Dangers of Highway Work Zones

Regardless of where or how often you drive, it is hard to avoid construction while on the road. Unless it is in the dead of winter in Ohio, you are likely to drive through at least one work zone on the way to your destination. This unfortunately puts you at a higher risk of being involved in a crash. Highway work zones can be dangerous due to the work going on, and also because of how other motorists choose to drive.

If you were injured in an accident in a highway work zone, contact our Ohio car accident lawyers at Kisling, Nestico & Redick at 1-800-HURT-NOW. We will help you investigate why the crash happened and gather evidence of the other drivers’ or workers’ negligence. This will enable us to pursue compensation for your injuries.

Dangers of Highway Work Zones

Vehicle collisions and other types of accidents are frequent in highway work zones. Unfortunately, it is often drivers’ fault. Motorists tend to not be as cautious as they should be in construction areas. They disobey laws that are intended to keep them safe. However, not all highway work zone accidents are motorists’ fault. There are times when workers are careless and cause accidents.

Some of the most common hazards of highway work zones include:

• Construction debris in the road
• Uneven roadways or shoulders
• Workers on, near, or too close to the road
• Construction vehicles that come onto or near the road
• Traffic congestions due to reduced lanes
• Personnel working at night without reflective gear
• Inadequate signs or warnings
• Construction equipment on or near the road

The way in which workers and drivers handle these dangers leads to accidents. If workers do nothing to prevent these hazards, then their carelessness will likely lead to an accident. Drivers who ignore the possibility of these risks increase the likelihood of crashes in highway work zones.

Ohio Strives to Enforce Highway Work Zone Safety With Fines & Laws

Work zone safety isn’t just a suggestion in Ohio; it is strictly enforced by law. Understanding these rules is vital because if the other driver violated them, it becomes much easier to prove negligence.

• Double Fines: In Ohio, speeding fines are doubled in work zones when workers are present. This serves as a “red flag” for insurance adjusters; a driver cited for speeding in a work zone is almost impossible to defend.
• Ohio’s Move Over Law: Drivers are required to move over one lane (or slow down significantly if moving over isn’t possible) for any stationary vehicle with flashing lights, including construction trucks and maintenance vehicles.

Who’s Liable in a Highway Work Zone Crash?

One of the biggest complexities in these cases is identifying the correct defendant. Liability might rest with:

• The Private Contractor: If the construction company failed to set up proper “tapering” for lane closures or left equipment in a dangerous position, they can be held liable.
• Government Entities: If the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) or a municipality created an inherently dangerous road design without adequate warning, they may be responsible.
• Sub-Contractors: Often, different companies handle the signage, the paving, and the traffic control. KNR investigates to ensure every negligent party is named in your claim.

Recovering Compensation After a Highway Work Zone Crash

If you were injured in a highway work zone accident, contact our Ohio car accident lawyers today. Whatever the circumstances of your accident are, we are here to conduct an in-depth investigation into the crash. We will pursue evidence of what happened, including:

• Police reports, including whether a driver received a ticket or was charged with a crime
• Construction company records, including any regulatory violations at that work zone
• Eye witness statements
• Photos and video of the aftermath of the crash
• Videos of the crash
• Expert witness opinions, including an accident re-constructionist

Once we have evidence of who caused the accident and why, we will move forward with a personal injury insurance claim or lawsuit. During this claim, we will use evidence to prove the other party’s negligence. This may entitle you to compensation for your: medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, and mental anguish.

FAQs about Highway Work Zone Crash Claims

Can I still recover money if there were no workers present at the time?

Yes. Hazards like uneven pavement, missing signage, or poorly placed concrete barriers are dangerous 24/7. Even if the crew has gone home for the night, the contractor is still responsible for maintaining a safe environment for motorists.

What if a piece of construction debris flew off a truck and hit my car?

This is a “falling cargo” or “road debris” claim. We work to identify the specific vehicle or contractor responsible for securing that load. These cases often rely on dashcam footage or witness statements to prove which truck the debris originated from.

Does “Comparative Negligence” apply in work zones?

Yes. If the insurance company claims you were distracted by the construction and therefore partially at fault, Ohio’s 51% rule applies. As long as you were less than 51% responsible, you can still recover damages, though your payout will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

How does a “Notice of Claim” work for government-involved accidents?

If a government entity is at fault, there are much shorter deadlines, sometimes only months, to file a formal notice. This is why it is critical to contact KNR immediately so we can preserve your right to sue.

Contact Our Ohio Car Accident Lawyers Today

If you were injured in a highway construction zone accident, don’t hesitate to seek legal advice from our experienced personal injury attorneys at Kisling, Nestico & Redick. With decades of experience, we are prepared to help you with your case regardless of who caused the accident. We are well-versed in dealing with insurance claims, and are ready to take your claim through court. We will fight to obtain the maximum compensation possible for you under the law.

To learn more about how we can help after a work zone accident, call us at 1-800-HURT-NOW to schedule an initial consultation.