontractor’s negligent actions cause an accident, they might be held directly liable. However, the general contractor might also share some liability, especially if they were aware of unsafe practices but failed to take corrective action.
  • Property Owners: Property owners have a duty to maintain a safe environment for both construction workers and visitors. If an accident occurs due to a hazardous condition on the property, the owner might be held liable, especially if they were aware of the danger and didn’t take appropriate steps to address it.
  • Architects and Engineers: Design professionals play a critical role in the planning and execution of construction projects. If an accident occurs due to a design flaw or negligence in planning, architects and engineers might be held liable for resulting damages.
  • Governmental Entities: If the construction is being conducted on public property or involves government contracts, liability considerations can become more complex. Governmental entities may have immunity or limited liability protection in some cases, which can impact the legal recourse available to accident victims.
  • Negligence: Negligence is a central concept in determining liability. If a party’s failure to exercise reasonable care leads to an accident, they may be held liable for resulting damages. For instance, if a contractor fails to secure a construction site properly and it leads to an accident, the contractor could be deemed negligent.
  • Vicarious Liability: Texas law recognizes the principle of vicarious liability, wherein an employer can be held responsible for the actions of their employees if the employees were acting within the scope of their employment when the accident occurred. This could extend liability to employers for accidents caused by their workers.
  • Contributory and Comparative Negligence: Texas follows a modified comparative negligence system. If the victim of an accident is found to be partially at fault, their compensation may be reduced proportionately to their degree of fault. If their fault exceeds 50%, they may be barred from recovering any compensation.

Navigating construction accident liability in Texas requires a careful examination of the specific circumstances surrounding the incident. Legal proceedings often involve gathering evidence, assessing contractual agreements, and considering applicable laws and regulations. Due to the complexity of construction liability cases, seeking legal counsel from professionals experienced in construction law is essential for all parties involved to ensure that their rights and responsibilities are properly addressed.

Advice from a local accident attorney

Begum Law Group handles accident cases for local clients in the San Antonio area. They can provide advice about the process to receive compensation for injuries and other losses.

USAttorneys.com is a service that provides referrals to lawyers. They can be reached at 800-672-3103

Firm contact info:

Begum Law Group – Injury Lawyers

5826 W Interstate 10 Ste 102, San Antonio, TX 78201-2852

210-879-3781

https://www.texaslegalgroup.com/

Sources:

  1. https://www.mysanantonio.com/news/local/article/san-antonio-traffic-18294612.php