Construction zones can be dangerous places for Ohio drivers. Not only can roadwork make driving slower and more challenging, accidents in construction zones can lead to serious injuries and the potential for even greater damage. If you are involved in a car accident in a work zone, there are some important steps you can take to help protect yourself.
Stay put and stay safe
Construction work zone accidents can have multiple causes. Detours can cause confusion, obstacles may be found in the roadway and inadequate warning signs can lead drivers to a quick stop. Temporary lanes may be improperly marked, and holes and debris may surface in unexpected locations. Once an accident occurs in such a close area, other crashes can happen close behind. If you are hit by a car in a construction zone, the first thing to do is to stay put until you know you are safe or unless it is necessary to move. Do not step out of the car into traffic; some people have suffered even more serious injuries after being hurt in a second crash.
Gather evidence at the scene
Give the police full and direct statements; do not apologize, even if you clearly were not at fault for the car crash. Make sure that you take pictures, talk to other witnesses and obtain the necessary contact information for the future. If possible, get photos of your car and the crash scene before the cars are moved out of the way.
If you were involved in a car accident, seek medical care and a checkup as soon as possible. If you were injured, delay may work against you in any later claim; if you do not immediately feel damage, the effects may surface later on.