Accidents Caused By Road Hazards in Ohio

Ohio Road Hazard Accidents

There are various types of hazards on Ohio roads. These hazards may be the result of weather conditions, the wear and tear of daily driving, or malfunctioning vehicle equipment. Regardless of the cause of road hazards, drivers have the duty to remain alert at all times so that they can be prepared for any road hazard that may come their way.

If you’ve been hurt in an Ohio road hazard accident, you should consult our experienced Ohio road hazard accident lawyers at Kisling, Nestico, & Redick. We can help you determine who is liable, and we may be able to help you recover compensation through a personal injury lawsuit.

For a free, initial case consultation with an Ohio car accident lawyer, call us today at 1-800-HURT-NOW.

Common Road Hazards in Ohio

There is a plethora of road hazards drivers may come across while traveling throughout the state of Ohio. Some of the most common types of hazards in the state include:

Construction Zones

Ohio is known for negligent road construction. Construction zones can pose a threat to drivers because of their uneven surfaces, narrow lanes, and abrupt detours. Drivers should travel extra carefully in construction zones and keep their eyes open for construction workers and machinery.

Potholes

Circular shaped openings in the road that are a certain amount deep are referred to as potholes. They are the result of weathering and wear and tear on the road. Unfortunately, potholes can be difficult to spot, especially at night or in inclement weather.

Road Debris

One of the most common hazards for drivers is road debris. Dust, dirt, asphalt, concrete, pebbles, road salt particles, litter, food, furniture, garbage, glass, nails, screws, and auto parts are examples of road debris that can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle and trigger an accident.

Malfunctioning Traffic Signals

Ohio drivers rely on traffic lights and signals to control traffic flow. When these signals are not working properly, they can lead to serious accidents because drivers often do not know what to do in these situations.

Injuries Caused by Road Hazards

In most cases, road hazards lead to serious accidents because drivers do not expect them and do not know how to react when they are in their way. Sadly, road hazard accidents almost always lead to injuries, especially if drivers are traveling at a fast speed. Several examples of injuries caused by road hazard accidents include:

• Whiplash
• Lacerations
• Broken bones
• Concussions
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal cord injuries
• Rib injuries

Liability for Road Hazard Accidents

It can be difficult to determine liability in a road hazard accident. Since the government is responsible for maintaining streets, roads, and highways, they may be at fault for road maintenance negligence. However, if a road hazard accident occurs on a private road, a homeowners’ association may be liable.

Road hazards are also sometimes caused by citizens. For example, if you’re involved in an accident because a trashcan was blown into the street, the homeowner who allowed their trashcan to become a road hazard may be responsible.

Suing a Government Entity for Road Hazards

It may be that a local municipality, the state of Ohio, or even a federal agency is responsible for hazards in the road. Generally, Ohio and other government entities are protected from lawsuits under sovereign immunity, but there are exceptions.

The state can be held liable for not keeping roads in good repair or removing obstructions. Most often, this is due to carelessness and negligence related to road maintenance or another construction project.

For example, the Ohio Department of Transportation may have been required to post warning signs of an upcoming work zone. If an accident resulted because there was an insufficient warning, they may be held liable.

Likewise, federal agencies have a different procedure for filing lawsuits in accordance with the Federal Tort Claims Act.

A Lawyer Can Help Identify Liable Parties

Since it’s a challenge to figure out who is to blame in a road hazard accident, it’s imperative to reach out to our road hazard accident lawyers. They can help you figure out whether a government agency or another party is liable for your accident. For instance, if a third party was hired to perform road construction, they may be liable for damages caused by a road hazard through a traditional third-party claim.

An experienced lawyer can thoroughly investigate your accident, help identify all the possible negligent parties and assist you in recovering compensation so that you can pay for any medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Preventing Road Hazard Accidents

Fortunately, there are several steps that you can take to reduce your risk of becoming involved in a road hazard accident, including:

Avoid distracted driving

Even if you take your eyes off the road for a second, you can find yourself in a road hazard accident. Therefore, you should refrain from texting, grooming, eating, or engaging in any other activity that takes your attention away from the road.

Refrain from tailgating

If you’re too close to the vehicle in front of you, you may be unable to see debris that the driver is avoiding or be unable to prevent an accident.

Scan the road ahead of you

Get into the habit of scanning the road ahead of you. Look for any swerving or stopping and drive with caution.

Use your headlights

When driving at night, be sure to turn on your headlights. By doing so, you can increase your chances of seeing road debris.

Maintain your vehicle

A poorly-maintained vehicle can lead to road debris. For example, if your tires are worn or under-inflated, they may blow out and leave pieces of tire on the roads. It’s important to make sure your vehicle is always in tip-top shape.

Secure loads

Do not tow any items unless they are properly secured.

Injured in a Road Debris Accident? Contact KNR

If you get injured in a road debris accident, reach out to the road hazard accident lawyers of Kisling, Nestico & Redick today. In a personal injury lawsuit, we’ll ensure that your rights remain protected, and we will help you hold the right party accountable for their negligence.

Contact us today at 1-800-HURT-NOW to schedule a free case evaluation.