Ohio used to have some of the best roads in the country. Unfortunately, over the past couple of decades, our road conditions have only gotten worse. While 96% of Ohio roads used to be in “acceptable condition,” that percentage is now just 83.69%.
These conditions are expensive for Ohio’s drivers, leading to billions of dollars each year in repairs, fuel consumption, and tire wear. Even worse, they can cause serious, life-threatening accidents.
At Colombo Law, we are passionate advocates for all Ohioans injured in car accidents due to the negligence of others. If you have been in an accident caused by a dangerous road condition, reach out to the experienced car accident attorneys at Colombo Law today.
We offer FREE case reviews so we can discuss your situation with no cost associated or strings attached. Call us today at 614-362-7000. Our car accident lawyers serve clients in Columbus and throughout Ohio.
Why Have Road Conditions Degraded?
All roads eventually degrade. The lifespan of asphalt roads is 20–30 years, while concrete roads tend to last longer. That said, how long a specific road lasts depends on several factors, including traffic volume, weather, and more.
The key is keeping up with repairs and maintenance of roads, which is much more costly than it used to be. According to one report by TRIP, a National Transportation Research Nonprofit, there has been a 59% increase in construction cost inflation since the start of 2021.
While traffic overall decreased during the pandemic, it is now at an all-time high in Ohio. Combined with the soaring costs of construction, it is clear why we are seeing significant wear across Ohio’s roads.
Common Issues on Ohio Roads
Road conditions can come in several different forms, from degradation to missing safety features. Let’s take a look at some of the most common issues we see on Ohio roads:
Degradation
Road degradation, which is mostly caused by weather and traffic, can cause many dangerous conditions. These include:
- Potholes
- Shoulder drop-offs
- Uneven surfaces
- Water pooling
- And more
In most cases, the effects of degradation are annoying and may result in minor damage to a vehicle. However, they can also lead to serious, potentially fatal, accidents.
Missing Safety Features
Road safety is not just about smooth surfaces; it is also about the presence of signage, such as signs cautioning sharp corners or hidden drives. When these signs are missing, it can lead to traumatic accidents that could have easily been avoided.
The same is true of features like guardrails and curbs. While these safety features may not cause many accidents, their absence in a particularly dangerous area could result in a minor accident becoming much worse than it should have been.
Improper Speed Limits
We rely on speed limits to give us guidance on how fast we can safely drive on a given road. As such, if a speed limit is higher than it should be on a particular stretch of road, it could lead to an accident that may have been avoided if drivers were given an appropriate speed limit based on the nature and conditions of the road.
Read More: What Are the Most Common Causes of Car Accidents?
How Do Bad Roads Contribute to Crashes?
Bad road conditions can surprise drivers and quickly lead to serious accidents. A pothole on a highway, for example, can be difficult to see from afar and cause an unsuspecting driver to lose control of his or her vehicle upon impact.
Pooling water on a degraded or poorly designed road can also sneak up on drivers, resulting in hydroplaning. Hydroplaning can quickly lead to skids and spinouts, which may result in a crash.
Missing safety features can also contribute to the severity of crashes. According to the TRIP report, it is estimated that lack of roadway safety features contributes to approximately one-third of fatal accidents.
Can I Sue for Bad Roads?
You may be able to sue for a bad road, though who you sue depends on the road you were driving on. Here is a brief overview of who is responsible for road safety in Ohio:
- State roads, including interstates, outside of local municipalities: The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is responsible. You can file a damage claim directly on the ODOT site from this link.
- Ohio Turnpike: Visit the Ohio Turnpike damage claim page here for more information.
- Local roads or U.S. and State Routes inside of a municipality: How to pursue a claim will depend on the municipality you are in. Here is the page on the City of Columbus website for filing a damage or injury claim.
- Private road: If the accident occurred on a private road, you would generally pursue compensation against the owner of the road.
Keep in mind that pursuing compensation against a government entity is not easy. While they may make it relatively simple to file a claim for minor vehicular damage, pursuing compensation for personal injury related to a bad road is another matter altogether.
Even when it comes to pursuing compensation related to damage caused by a pothole in Columbus, you must prove that:
- The City had actual or constructive notice of the pothole and failed to respond in a reasonable amount of time, or responded in a negligent manner.
OR - The City, in a general sense, maintains its roadways negligently.
Speak to an Ohio Car Accident Attorney Today
Proving liability for a bad road can be a complicated process. Beyond determining who, exactly, bears the responsibility, you will also need to:
- Gather evidence establishing the dangerous condition of the road
- Calculate the compensation you are due
- Navigate insurance adjusters and/or government bureaucracy
- Argue your case in court, if necessary
We may also need to recruit the help of expert witnesses or accident reconstruction experts who can show how the road condition directly led to the accident and subsequent damages. However, this should not discourage you from making a claim—you should always explore your right to compensation if you have suffered injury due to the negligence or wrongdoing of another.
We are here to help you navigate the process so you can recover the maximum compensation you need and deserve following an accident in Columbus or anywhere in Ohio. Contact Colombo Law today for FREE.
