Are Crashes in Road Construction Zones a Serious Problem?

 Posted on March 21, 2025 in Car Accidents

It seems like some type of road construction project is always underway in Orland Park and across Illinois. Construction zones frequently cause traffic delays, which can lead to frustrated and angry motorists. In 2023, there were 6,323 crashes in Illinois road construction areas, accounting for 2.1 percent of all accidents in the state.

Road construction zones pose several accident risks. If you sustain injuries in a crash, you need to determine why it happened before you can file a compensation claim. A skilled Orland Park, IL car accident lawyer can investigate your collision and help to maximize your compensation.

Do Construction Zone Accidents Cause a Lot of Injuries in Illinois?

According to the same 2023 data, work zone crashes injured 1,573 people and killed 24. 3,466 of those accidents happened on interstate or toll roads, with 5,067 of the total collisions occurring in urban areas. Although the majority of the people injured or killed were motorists and their passengers, one worker was killed, with six workers, one pedestrian, and one bicyclist injured.

Tractor-trailers were involved in 1,327 work zone accidents. Of those, 17 were fatal, 161 caused injuries, and 25 caused suspected serious injuries.

With road construction projects an ongoing necessity, accidents in construction zones are likely to continue. Understanding the common causes of these crashes may help you avoid them.

Why Are There So Many Accidents in Construction Zones?

Many collisions in road construction areas are caused by driver errors. Although it is illegal to use phones and other electronic communication devices while driving in Illinois construction zones, many drivers take advantage of slower traffic to use their phones or engage in other distractions. Tailgating, failing to reduce speed, and disregarding workers who are stopping traffic also cause crashes.

Road construction is messy, with the potential for debris and construction materials being left on roadways. Heavy equipment is hard to see around, and concrete barriers that narrow lanes do not give drivers room to maneuver to avoid imminent collisions. Failing to place adequate signage warning of upcoming lane shifts and reduced speeds can also contribute to accidents.

Why Does the Cause of My Crash Matter?

Most personal injury cases begin with filing an insurance claim against the at-fault party or parties. Insurance companies do not like paying claims anyway, so they often reject claims if there is not enough evidence that their policyholders are liable for your damages. Even with that evidence, the insurer will likely try to reduce your payout.

Your lawyer knows how to establish liability and find supporting evidence for your claim. We will also negotiate a favorable settlement offer or take your case to court if necessary to maximize your compensation.

Contact an Experienced Orland Park, IL Construction Zone Accident Lawyer

If you are injured in a car accident, whether in a construction zone or elsewhere, our dedicated Orland Park, IL personal injury attorney can help you secure the compensation you deserve. Call Issa Law, LLC at 708-966-2408 today or contact us online to arrange for your free case review.