Columbus Highway Car Accident Lawyers

Highway Car Accident in Columbus, OH

Columbus highways and freeways, including I-270, I-70, and I-71, are vital for daily commutes and long-distance travel. However, high speeds, heavy traffic, and complex interchanges make these roads common sites for serious car accidents.

At Kisling, Nestico & Redick, our experienced Columbus car accident lawyers are dedicated to holding negligent drivers accountable and helping you recover the compensation you need to move forward. Contact KNR today for a free consultation.

Understanding the primary causes of highway accidents can help identify who is at fault and strengthen your compensation claim.

Common Causes of Highway Accidents in Columbus

• Speeding – High-speed travel on highways like I-270 significantly increases the likelihood of severe and fatal accidents. Drivers who exceed posted speed limits have less time to react, leading to devastating collisions.
• Distracted Driving – Distracted driving, such as texting, eating, or adjusting navigation systems, is hazardous on Columbus highways, where vehicles travel at high speeds. Even a moment of inattention can lead to catastrophic accidents.
• Improper Lane Changes & Merging – Accidents often occur when drivers fail to signal, check blind spots, or merge properly, particularly on busy ramps like those along I-71 and I-70. These careless maneuvers can result in sideswipes or multi-vehicle collisions.
• Rear-End Collisions – During rush hour, highways such as I-70 and I-670 experience heavy congestion, making rear-end accidents common. Following too closely or failing to react in time to slowing traffic are frequent causes of these collisions.
• Weather Conditions – Rain, snow, and ice create hazardous conditions on Columbus highways, significantly increasing accident risks. Drivers who fail to adapt their speed or follow proper safety measures during inclement weather often contribute to collisions.
• Truck Accidents – Columbus highways like I-70 and I-71 see significant truck traffic and major accidents involving commercial vehicles. These crashes can result from truck driver fatigue, overloaded cargo, or mechanical failures, and they require specialized investigation due to the complex regulations governing the trucking industry.

Columbus Highways with Frequent Accidents

• I-270: Known as the “Outerbelt,” I-270 encircles Columbus and serves as a major thoroughfare for commuters, commercial vehicles, and travelers. This high-speed highway frequently crashes, particularly during rush hour when congestion increases. Accidents are common at busy interchanges near Dublin and Grove City, where merging and lane changes occur.
• I-70: Stretching east to west through Columbus, I-70 is a heavily traveled highway that often experiences accidents due to high traffic volume and ongoing construction zones. Intersections with I-71 and other major routes can lead to multi-vehicle collisions during peak hours. The mix of local and long-haul traffic contributes to its reputation as a hotspot for severe crashes.
• I-71: This major north-south corridor connects Columbus to Cleveland and Cincinnati and is a common site for highway accidents. High-speed travel, heavy freight traffic, and merging issues at busy exits, such as Polaris Parkway and Downtown Columbus, make this highway particularly dangerous. Speeding and improper lane changes are leading causes of collisions.
• US-33: Connecting southeastern suburbs like Canal Winchester to downtown Columbus, US-33 sees significant commuter traffic. Congestion during peak hours often leads to rear-end collisions and merging accidents, especially near interchanges with I-270 and I-70. Its mix of urban and suburban traffic patterns contributes to frequent crashes.
• SR-315: As a critical route between downtown Columbus and the Ohio State University area, SR-315 is frequently congested during morning and evening commutes. Tight curves, narrow lanes, and merging traffic near interchanges with I-670 and I-270 increase the risk of accidents, particularly for distracted or inexperienced drivers.
• I-670: This highway runs through the heart of Columbus, connecting the airport to downtown and intersecting with major highways like I-270 and I-71. High commuter volume and John Glenn Columbus International Airport traffic contribute to frequent collisions, especially near the busy “North Innerbelt” corridor.
• SR-161: State Route 161 is a critical east-west corridor connecting Columbus to New Albany and other suburbs. Accidents often occur at high-traffic intersections, particularly where it intersects with I-270 and US-62. Speeding and merging issues are frequent causes of crashes on this stretch.
• US-23: Running north-south through Columbus, US-23 is a heavily traveled route that experiences accidents due to a mix of local, commuter, and commercial traffic. Congestion near interchanges with I-270 and SR-315 is a common factor in collisions.
• SR-104: Serving southern Columbus and areas like Groveport, SR-104 sees frequent accidents, particularly at its intersections with major highways such as US-23 and I-270. Sharp curves and varying traffic speeds contribute to its accident rate.
• I-670 Interchange with SR-315 & I-71: The complex interchanges where these highways intersect are some of the most accident-prone areas in Columbus. High-speed travel, merging lanes, and frequent lane changes make these junctions particularly hazardous.

Facts & Figures: Franklin County Freeway Accidents

According to the Ohio State Highway Patrol, the following highways reported the most accidents in 2024:

• I-270 – 1487
• I-70 – 771
• I-71 – 763
• US-23 – 741
• US-33 – 715
• SR-3 – 493
• I-670 – 433
• SR-161 – 431
• SR-317 – 421
• US – 62 – 412
• SR 315 – 325

More Columbus Car Accident Stats

Injuries in Highway Auto Accidents

Motor vehicle accidents on the highways in and around Columbus, Ohio, can lead to all manner of severe injuries, from minor discomfort to life-altering conditions. Common injuries include:

• Whiplash
• Spinal Injuries
• Traumatic Brain Injuries
• Knee &Shoulder Injuries
• Windshield Injuries
• Facial Injuries
• Car Accident PTSD
• Car Accident Fatalities

Steps to Take After a Highway Collision in Columbus

• Ensure Safety: If possible, move your vehicle to a safe location and check yourself and others for injuries. If available, prioritize safety by turning on hazard lights and using cones or flares.
• Call Police: Report the accident to law enforcement. A police report is critical for documenting the incident and may be essential for your insurance claim or legal case.
• Document the Scene: Use your phone to take photos of the vehicles, damage, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries. This visual evidence can strengthen your case.
• Gather Witness Info: Collect their names and contact details if there are witnesses. Their statements can provide additional support for your claim.
• Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine initially, visit a doctor. Some injuries, like whiplash or internal trauma, may not show immediate symptoms but could worsen over time.
• Contact an Attorney: Reach out to KNR for a free consultation. An experienced lawyer can protect your rights, guide you through the claims process, and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Read What to Do After a Columbus Car Accident

Your Legal Options After a Columbus Highway Accident

After a highway accident in Columbus, your options for compensation usually begin with filing an insurance claim against the at-fault driver. However, insurers often attempt to minimize payouts by disputing fault or downplaying injuries.

An experienced attorney can protect your rights by gathering evidence like police reports, medical records, and witness testimony, ensuring a full settlement. If negotiations fail, a lawsuit may be necessary, allowing you to present compelling evidence in court to prove negligence and secure the compensation you deserve.

Read Our Guide to Personal Injury Lawsuits in Columbus, OH

Who’s Liable in a Columbus Highway Accident?

Determining liability in a highway accident can be complex, as multiple parties may share responsibility. Common at-fault parties include:

• Speeding Drivers: Excessive speed often reduces reaction time and increases collision severity.
• Distracted Drivers: Texting, eating, or using GPS can lead to accidents.
• Commercial Truck Drivers: Fatigued or negligent truck drivers can cause catastrophic accidents.
• Vehicle Manufacturers: Faulty brakes, tires, or other mechanical defects may contribute to accidents.
• Government Entities: Poorly maintained roads, missing signage, or improper highway design can make government agencies partially liable.

Under Ohio’s comparative negligence law, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. For instance, if you’re found 20% at fault, your recovery will be reduced by that percentage.

Read our Guide to Car Accident Liability in Ohio

How to Prove Fault for a Columbus Auto Accident

Proving fault in a highway accident requires compelling evidence, such as police reports detailing traffic violations, witness statements, traffic camera or dashcam footage showing the events, and expert accident reconstruction analyzing vehicle positions and speeds. Medical records are also vital to link your injuries to the crash. An experienced attorney can gather and analyze this evidence to build a strong case and demonstrate negligence effectively.

Potential Compensation after a Highway Car Crash

If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident on a highway in Columbus or the surrounding areas due to another driver’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation for all the financial losses connected to the crash. Through an insurance claim or personal injury lawsuit, an experienced attorney can help recover:

• Medical Expenses: Covering hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future medical care.
• Lost Income: Compensation for missed workdays or reduced earning capacity.
• Pain and Suffering: For physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
• Disability or Disfigurement: Compensation for permanent injuries or visible scars.
• Mental Anguish: Including anxiety, PTSD, or other emotional trauma from the accident.
• Loss of Consortium: Addressing the accident’s impact on personal relationships and family life.

Every case is unique, requiring a thorough evaluation to calculate the full extent of your losses. At KNR, we ensure all your damages are accounted for, working tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.

The Role of a Highway Car Accident Lawyer

Dealing with the aftermath of a highway car accident can be incredibly stressful, especially when insurance companies try to minimize payouts or shift blame. An experienced highway car accident lawyer can make a critical difference by collecting and presenting key evidence, such as police reports, accident reconstruction data, and eyewitness accounts, to establish liability and strengthen your claim.

Your attorney will also handle negotiations with insurers, pushing back against inadequate settlement offers to ensure all your damages—medical bills, lost wages, property repair costs, and long-term expenses—are fully accounted for. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will be prepared to take your case to court, demonstrating a commitment to securing the justice and compensation you deserve.

With legal guidance, an attorney protects your rights and works to maximize your recovery, helping you move on after a highway accident.

Columbus Highway Auto Accidents: FAQs

Who Is Liable in a Multi-Vehicle Highway Collision?

In multi-vehicle accidents, liability may fall on several parties, including the initial at-fault driver, other drivers who failed to react appropriately, or even third parties like trucking companies or vehicle manufacturers. Determining liability in these cases requires extensive evidence, such as crash reconstructions, witness statements, and video footage.

What If My Accident Was Caused by Debris on the Highway?

If highway debris caused your crash, liability could rest with the party responsible for securing the load, such as a trucking company or contractor. Government entities responsible for maintaining the highway may also share liability in some cases. An attorney can investigate the source of the debris and pursue compensation on your behalf.

Can Poor Highway Maintenance Contribute to Accidents?

Poorly maintained highways—such as potholes, uneven lanes, or inadequate signage—can cause accidents. In such cases, the government agency responsible for the road may be liable. However, claims against government entities are subject to strict deadlines and legal procedures, making it essential to act quickly with the help of an attorney.

What If the At-Fault Driver Fled the Scene?

If the other driver fled, report the accident to law enforcement immediately and gather as much evidence as possible, such as witness statements and photos of the scene. You may be able to file a claim with your uninsured motorist coverage. A lawyer can help you navigate this process and explore all potential avenues for compensation.

Call KNR: A Columbus Highway Accident Attorney Can Help

Highway accidents in Columbus often lead to devastating injuries, financial burdens, and overwhelming stress. Taking legal action may be your best option if you’ve been involved in a crash on I-270, I-71, or another busy highway. From medical expenses and vehicle damage to lost income and pain and suffering, Kisling, Nestico & Redick is here to hold the right parties accountable.

At KNR, our Columbus highway accident attorneys are committed to guiding you through every step. We’ll evaluate your case, gather evidence, and fight to maximize your recovery. Contact us today at (614) 487-8669 or complete our online form to schedule a free consultation. We serve clients throughout Columbus, Franklin County, and the surrounding areas.