Due to the severity of the winter season in our region, many of the roads in Ohio and Kentucky are in desperate need of repair Potholes, deteriorated roads and other hazards can cause dangerous driving conditions for many motorists, with some potholes being deep enough to cause the tire of a car to be punctured causing significant damage to the rim and other components of the vehicle. In fact, some roads are in such poor condition that they can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle and potentially be the cause of a serious accident. Have you or someone you loved suffered damage to a vehicle or been involved in an accident that may have been caused by a dangerous road? Did you know that it is the responsibility of State and Federal authorities to provide safe, well-designed roads for citizens? The auto accident attorneys at O'Connor, Acciani & Levy recognize this responsibility isn't always met, and disastrous, sometimes fatal, accidents can be the result. If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident due to bad road conditions, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical bills, material damages, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other costs associated with the traffic accident. To find out how we can help you, call us today at (877) 288-3241 or simply complete the Free Case Evaluation form to learn more about your legal options.
Poor Road Design
Although most auto accidents are the result of driver error, there are instances where a poorly designed road can lead to an accident. The most common design flaws that can result in a crash include:- Dangerous curves
- Pavement with insufficient skid resistance
- Hazards blocking visibility at intersections and crosswalks
- Absent, defective, or improper warning signs
- Defective or missing guard rails
- Parking policies that limit visibility at a dangerous intersection
- Entrance and exit ramps that are too short or don't allow safe merging
- Shoulders that aren't visibly distinct
- Poor drainage that can result in hydroplaning
- Perilous street drop-offs, like ravines and cliffs
Types Of Bad Roads
Driving can be difficult enough in the best of conditions. When the roads are in poor shape (and holes, bumps, uneven pavement, and construction are present) it creates an environment that dramatically increases the chance of an auto accident occurring. The following are some of the most common types of bad roads in Ohio:- Work Zones: When traveling through a work zone, drivers should be particularly careful. Cones, signs, shifting lanes, road crews, uneven roads, and other construction hazards all present potential dangers.
- Slippery When Wet: Road surfaces can become very slick when it rains, and hydroplaning can occur if drivers fail to reduce speeds or take turns at a slower pace.
- Shoulder Drop-Off: If there is a gap of two or more inches below a roads surface on a shoulder then a drop-off area exists. This space can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles if unnoticed or ignored.
- Ice Patches: Ice patches can form when the temperatures drop below freezing, but they can also occur in areas where there is improper drainage on the road. Drivers must exercise extra caution when icy conditions are present.
- Potholes: A pothole is a disruption in the surface of a roadway where part of the road material has broken away and a hole has been left in its place. They present an obvious danger and can lead to disastrous wrecks. Ohio residents are advised to contact local authorities and notify them about any discovered potholes.
