Morrin Law Office

Construction Zone Accidents in Bowling Green, KY

Did you know that Bowling Green is Kentucky’s fastest growing county? And, as the adage goes, with great population increases comes great road work. While the intention of road work is to help traffic flow and relieve congestion, while construction takes place is another story.

Bowling Green is home to many fun attractions, like the Corvette Museum, Lost River Cave, and Beech Bend Amusement Park. So, it attracts a lot of visitors who are unfamiliar with the traffic patterns. Pair city growth and tourists with Western Kentucky University attracting drivers with minimal driving experience and you’re left with a prime opportunity for an accident.

If you or a family member experience a collision in a construction zone, contact the knowledgeable personal injury lawyers at the Morrin Law Office today to discuss your case.

Construction Zone Accident Statistics in Kentucky

In 2024, 1,223 people were in an accident in a construction zone in the state of Kentucky. 298 of those people were injured and seven died. We don’t know if any of those people were driving in a construction zone site.

What we do know, statistically, is that in a work zone drivers are twice as likely to die as a member of the construction crew.

Below are the most hazardous areas in Bowling Green to exercise caution when driving in, or to avoid if construction is taking place.

Bowling Green-Specific Hazards

In 2017, an accident in a work zone killed six people just north of the Corvette Museum. This tragic incident took place on one of the more dangerous roads in Bowling Green, based on the total number of accidents that occur on local roads each year.

I-65 Corridor: Heavy trucks and frequent construction throughout the year. This is where six people died in 2017 due to a failed yield.

US-231 and Scottsville Road: A high volume of commuters meet shopping congestion, creating a dangerous driving environment.

Event Traffic: Unique to Bowling Green and its many attractions, Corvette events, Hot Rod games, and WKU sports. Congestion can all increase the odds of distracted driving and an accident.

Sudden rural-to-urban lane shifts: This is dangerous given changes in speeds, and influxes in traffic unexpectedly.

The mix of visitors, student drivers, and heavy local traffic makes construction zones in Bowling Green particularly dangerous compared to other places in Kentucky.

Work Zone Safety Efforts in Bowling Green

Kentucky has taken steps to reduce the number of work zone crashes by launching awareness campaigns such as Work Zone Awareness Week, which encourages drivers to slow down, pay attention, and watch for sudden changes in traffic flow.

In Bowling Green specifically, many construction sites now use safety technology like digital signage, reflective barriers, and even rumble strips to alert drivers as they approach lane shifts or detours.

While these measures are designed to protect both drivers and workers, they can’t eliminate every risk. Distracted driving, speeding, or negligence within the construction zone itself can still turn a routine commute into a serious accident.

These initiatives highlight the importance of prevention, but they also show why legal accountability remains crucial when safety falls short.

Who’s responsible for construction zone accidents in Kentucky?

Not every crash in a construction zone is the result of careless driving. In some cases, the way a work site is managed can also contribute to an accident.

For example, a poorly marked lane shift, equipment parked too close to traffic, or flaggers waving vehicles into oncoming lanes can all create hazards that put drivers at risk. Even something as simple as missing signage or inadequate nighttime lighting may be enough to cause a serious collision.

When these kinds of oversights occur, the construction company or even a government agency may share responsibility for a car accident.

Of course, drivers themselves can also be found liable or partially liable for a crash. Distracted driving, speeding through reduced zones, or attempting dangerous merges are all behaviors that frequently lead to work zone crashes.

Add in the frustration of traffic delays and it’s easy to see how driver error often plays a role.

Pure Comparative Negligence

Kentucky law recognizes that accidents are rarely black and white. The state follows a pure comparative negligence system, which means more than one party can be held accountable for the same crash.

For instance, a driver who was texting at the wheel may still recover damages if a contractor also failed to place adequate warning signs. But the driver’s recovery would be reduced based on their percentage of fault.

Since liability can be divided among multiple parties, determining who is responsible requires a careful investigation. Working with an experienced Kentucky personal injury lawyer ensures that all possible sources of negligence are identified and that your rights are protected from the start.

If you’ve been injured in a construction zone accident in Bowling Green, contact Morrin Law Office at (859) 267-1670 for a free consultation and learn more about the legal options available to you.

Injuries after a Construction Zone Accident in Bowling Green

Construction zone crashes in Bowling Green can range from fender-benders to devastating collisions. The injuries that follow may be temporary and treatable, or they may cause long-lasting changes to a person’s health and quality of life.

Short-Term vs. Long-Term Injuries

Short-term injuries often include whiplash, broken bones, concussions, burns, or lacerations. More serious cases can result in spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), or internal bleeding.

Long-term consequences may include permanent disability, PTSD, scarring, or disfigurement.

Sadly, some accidents are fatal. In these cases, surviving families may pursue a wrongful death claim to hold negligent parties accountable.

Recognizing Symptoms After a Crash

Not all symptoms appear immediately after an accident. Adrenaline can mask injuries, and some conditions take hours, or even days to surface. You should seek medical care right away if you notice:

Headaches, migraines, or vision changes
Neck or back pain and stiffness
Numbness or tingling in the hands, feet, arms, or legs
Abdominal pain, swelling, or blood in urine/stool
Bruising that doesn’t heal
Mood, personality, or sleep changes
Fear, sadness, or anxiety around driving
Trouble performing daily activities or work tasks

Commonly Reported Injuries in Work Zone Accidents

Whiplash and other neck injuries
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) or concussion
Spinal cord damage and back trauma
Broken or fractured bones
Cuts, lacerations, or burns
Soft tissue injuries (sprains, torn ligaments, muscle tears)
Internal injuries or organ damage
Scarring, disfigurement, or amputations
Nerve damage or other permanent impairments

Economic Damages

If another party is found negligent, you may be able to recover the financial costs linked to your injuries. This could include past and future medical bills, lost wages, and diminished earning capacity.

In some cases, damages may also cover the cost of home modifications, assistive devices, or ongoing rehabilitation. Even if your injuries seem minor, property damage and transportation expenses add up.

Non-Economic Damages

Beyond financial costs, Kentucky law also allows compensation for non-economic damages. These include things like: physical pain, emotional distress, mental anguish, disfigurement, permanent impairment, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium, and the inconvenience caused by an accident.

Together, these damages show how disruptive a construction zone accident can be. A crash impacts not only your health but also your financial security and daily life.

What to Do After a Construction Zone Accident in Bowling Green

The moments right after a crash can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps can protect both your health and your legal rights. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Get to safety. If possible, move yourself and your vehicle out of the flow of traffic and call 911 for emergency assistance.
Report the accident. Make sure police are contacted and that a crash report is filed, as required under Kentucky Statute 189.635.
Seek medical care. Even if you feel fine, some injuries appear hours or days later. A medical evaluation creates an important record for your health and your case.
Document the scene. Take photos, record videos, and collect contact details from any witnesses.
Notify your insurance. Report the crash promptly. Don’t accept a quick settlement offer before talking to a lawyer.
Talk to a local attorney. A Bowling Green personal injury lawyer familiar with local roads, courts, and traffic conditions can guide you through your next steps.

Legal Considerations for Work Zone Accidents in KY

Kentucky law has several rules that affect construction zone accident claims:

Choice No-Fault Insurance: Drivers may carry no-fault coverage, with PIP benefits typically paying up to $10,000 for medical bills and lost wages. Serious injuries or high costs may allow claims outside the no-fault system.
Comparative Negligence: More than one party can share fault. Even if you’re partly responsible, you may still recover damages, reduced by your percentage of fault.
Statute of Limitations: In most cases, personal injury claims must be filed within one year of the accident. In limited circumstances, the period may begin when the injury is discovered. Wrongful death claims are one year from the appointment of the estate’s representative.
Crash Reporting (KRS 189.635): If police don’t file a report, drivers must file their own within 10 days if damages exceed $500.
Punitive Damages: Rare but possible in cases of gross negligence, such as drunk driving in a work zone.
Government Liability: Claims against city or state agencies have special rules, including shorter deadlines and limits on damages.

Call a Reputable Personal Injury Attorney in Bowling Green, KY

Bowling Green’s combination of student drivers, tourist traffic, and ongoing construction projects makes its work zones especially hazardous. Even with safety initiatives and modern technology in place, negligence by drivers, contractors, or agencies can still result in serious, life-changing crashes.

If you’ve been injured in a construction zone accident, you don’t have to navigate the aftermath alone. Contact an experienced Kentucky personal injury attorney at Morrin Law Office. Our team has experience with work zone accident cases across Kentucky, including in Louisville, Georgetown, and Lexington. We’re ready to review your situation as well.

Call Morrin Law Office at (859) 267-1670 today for a free, no-obligation consultation.