Why Hire Frank Azar Car & Truck Accident Lawyers?
Frank Azar Car & Truck Accident Lawyers has been fighting for injured Coloradans for forty years. Over that time, we have represented more than 50,000 clients and recovered over $2.3 billion in compensation.* Our attorneys have handled serious injury cases involving road construction crashes, commercial truck collisions, and catastrophic accidents on Colorado highways.
Insurance companies that regularly defend these cases know our firm. We have the resources to retain accident reconstruction engineers, medical professionals, and investigators when a case demands it. We do not limit ourselves to quick settlements. When a case requires litigation or trial, we pursue it.
We work on contingency. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Our firm has received recognition from organizations including Super Lawyers and Martindale-Hubbell, and Frank Azar has been recognized by multiple legal rating organizations over the course of his career. We are based in Colorado, and our attorneys understand the local roads, courts, and the realities of crashes that happen in mountain work zones like those along I-70 near Glenwood Springs.
Past results do not indicate what you could get on your case. This content is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this page does not create an attorney-client relationship.
Common Causes of Glenwood Springs Work Zone Accidents
Glenwood Canyon and the surrounding roadways near Glenwood Springs see heavy construction activity. CDOT has documented ongoing work zone operations along I-70 through the canyon, including lane closures, temporary traffic control setups, and flagging operations. These conditions create real exposure for both drivers and workers on site.
Common causes of work zone crashes in this area include:
- Speeding through posted reduced speed zones
- Distracted driving near construction activity
- Failure to obey flagger signals or temporary signs
- Impaired driving
- Aggressive lane changes or tailgating near lane merges
- Inadequate warning signs or poorly maintained traffic control devices
- Failure by contractors to implement required safety measures
- Inadequate lighting during nighttime work operations
- Large commercial vehicles traveling too fast for conditions near heavy machinery
In September 2024, a commercial semi-truck crash closed eastbound I-70 lanes through Glenwood Canyon, which is consistent with the type of high-speed, high-impact incidents that regularly occur in this corridor. These are not minor fender-benders. They are life changing injuries waiting to happen.
Most Common Types of Vehicle Accidents in Road Construction Sites
Several crash types occur more often in road construction zones than on open highways. Rear-end collisions are among the most frequent. Drivers who fail to slow down hit stopped or slowing vehicles ahead. Sideswipe crashes happen when lanes narrow and drivers misjudge clearance. Head-on collisions occur when temporary lane configurations direct oncoming traffic closer together than normal.
Drivers who fail to follow flaggers or miss shifted lane markings can veer into active work areas. Truck accident crashes involving commercial vehicles in work zones often produce the most severe outcomes because of vehicle size and speed. Workers standing on or near the roadway are especially vulnerable. An injured road worker hit while flagging traffic or operating equipment near the travel lane may have both workers’ compensation and civil claims available depending on who caused the crash.
Serious Injuries From Road Work Accidents
Road work injury crashes often result in severe injuries that require extended medical treatment and may produce permanent effects. Common injuries from work zone crashes include:
- Traumatic brain injuries, including concussions and diffuse axonal injury
- Spinal cord injuries, including partial or complete paralysis
- Broken bones, including fractures to the pelvis, legs, arms, and ribs
- Severe burns from fires or fuel ignition during commercial vehicle crashes
- Organ damage caused by blunt force trauma
- Crush injuries from being struck by or pinned under heavy machinery
- Permanent disability resulting from limb loss or severe nerve damage
- Emotional trauma and chronic pain following high-impact collisions
Deaths in construction zones have drawn statewide attention, reflecting how seriously these incidents injure and kill people each year. In September 2025, a traffic worker was killed after being struck by a car near Glenwood Springs. A work zone crash is not the same as a minor fender-bender. Many victims face months of medical care, ongoing medical bills, and a diminished quality of life long after the initial incident.
Who Is Liable for Injuries From a Road Construction Crash?
Liability in a work zone crash depends on who caused it. Multiple parties can share responsibility depending on the facts.
- Drivers who speed, drive distracted, or ignore posted traffic control are the most common source of liability in these cases. A driver who hits a barrier or runs over a worker has caused direct harm.
- Contractors and construction companies may also be liable if they failed to implement required safety measures, set up inadequate warning systems, or placed workers in dangerous positions without proper protection. Contractors have a legal duty to maintain safe conditions within the work zone.
- Property owners in limited circumstances may carry responsibility if private access points or adjacent property conditions contributed to the crash.
- CDOT or other government agencies may face liability if the road design, sign placement, or traffic control plan was defective.
Because liability can fall on more than one party, it is worth reviewing the full picture before filing any injury claim. A Glenwood Springs personal injury lawyer can assess the facts of your case and identify every responsible party before you commit to a course of action.
Compensation for Work Zone Crashes Under Colorado Law
Colorado law allows injured people to seek compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. The amount available depends on the severity of the injuries, the degree of fault of each party, and the extent of documented harm.
Colorado follows a comparative negligence rule. If you were partially at fault, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you were more than 50 percent at fault, you cannot recover compensation at all.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover financial losses tied directly to the crash. These include:
- Medical expenses already incurred, including emergency care, hospitalization, and surgery
- Future medical treatment costs, including rehabilitation and ongoing medical care
- Lost wages from time missed at work
- Future lost earning capacity if the injuries produce permanent disability
- Medical bills for assistive devices, in-home care, or long-term support services
These losses are typically documented through medical records, billing statements, employment records, and expert projections.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages address the personal toll of the injury. These include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Chronic pain that affects daily function
- Loss of enjoyment of activities
- Diminished quality of life caused by permanent injury
Colorado caps non-economic damages in personal injury cases at $1,500,000 as part of House Bill 24-1472. Severe injuries such as spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, severe burns, or permanent disability may support arguments for higher non-economic awards.
Should Injured Workers File a Workers Compensation Claim or a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
This is one of the most important questions an injured road worker faces. The answer may depend on who caused the crash.
Workers’ compensation is a no-fault system. If you were injured while doing road work as an employee, you can file a workers’ compensation claim regardless of fault. Workers’ comp covers medical treatment and a portion of lost wages. It does not cover pain and suffering or full compensation for lost earning capacity.
A personal injury lawsuit is available when someone outside your employer – a third party – caused or contributed to the crash. For example, if a driver ran into your work zone and injured you, you may have a third party claim against that driver in addition to your workers’ compensation claim. You may also have to file a personal injury claim if you are eligible for workers’ compensation.
An injured road worker can often pursue both at the same time. Workers’ comp handles immediate medical care and wage replacement. A personal injury lawsuit can recover the remaining losses, including pain, emotional trauma, and full compensation for future damages. These claims run on separate legal tracks and do not cancel each other out.
Colorado also has specific protections for workplace injuries that affect how these claims interact. Anyone hurt in a workplace accident that involved a third party should get legal guidance before assuming workers’ comp is the only option. The distinction between a workers’ compensation claim and a third party claim can have a significant impact on total recovery.
Work Zone Accident Lawyer in Glenwood Springs: FAQ
How long do I have to file a work zone accident claim in Colorado?
Colorado’s general statute of limitations for personal injury claims is three years from the date of injury. However, if a government entity such as CDOT is involved, you may have as little as 180 days to file a formal notice of claim. Missing this deadline can bar your recovery entirely. Do not wait to get legal input if a public agency may be responsible.
What if the crash happens during a detour around the road work?
Construction projects, rockfall mitigation efforts, and emergency closures sometimes require drivers to use alternate routes. Even if the collision occurs on a detour rather than inside the active construction zone itself, liability may still depend on how the work zone was designed, marked, and managed. These cases often require a detailed investigation into the traffic control measures that were in place at the time of the crash.
Can traffic camera or CDOT construction records be used in a work zone accident claim?
Potentially. Work zones along I-70 are often monitored by CDOT and contractors responsible for the project. Depending on the circumstances, records relating to lane closures, traffic control plans, construction schedules, incident reports, or available video footage may help establish what conditions existed when the crash occurred. Preserving this evidence early can be important.
Are fines higher for speeding in a Colorado work zone?
Yes. Under Colorado law, fines for speeding violations in active work zones are doubled. This reflects the state’s recognition that road work zones present heightened risk. The increased penalty structure also supports arguments about fault when a driver was cited for a work zone traffic violation.
What if the construction company set up the work zone improperly?
Contractors operating on state highways must follow CDOT’s traffic control standards. If a construction company failed to place proper warning signs, did not maintain adequate safety measures, or positioned workers without required protections, those failures can support a legal claim against the contractor directly. This is a separate avenue from a claim against the at-fault driver and may allow for additional recovery.
Contact Our Glenwood Springs Work Zone Accident Attorneys
Work zone crashes on Colorado highways can produce some of the most serious injuries we see. The legal questions around liability, insurance coverage, and damages are often more layered than a standard car accident. Frank Azar Car & Truck Accident Lawyers has handled these cases for decades. We know how to build the evidence, identify every responsible party, and push for full compensation.
We offer a free consultation. There is no fee unless we recover compensation for you. If you were hurt in a road work injury or know an injured road worker who needs help, contact us today to speak with our team.
