Ohio Construction Zone Car Accident Lawyer

Each year, thousands of people are injured in construction zone accidents. According to the Department of Transportation, 4,400 people died in work zone accidents in the United States in a 5-year period. Another 200,000 people were injured. Most of the people killed in construction zone accidents are drivers.

During the summer, work zones pop up all over our roads, slowing down traffic and leading to bottlenecks on our highways. To protect yourself and your loved ones, you must exercise extreme caution when travelling through a work zone. And if you are injured, contact Groth & Associates to meet with one of our Ohio car accident attorneys for a case review.

COMMON CAUSES OF CONSTRUCTION ZONE ACCIDENTS

Work zone accidents should be rare because motorists are traveling so slowly. However, there are many factors that can conspire to cause collisions:

• Congestion. Work zones are very congested, and rear-end collisions are the most common type of car accident in a work zone.
• Dump trucks. A fully loaded dump truck or tractor-trailer needs more time to stop and can override a vehicle if the driver does not hit the brakes in time.
• Workers. Construction workers are usually weaving in and out of work zones and can carelessly step in front of a vehicle.
• Debris. Any debris left on the road can cause a vehicle to lose control, as the driver either swerves to avoid it or becomes unstable after running it over.
• Uneven roads. If the road is being paved, then it can become uneven. If a vehicle is going too fast, then the driver can lose control.

If you have been injured in a work zone accident, you need to obtain immediate assistance. You will probably need to move your vehicle out of the way so it does not halt the flow of traffic. Nevertheless, you should still contact the police and have an officer come out to write a police report to fully document the collision.

For a free legal consultation with a construction zone lawyer serving Ohio, call (419) 930-3030

INJURIES

WHILE PERSONAL INJURIES ARE OFTEN REFERRED TO AS ACCIDENTS, THEY ARE OFTEN THE RESULT OF ANOTHER PERSON’S RECKLESS OR NEGLIGENT CONDUCT.

The injuries incurred will be mostly a function of the type of accident you suffer. In our practice, we have seen people suffer the following:

• Whiplash. This is a common injury with rear-end collisions. The head is forced forward past its normal range of motion before snapping backward. This whip-like movement can stretch and tear ligaments and muscles in the neck and upper shoulders.
• Fractures. Any type of car accident can cause broken bones, particularly in the arms, legs, hands, and feet. Facial fractures are particularly traumatic and can cause severe emotional distress.
• Back injuries. Traumatic accidents can damage the vertebrae, leading to a herniated disc. Other motorists can suffer fractured ribs or back sprain.
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs). Motorists can strike their heads on the side of the vehicle, the steering wheel, or another occupant. TBIs can lead to confusion and impairments with movement, memory, or sleep.
• Spinal cord injuries. Any damage to the spinal cord can cause partial or complete paralysis.
• Death. The size and weight of dump trucks can turn an accident into a fatal one. Occupants can be crushed by a vehicle or by any materials falling off the truck.

After going to the hospital, you should continue to follow your doctor’s course of treatment. Many motorists need pricey rehabilitation before they can return to work or go about their normal daily lives.

Personal Injury Lawyer Near Me (419) 930-3030

OHIO CONSTRUCTION ZONE LAWS AND LIABILITY FOR A CONSTRUCTION ZONE CAR ACCIDENT

The person our client sues will depend on how they were injured and who is responsible for the crash. There are many different people who might be responsible, including:

• Government agencies
• Private contractors hired by government agencies
• Individual construction workers
• Manufacturers of defective materials

If you need to sue the government, then you should work with someone who has experience in those types of claims. Filing suit against a municipality or state agency is not the same as suing a private individual. There are different deadlines and reporting obligations that you need to meet, otherwise you cannot hold them responsible in court.

CONSTRUCTION ZONE SAFETY

To minimize the risks of an accident in a work zone, remember the following tips the next time you come across a construction zone:

• Focus on driving. Distracted driving is a danger even on the open roadway. When passing through a construction zone, any distraction dramatically increases your chances of a collision. Put away any sort of distraction, including your cell phone. If you’re in the middle of a fight with your spouse, then delay until you clear the work zone.
• Pay attention to what other drivers are doing. If cars up ahead are braking, you can anticipate that traffic is slowing. Look several seconds ahead and respond accordingly.
• Merge appropriately. One lane is usually shut down in a work zone, so you will need to merge before you reach it. Merge well in advance of the lane closure.
• Avoid tailgating. You will need a couple of seconds to slow, so don’t ride upright on someone’s tail.
• Do not speed. There should be a posted speed limit in the work zone. Don’t go over it. You can be ticketed if you do so.
• Watch for construction workers. A worker can pop out from behind a parked dump truck and take you by surprise. Always be prepared to brake.

You also need to remain patient. You might not have been expecting to hit a construction zone, which could now make you late for your appointment. Nevertheless, remaining calm is key to avoiding a crash. If you try to speed or take other aggressive action, you only improve the odds that you’ll get into a fender bender.

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SPEAK WITH GROTH & ASSOCIATES TODAY

We are a leading Toledo car accident law firm that has helped many people in the days and weeks following a construction zone car crash. Our experience includes suing private contractors and government agencies, and we can take the steps necessary to protect your right to compensation.

Contact us today. One of our Toledo construction zone accident lawyers can meet with you to talk about your case during a free initial consultation.

Call or text (419) 930-3030 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form