Get Out of the Way for Disabled Vehicles in Indianapolis

Accidents involving broken-down vehicles on roadsides often happen because other drivers do not notice the stationary vehicle in time to avoid a collision. Additionally, drivers approaching these situations may cause crashes by failing to slow down or change lanes.

Fortunately, in July of 2023, the state of Indiana made changes to its "Move Over or Slow Down" law. Initially, this law only required drivers to yield to emergency vehicles on the roadside. However, the new updates establish that motorists must also move over for disabled vehicles that have their hazard lights activated. So, if your car breaks down and you are struck by a driver who fails to obey this rule, then you should seek assistance from an Indianapolis car accident lawyer.

Moving Over for Disabled Vehicles in Indianapolis

Being stuck in a broken-down car on the side of the road can be a scary situation, especially in areas with high-speed traffic. Fortunately, in July of 2023, Indiana amended its “Move Over or Slow Down” law to include protections for occupants of disabled vehicles.

Now, drivers must move over and yield to disabled vehicles who have activated their hazard lights. Fortunately, motorists who fail to abide by this rule may be held accountable for the collisions they cause. If you were struck by another motorist while waiting for help with your disabled vehicle, then a legal professional can help assess your options for pursuing financial compensation.

Common Causes of Crashes Involving Disabled Vehicles in Indianapolis

There are many forms of negligence that may lead to crashes with disabled vehicles along roadsides. For example, such accidents may stem from any of the following:

Failure to Obey Traffic Laws

Failure to follow traffic laws is a frequent cause of accidents involving disabled vehicles. For instance, catastrophic collisions may happen because drivers fail to yield as required by Indiana’s “Move Over or Slow Down” law. Thankfully, drivers who disobey traffic laws can typically be held responsible for the accidents they cause.

Driver Distraction

One common cause of accidents involving disabled roadside vehicles is driver distraction. Drivers often divert their attention from the road, engaging in activities such as texting, eating, or talking with passengers. As a result of these distractions, drivers may fail to notice disabled vehicles on the roadside, leading to devastating collisions.

Speeding

Speeding can also play a role in accidents involving disabled vehicles on the roadside. Some drivers do not reduce their speed when approaching such situations, making it challenging for them to react in time if a disabled vehicle suddenly becomes an obstacle.

Impaired Driving

Impaired driving, whether due to alcohol, drugs, or fatigue, significantly contributes to accidents involving disabled roadside vehicles. Impaired drivers often exhibit slower reaction times and impaired judgment, making it difficult for them to respond appropriately when encountering disabled vehicles in their path.

Tired Driving

Tired driving can also result in accidents with disabled vehicles. Fatigued drivers have reduced concentration, slower reaction times, and impaired decision-making abilities. When encountering a disabled vehicle, they may fail to respond in a timely and safe manner, increasing the risk of a collision.

Drunk Driving

Lastly, drunk driving is a common cause of accidents involving disabled vehicles. While under the influence of alcohol, motorists can exhibit blurry vision, delayed reaction times, and poor decision-making abilities.

Drivers who experience these impairments may have trouble staying in control. In many unfortunate cases, crashes with disabled vehicles occur because drunk drivers veer outside of their traffic lanes. Many accidents involving drunk drivers happen at night. Still, these collisions can occur at nearly any time of day.