Car Accidents
Common Causes of Construction Zone Car Accidents
Indianapolis and its surrounding cities are no stranger to road construction. Residents seemingly face a never-ending barrage of construction signs, barrels, cones, and various heavy machinery on our highways and interstates. (It might be hard to fault someone if they incorrectly assumed ‘orange’ was Indiana’s official state color!)
Road construction in Indianapolis runs throughout the year, but it is always heaviest in the summer months, with multiple projects running simultaneously throughout the city. And when the combination of roadwork and an increased number of vehicles merge, it always leads to an uptick in car accidents and construction worker injuries.
Bolton Law Group has investigated a number of car accidents that occurred in construction zones and there are often a number of contributing factors that lead to these incidents.
Highway and interstate construction zone dangers
With nearly 100,000 construction zone-related accidents occurring throughout the U.S. each year, it is important to understand what drivers can do to lessen their risk of becoming a statistic.
According to Indiana police reports, witness statements, and independent legal investigations, the most common causes of auto accidents in construction zones include:
Distracted driving – Because road configurations often change in work areas, construction zones require a driver’s complete and total focus.
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Speeding – Unfortunately, drivers will sometimes ignore the temporary speed limit signs that have been posted near and inside the construction zone. It is critical that drivers follow the newly posted speed limits due to the unpredictable nature of work zones.
Impaired driving – It goes without saying that driving under the influence is always a horrible decision, however, the consequences and legal trouble an inebriated driver faces for causing an accident in a construction zone can be especially significant.
Failure to follow construction signs – In addition to newly posted speed limits, construction zones often contain a number of temporary signs that warn drivers about potential hazards, lane configurations, and a number of other risks.
Illegal passing – Road construction zones will have strict rules with regard to passing. Passing can be highly restricted or completely illegal in work zones depending on the specific project.
Construction worker negligence – The majority of vehicular accidents that occur in construction zones are the fault of a negligent driver, however, we have also witnessed cases in which a collision was the fault a construction worker.
For example, a worker may be found responsible for not properly maintaining a work area, or ensuring appropriate signage and warning devices are present.
Machinery malfunction and/or negligence – A wide variety of construction vehicles and heavy machines are always at work in highway construction zones. Their mere presence increase the risk that a serious collision or accident can occur with little or no notice.
Car accident in a construction zone?
While traumatic injuries will most likely be attended to by first responders at the scene of the accident, there are a number of injuries that may have delayed symptoms or are not visible to the eye. No matter the size of your accident, or how minor you perceive your injuries to be, Boulton Law Group always recommends that your first step be to immediately seek medical treatment.
Construction zone accidents typically have unique factors that can affect a personal injury claim. Insurance companies will try to use this to their advantage.
For example, traditional roadways and signage are often altered, so it is imperative that you request a free consultation from an experienced Indianapolis personal injury attorney. Taking this simple step helps to ensure valuable evidence is secured on your behalf and that your rights are protected.
Talk to a construction zone accident attorney
Attorney Boulton has more than 20 years’ of experience helping injured victims recover what was taken from them. He has witnessed several high-profile construction zone accidents that have occurred in and around Indianapolis. Additionally, he has helped and consulted with the victims and families affected by work zone incidents that resulted in traumatic injury.
Because these accidents often result in significant medical bills and injuries that require extensive treatment, Boulton Law Group offers victims a Zero Fee Guarantee. This means that you will never be charged a consultation fee, and the only way our firm received payment for its legal services is after we make a recovery on your behalf.
To speak with attorney Boulton about your potential case, you can contact him direct by calling 317-350-2680, or you can write to him with the details of your accident using our confidential contact form.
Author Matt Boulton
