Driving through construction zones is stressful, time-consuming, and often frustrating. If you are injured in an accident in a construction zone, things get even more stressful!
In 2020, there were nearly 4,000 car accidents in construction zones in Indiana, and there were 26 fatalities. There were 1,000 more work zone accidents in 2020 than in 2019!
Who Is Liable for These Construction Zone Accidents?
Following your accident, authorities will need to determine who was liable.
Determining liability is based on things like witness testimonies, physical evidence, police statements, and insurance findings. If there are questions about who is at fault for the accident, a construction zone accident attorney can use their expertise to identify who is at fault and how the liable party should compensate the victim.
A car accident in a construction zone may be the fault of one or both drivers. However, it could also be the fault of the construction company or municipality.
When Is the Other Driver at Fault?
If another driver was driving in an unsafe or negligent manner and caused the construction zone accident, they are responsible.
In a construction zone, unsafe driving can look like any of the following:
- Distracted driving
- Texting and driving
- Eating and drinking while driving
- Driving under the influence
- Exceeding the construction zone speed limit
- Switching lanes in a construction zone with “stay in your lane” signs
- Disregarding safety signs and warnings
If you were injured in an accident because of the unsafe actions of another driver, you have the legal right to pursue legal action. This is the best way to ensure that you receive appropriate compensation for your injuries, lost wages, current and future medical costs related to the accident, and property damage.
When Is the Road Construction Company at Fault?
In some circumstances, the road construction company may be responsible for construction zone accidents.
If the construction crew did not follow all of the safety rules and requirements associated with operating a road construction site, their negligence may cause accidents like yours.
Negligent behavior may include:
- Improper signage
- Negligent handling of equipment
- Unsafe worker behavior
- Failure to secure hazards
You will have to have a strong case against the construction company to prove that their actions caused your construction zone accident. However, if they were responsible, an experienced car accident attorney can review the evidence and make a strong case to explain how they should compensate you.
When Is the Municipality at Fault?
It is pretty difficult to hold a municipality or local government responsible for injuries sustained at a construction site. However, there are some circumstances in which liability may be assigned to a city, town, or state.
These are some behaviors that could signify a government’s liability in a construction zone accident:
- Failing to appropriately close roads or re-route traffic due to construction
- Contracting with an uninsured or underinsured construction company to do work for the municipality
- Poorly maintained roads
- Poorly designed traffic patterns
To determine whether or not the city may be responsible for the accident, it is essential to work with a car accident attorney who knows the ins and outs of accident law.
Crossen Law Firm–Indianapolis’s Premier Car Accident Attorneys
If you have been injured in a car accident in a construction zone, you need the support of a qualified, experienced, and compassionate legal professional.
Crossen Law Firm offers legal services to drivers and passengers who need assistance getting the compensation they deserve.
Explore Your Legal Options with Crossen Law Firm
Without legal support, the process of filing injury claims from a construction zone car accident in Indianapolis can be overwhelming and confusing.
The team at Crossen Law Firm has the necessary knowledge and experience to negotiate with insurance companies and obtain the maximum compensation for your injuries.
To discuss your situation with an Indianapolis car accident lawyer, call (317) 401-8626 to schedule a free consultation now.
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