How Road Construction in El Paso Increases the Risk of Car Accidents?

Road construction is a necessary part of keeping our highways in good shape, but it also brings added danger. In places like Interstate 10, Loop 375, and other major routes in El Paso, TX, the combination of high traffic, lane shifts, and unexpected changes in the driving environment increases the risk of a crash. If you’ve been hurt in a construction zone crash, talk to a lawyer from the Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC. An El Paso car accident lawyer can help you understand your rights and explore legal options.

Why Construction Zones Are Risky

Construction zones bring hazards that don’t exist on normal roads. Here are some of the main reasons:

Lane shifts and narrowing of lanes: When one or more lanes are closed for construction, traffic is squeezed into fewer lanes. On I‑10 or Loop 375, this leads to sudden merges, confusing drivers, and an increased chance of side‑swipe or rear‑end collisions.
Reduced or changed speed limits: Construction zones often require slower speeds, but many drivers don’t adjust in time or ignore the signs. In Texas work zones in 2023, there were more than 26,000 crashes and 190 fatalities statewide.
Heavy equipment and construction vehicles mix with traffic: Trucks, loaders, and other equipment enter and exit the roadway, creating unpredictable movements that regular drivers may not expect.
Debris and uneven pavement: Can cause tire damage or loss of control.
Changed road surfaces and temporary conditions: Uneven pavement, gravel, narrow shoulders, or new barriers can make stopping harder, increase skidding risk, and confuse drivers.
Signage confusion and driver distraction: Orange cones, barrels, flaggers, and overhead signs add visual noise. Drivers may miss key warnings or be distracted by the construction itself.
Driver impatience and speeding: Many drivers try to speed through construction zones, not realizing the risk is higher. In Texas work zones, speed and unsafe lane changes are the top causes of crashes.

Construction on I‑10, Loop 375 & Other Major El Paso Roads

In El Paso County, the danger is amplified because of the scale and complexity of major roads. Routes like I‑10 and Loop 375 are vital arteries, with heavy commuter traffic, commercial trucks, and often intersect with construction zones.

On I‑10, which carries interstate and local traffic, construction and lane closures cause high‑speed vehicles to merge suddenly.
Loop 375, a beltway around El Paso, has seen ongoing interchange and widening projects. Because it links to military areas like Fort Bliss and major commercial zones, the mix of high‑speed and local traffic creates high risk.
The combination of construction plus heavy truck traffic, especially near border crossings and commercial zones, further raises the hazard.

When construction is happening on or near these roads, the risk goes up. Drivers may face sudden lane shifts at high speed, unexpected stops, narrow shoulders, or equipment coming into traffic.

What Types of Car Accidents Happen in Construction Zones

Here are some of the typical crash scenarios in construction zones in El Paso:

Rear‑end collisions: A driver doesn’t anticipate stopped traffic or slowed lanes and hits the vehicle ahead. This is the most common work zone crash.
Sideswipe or merge collisions: A driver changes lanes without noticing lane closures or shifted traffic patterns. On I‑10 or Loop 375, with fast‑moving traffic, these collisions can be severe.
Vehicle hitting barrier or equipment: A car may strike a concrete barrier, orange barrels, or construction equipment if visibility is reduced or the driver misjudges the layout.
Commercial vehicle involvement: Large trucks may misjudge lane size or their stopping distance may be greater in narrowed lanes causing crashes with smaller vehicles.
Pedestrian or worker accidents: In zones with workers present, drivers may fail to yield or slow down, putting both workers and other motorists at risk. In Texas, when workers are present, traffic fines double in many work zones.

How Construction‑Zone Risk Affects Your Car Accident Claim

When a car accident happens in a construction zone, the legal and insurance aspects can become more complicated. If you are evaluating whether you should speak with an El Paso car accident lawyer, be aware of these factors:

Multiple liable parties: It may not just be the other driver. The construction contractor, the roadway owner (often Texas Department of Transportation or TxDOT), or the equipment could share liability.
Proving causation: You’ll need to show how the construction conditions directly contributed to the crash, for example, a lane shift without signage, an unexpected barrier, or an improperly maintained surface.
Increased risk recognition: Because work zones are high risk, insurance companies may try to blame the driver entirely. A lawyer experienced in work‑zone crashes can challenge unfair blame shifting.
Evidence issues: Construction zones often change quickly, lanes move, barriers are removed, and signage is altered. The sooner you act, the better your chances of preserving evidence like traffic control plans, barrier placement photos, and worker logs.
Higher damages: Construction zone accidents often involve higher speeds or narrower lanes, injuries may be more serious, and losses greater. That means the compensation needed may be higher for medical bills, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.

Why an El Paso Car Accident Lawyer Matters

If you’ve been in a car accident in a construction zone, working with a lawyer can help you protect your rights and improve your outcome:

They know how to obtain and evaluate the construction‑zone traffic control plan (TCP) and review whether proper signage, barriers, and traffic shifts were in place.
They understand how to hold roadway owners like TxDOT or contractors accountable if negligence is found in how the work zone was set up.
They handle insurance company tactics, for example, insurers often emphasize driver fault, so the lawyer gathers evidence to push back.
They assess your full losses. Not just current medical bills, but future care, lost income, and emotional impact.
They navigate Texas’s comparative fault system (you must be less than 51 % at fault to recover) and work to minimize any blame placed on you.

Tips for Driving Safely Through Construction Zones

As drivers, we can all take steps to reduce the risk of getting into a crash in a construction zone:

Slow down and obey the posted work‑zone speed limit. Construction zones are not the time for speeding.
Avoid distractions like phones or changing the radio. Your full attention is needed.
Keep a safe following distance. Rear‑end crashes are common when traffic stops suddenly.
Watch for shifting lanes, changed signage, and cones. Don’t assume lanes are the same as usual.
Be extra cautious near highway exits and entrances on I‑10 or Loop 375. Construction may change merge patterns.
Allow extra travel time to avoid rushing through construction zones.
Be aware that fines are often doubled in work zones when workers are present.

What to Do If You’re in a Car Accident in a Construction Zone

Getting into a car accident in a road construction zone can be overwhelming, but knowing the right steps to take can protect both your health and your ability to seek compensation:

Prioritize Safety: If possible, move your vehicle to a safe area away from active construction work or traffic lanes to avoid further danger.
Check for Injuries: Make sure you and others involved are safe. Call 911 immediately if anyone is hurt.
Report the Accident: Notify law enforcement right away. A police report is critical, especially in construction zones where liability may be complex.
Document the Scene: Take photos of your vehicle, road signs, construction barriers, traffic signals, and any visible injuries. Construction sites can change quickly, and preserving the conditions is key.
Gather Information: Get names, contact details, insurance information, and driver’s license numbers from all parties involved. Ask for witness statements if possible.
Get Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, seek medical care. Injuries from construction zone crashes can take time to surface.
Avoid Speaking to Insurance Companies Without Legal Help: Insurance adjusters may contact you for a quick statement or lowball settlement. Politely decline until you speak to a car accident attorney.
Contact an Experienced El Paso Car Accident Lawyer: Construction zone crashes can involve multiple parties, including government entities, private contractors, and negligent drivers. A lawyer can help investigate, identify liable parties, and pursue full compensation.

How to Stay Safe on El Paso Roads

Construction is essential for improving our roadways, but it brings added risks for drivers in El Paso. With high‑speed highways, shifting lanes, construction equipment, and heavy traffic, the chances of a crash are higher than you might think. If you’ve been hurt in one of these zones, consult with an El Paso car accident lawyer from Law Offices of Michael J. Gopin, PLLC. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your options, and help you pursue the recovery you deserve. Contact today for a free consultation.

Michael J. Gopin

Michael J. Gopin has practiced law in El Paso since 1987. Even after more than 30 years, he still remembers his first jury case. It was two weeks after receiving his license, when he represented a person whose life had been forever changed after being blinded in a work-related incident...