Work Zone Accidents in Ohio: Who’s Liable When Construction Leads to a Crash?
As the weather warms up in Ohio, it’s officially road construction season. Whether it’s a highway repaving project or a utility repair on a side street, work zones are popping up everywhere. And while these projects are necessary to maintain and improve our roads, they can also create dangerous driving conditions that lead to serious accidents.
At Zaber Law, we often get questions from people injured in crashes that happened in or near construction zones:
“Who’s responsible?”
“Is it the other driver, the construction company, or the state?”
In this blog, we’ll break it down in plain English, explain what makes work zones risky, and help you understand your rights if you’re injured in one of these accidents.
Why Are Work Zones So Dangerous?
Construction zones create a perfect storm of hazards:
- Narrow lanes and shoulder drop-offs
- Sudden lane shifts and merging traffic
- Reduced speed limits and abrupt stops
- Confusing signage or lack of clear direction
- Distracted drivers trying to navigate the changes
Even the most careful driver can get caught off guard—and when that happens, accidents often follow.
Common Types of Work Zone Accidents
Here are some examples of what we see in these cases:
- Rear-End Collisions: Traffic slows down quickly near construction zones. If a driver isn’t paying attention, they can slam into the car in front of them.
- Sideswipes or Lane-Change Accidents: Sudden lane closures or shifting lanes without clear markings can lead to confusion and contact between vehicles.
- Crashes with Construction Equipment: Sometimes, equipment or vehicles from the construction crew enter traffic unexpectedly, creating a hazard.
- Pedestrian or Worker Injuries: In poorly marked zones, drivers may not realize workers are nearby until it’s too late.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Work Zone Accident?
✅ Another Driver
In most cases, driver error is still the primary cause of the crash—speeding, texting, tailgating, or not obeying signs. If another driver caused your accident, they (and their insurance) may be responsible.
✅ Construction Company
If the work zone was poorly designed or marked, or if equipment was left in the road, the construction company or contractor could be at fault. For example:
- No warning signs about lane closures
- Barricades placed incorrectly
- Lights or signals not functioning
✅ Government Agency or Municipality
Sometimes, if the work was done by or overseen by a government agency (like ODOT or a city), they may share liability—especially if known hazards were not corrected.
⚠️ Important Note: Claims involving government entities have shorter filing deadlines and may require special procedures. It’s important to speak with a lawyer right away.
What Should You Do After a Work Zone Crash?
- Call 911 and get medical attention, even if injuries seem minor.
- Take photos of the accident scene, including construction signs, equipment, and any road markings (or lack of them).
- Get contact info for witnesses and the other driver.
- Ask for the name of the construction company if visible.
- Don’t speak to insurance companies without legal guidance.
How Zaber Law Can Help
At Zaber Law, we understand how confusing and overwhelming work zone crashes can be. We investigate every detail—not just the drivers, but also construction companies and government entities—to determine who may be at fault.
We help our clients:
- Get compensation for medical bills, lost wages, vehicle damage, and pain and suffering
- Deal with insurance adjusters so you’re not pressured into a low settlement
- Meet important legal deadlines, especially if a city or state agency is involved
Injured in a Work Zone Accident? Let’s Talk.
Don’t wait and wonder who’s responsible or how to start your claim. If you were injured in or near a construction zone, let Zaber Law help you sort it out.
📞 Call us today at 216-367-5665
We’re here to stand up for your rights and make sure you don’t pay the price for someone else’s mistake.
