Accidents on Dangerous Roads in Ohio | Kisling, Nestico & Redick
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While a crash can happen on any road, certain dangerous byways and intersections account for disproportionate rates of accidents and fatalities in Ohio. If you've been in a serious car crash, contact us to discuss your options.

Accidents on Dangerous Roads in Ohio

Various factors can make certain roads more dangerous than others. Traffic volume, location, and the way in which they are constructed can all affect the rate of accidents on roads. The Ohio vehicle accident attorneys at KNR are familiar with the most dangerous roads in Ohio. We represent people who have been injured throughout the state. If you have been involved in an automobile accident, contact us today at 1-800-HURT-NOW to find out how we can help you.

Ohio has the 10th largest roadway system and the 5th largest traffic volume in the country, according to the Ohio Department of Public Safety (ODPS). ODPS reported that someone is injured in a car accident every 5.2 minutes in Ohio, and there were 302,307 recorded car accidents in 2015 alone.

Ohio’s Most Dangerous Roads

Ohio’s most dangerous roads include sections of I-76, I-90, I-71, I-75, and I-85. In general, the highways and freeways surrounding major cities like Columbus, Cleveland, Cincinnati, Toledo, and Akron can be dangerous due to traffic congestion.

I-75 is ranked as the fifth most dangerous highway in the U.S. based on the number of traffic-related deaths for every 100 miles. Between 2011 and 2015, this interstate saw 47.2 traffic deaths per every 100 miles. Ohio also had the greatest number of fatalities on I-75 compared to the other states it passes through. Cincinnati had the third most fatalities per city on the route, followed by Toledo.

Common Road Hazards & Resulting Accidents

Some road hazards are uncontrollable such as wet roads or debris caused by a storm. However, some road hazards are due to defects that can be controlled. Some of the common road hazards that lead to injury-causing accidents are:

Road Defects

If roads are not properly designed to account for traffic volume, drainage, and usage it can result in dangerous dips, slopes, or curves in the road. Without careful planning, improper lighting and obstacles can block a driver’s view or make busy intersections unnecessarily dangerous.

Roadway Design Issues Include:

  • Ungraded or Improperly Graded Curves
  • Poor Lighting
  • Broken or Missing Guardrails
  • Steep or No Shoulders
  • Poorly Designed Intersections, Roundabouts, etc.
  • Poor Drainage and Standing Water

Failure to Maintain Roads

If roads are not maintained, potholes and cracks develop. When a vehicle hits a pothole, the risk of blowing out a tire or losing control increases. In addition to failing to maintain roads, failure to repair or replace traffic signs, traffic signals, road markers, guardrails, and the shoulder can all contribute to car accidents.

Poorly Maintained Roads Include:

  • Roads Left Untreated for Snow & Ice
  • Broken Traffic Signs & Signals
  • Unaddressed Potholes
  • Uneven Surfaces/Cracked Concrete
  • Missing Signage
  • Unmarked Lanes

Road Obstacles

The placement of signs, utility poles, and other objects on the road can increase the risk of an accident by obstructing the view or creating an unsafe condition. Failing trim roadside vegetation can also limit a motorist’s view.

Road Obstructions Include:

  • Neglected Landscaping
  • Poorly Maintained Work Zones
  • Downed Utility Poles
  • Misplaced Signs

How Roads Become Hazardous

The typical life expectancy of a U.S. Road is approximately 20 years. After two decades of use and exposure, a road essentially needs to be resurfaced. The simple truth is that our roads are deteriorating because agencies and governments can’t keep up with our aging infrastructure.

Some signs of an aging or dangerous road are:

  • Distressed Pavement
  • Dull Road Paint
  • Uneven/Broken Concrete
  • Potholes
  • Cracks
  • Uneven/Faded Lanes
  • Tire Grooves
  • Standing Water

Elements That Create Dangerous Roads and Highways

A road can be particularly dangerous for several reasons. It could be designed in such a way that it presents a high risk of a crash, no matter how cautious drivers are. It could also be poorly maintained, leading to unnecessary conditions.

Some road conditions that raise the risk of an accident include:

  • Narrow roads without shoulders
  • Steep drop offs at shoulders
  • Overly steep roads
  • Too narrow or sharp curves
  • Large blind spots along the road
  • Poorly lit roads
  • Other design defects
  • Inadequate signage or signals
  • Broken traffic signals
  • Lack of appropriate barriers, guardrails, or other hardware
  • Potholes or broken pavement
  • Poorly maintained construction zones
  • Other inadequate maintenance

Road Hazard Injuries Can Be Severe

Regardless of where an accident occurs, the unfortunate reality is that most car accidents could be prevented if drivers followed the rules of the road. When a driver speeds, is impaired or distracted or otherwise drives in an unsafe manner, the results can be devastating.

Motor vehicle crashes are leading causes of fatal and non-fatal injuries in Ohio each year. Injuries suffered in car accidents can differ greatly depending on the severity of the crash. Common injuries include:

  • Head and brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Neck and back injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Disfiguring scars
  • Tendon, ligament, and muscle injuries

Compensation after a Road Hazard Accident

With a lawyer’s help, you may be able to recover the various financial losses (damages) caused by negligent road maintenance and other recklessness. Through an insurance claim or lawsuit, an injury victim may be able to secure compensation for:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost income
  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Disfigurement
  • Loss of consortium (negative effect of your injuries on your relationship)

Who is Responsible for a Dangerous Road Accident?

When dangerous roads are part of the reason the accident happened, KNR will need to thoroughly investigate who is liable. It may be that another driver acted negligently in regard to the road conditions. For instance, steep and curvy roads require slower speeds.

It may be that the local municipality or the state is responsible for the poor design or condition of its roads. For example, the road may be too steep, or it may have potholes that are a significant hazard. It could also be that the private business hired to design, build, or repair the road did not do its job properly and is responsible.

If the liable party is a private entity like a trucking company, design firm, or construction company, then we can seek compensation through a third-party insurance claim or personal injury suit.

If a local or state government is to blame, we may have to determine if a lawsuit is a viable option. In general, Ohio is protected from lawsuits through sovereign immunity. However, there are exceptions. Under the law, the state can be held responsible for not keeping roads in good repair or removing obstructions from public roadways.

The Car Accident Lawyers at KNR Can Help

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a motor vehicle accident, you may be able to obtain compensation for your losses. Let us help develop and maximize your personal injury claim.

Call Our Ohio Car Accident Attorneys

At Kisling, Nestico & Redick, our team has helped countless motor vehicle accident victims. As one of the largest personal injury firms in Ohio, we have centuries of combined legal experience. We;ve secured countless favorable settlements and verdicts and are ready to put our resources to work for you.

We offer no fees unless you recover compensation. Call us at 1-800-HURT-NOW or fill out our online form to schedule a free initial consultation.