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Boller & Vaughan Madison, WI personal injury lawyers

Roadside Construction and Motor Vehicle Crashes

According to data from the Wisconsin Department of Transportation, crashes in construction zones have sharply increased in recent years. From 2011 to 2016, there was roughly a 60% increase in the number of car accidents that occurred in construction zones. Between 2015 and 2016 alone, the number of car accidents doubled.

As a result, there are certain safety tips that you should follow when driving in a construction zone. First, you should always obey construction signs and the directions of flaggers, which are construction workers that direct traffic. Next, be aware that there is likely to be a much slower speed limit in construction zones, and slow down accordingly. A slower speed is much safer for you, other drivers and their occupants, and workers in the construction zone. Plus, a lower speed enables you to stop more quickly if traffic suddenly stops moving, which occurs often in construction zones for one reason or the other.

Furthermore, you should increase your following distance when in a construction zone. Tailgating is dangerous under any circumstances, but can be even more deadly in a construction zone, where sudden stops are likely to occur. Likewise, stay in your own lane when traveling through a construction zone. Attempting to pass while in a construction zone is strongly discouraged, especially as lanes are often narrow during construction. You also should be aware of and cautious around construction equipment. The heavy machinery and vehicles can cause major damage if you come into contact with them.

When you or a family member suffers serious injuries from a construction zone car accident or any other type of accident, and another’s negligence caused the accident, you may have a personal injury claim under Wisconsin law. Meeting with a personal injury lawyer is the first step toward getting the compensation that you deserve for the injuries that you have suffered. Call Boller & Vaughan today at (608) 268-0268, or contact us online in order to set up an appointment with one of our Wisconsin personal injury attorneys, and see what we can do for you.