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Morrin Law Office

Construction Zone Accidents in Covington, KY

We’ve all seen the road-side signs that encourage slow driving in construction zones to protect workers. Yet, it’s far more common for drivers to be injured in a work zone accident than a construction employee. In busy cities like Covington, situated near Cincinnati with heavy commuter traffic, the odds of an accident are higher compared to rural areas.

Interstates, bridges, and downtown corridors are likely places for a collision. Yet, any work zone can be dangerous if someone is negligent. Were you recently in an accident? 

Contact the Morrin Law Office at (859) 267-1670 to discuss your case and learn more about the types of compensation that may be available after a construction zone accident in Covington, Kentucky.

I’ve been in an accident in Covington, KY. Now what?

If you are reading this after experiencing a crash, use the following steps to protect yourself. 

  1. Remove yourself from the road if you can. Contact emergency help if you need it. 
  2. Call the police to file a report. Ensure the report is filed pursuant to Kentucky Statue 189.635. 
  3. Seek medical attention, even if you’re feeling ok immediately following the crash. Adrenaline can mask injuries. 
  4. Document the accident details with photos, videos, and notes. 
  5. Talk with eye witnesses and get their contact information. 
  6. Report the accident to your insurance, but avoid quick settlements without legal advice. 
  7. Contact a Covington-based personal injury attorney who knows local roads and courts, like the Morrin Law Office. 

The police did not file a report after my accident. Now what? 

You can file a civilian collision report with the Kentucky Police department via their website. Keep in mind, the statute of limitations in Kentucky for a personal injury is one year from the date of the wreck or discovered injury. 

Are there signs I may be injured after a car accident?

Yes, there are signs you could be injured after a car accident. Be on the lookout for the following symptoms days to months after the collision:

  • Abdominal pain
  • Appetite changes
  • Back pain
  • Blood in urine or stool
  • Changes in mood and personality
  • Excessive bruising that does not go away
  • Fear when driving or traveling in a motor vehicle
  • Headaches or migraines
  • Stiffness
  • Feelings of sadness and anxiety
  • Loss of vision
  • Neck discomfort
  • Numbness
  • Limited physical function
  • Abdomen swelling
  • Hand and foot tingling
  • Unable to perform family activities and work

What are common injuries after a car accident?

If you were in a car accident a few hours to a few months ago, you may be experiencing some aches and pains. It’s natural to wonder if they’re related to your crash.  

While you will need to be looked over by a medical professional to receive a formal diagnosis, here are some common ailments and injuries to look for after a car accident. 

Owensboro-Specific Driving Hazards

Financial Burdens and Non-Economic Burdens

Physical injuries aren’t the only damages a negligent party can be found liable for. Financial burdens and non-economic burdens can also occur after a construction zone accident. 

Examples of financial burdens related to injuries:

  • Medical expenses (past and future)
  • Lost wages or earning capacity (past and future)
  • Home modifications
  • Medical equipment and assistive devices 
  • Medication costs
  • Childcare or household services

Other financial burdens:

  • Damage to your vehicle
  • Damages to items inside your vehicle
  • Transportation costs 
  • Increased insurance premiums

Non-economic burdens:

  • Pain, suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish
  • Hedonic damages (loss of enjoyment of life)
  • Loss of consortium, companionship, or guidance
  • Inconvenience or loss of amenities of life

These damages highlight just how disruptive a construction zone accident can be — not only to your health but to your financial security and overall quality of life. 

A knowledgeable Covington, Kentucky accident attorney can help you assess the true scope of your losses and pursue fair compensation for both the tangible and intangible challenges you’re facing.

The Risks of Construction Zone Driving in Northern Kentucky

In 2023, National Work Zone Safety found that Kentucky had 25 fatal work zone crashes, with 27 fatalities. Of those fatalities, four were construction workers, one was a pedestrian, and the rest were drivers. 

In 2024, Kentucky recorded 1,223 work zone crashes which included 298 injuries and seven fatalities–six of which were drivers or passengers. 

Being aware in a construction zone is the best way to keep yourself safe. Also, knowing what areas tend to be more dangerous in Covington can help you practice safe driving, or avoid them completely. 

Dangerous Roads in Covington, Kentucky

The following roads present risks to drivers, even when there isn’t construction taking place. When passing through these areas, minimize distractions and practice defensive driving. 

  • I-75/I-71 and Brent Spence Bridge: High traffic 
  • Pike Street and Madison Avenue: Converging lanes, pedestrian crossings and lots of drivers using turn lanes 
  • 12th street and I-75: merging or exiting the highway at high speeds, combined with local traffic, increases chance of collisions
  • 4th Street Bridge: Narrow lanes, lack of shoulders leave little room for mistakes, inclement weather increases risks,
  • Main Street: High concentration of vehicular and pedestrian traffic 
  • Latonia Neighborhood: Speeding on neighborhood streets and failure to obey stop signs 
  • Carroll Cropper Bridge: Construction taking place on this bridge adds to overall congestion

Ongoing interstate and bridge projects cause major bottlenecks and can lead to crashes. Narrow city streets can also make maneuvering construction zones difficult. But, they’re not the leading causes of work zone crashes. 

Leading Causes of Work Zone Crashes

Driving behavior is the leading cause of work zone crashes. In fact, distracted driving alone accounts for 41% of collisions. Rear-end crashes are the most frequent type of work zone accident according to the Team Kentucky Transportation Cabinet. 

Aggressive driving in high-traffic corridors, unsafe lane changes on bridges or tight construction sites, and out-of-town drivers struggling with unfamiliar Covington detours also add to risk.

Yet, because work zones are unpredictable by nature, crashes can result from many different factors. Both drivers and construction professionals may share responsibility when negligence plays a role.

Work Zone Employee Negligence

In some situations, construction professionals or agencies may contribute to accidents when safety standards are not followed. Examples include:

  • Leaving roads in unsafe condition for motorists
  • Poorly planning traffic movement through the zone
  • Using malfunctioning equipment despite knowing the risks
  • Forcing sudden or dangerous maneuvers for drivers
  • Failing to provide clear signage or early warning
  • Allowing machinery to interfere with active traffic lanes
  • Placing barricades or signs too close to vehicles
  • Errors made by flag workers directing cars
  • Reducing visibility with debris, blind spots, or poor lighting
  • Ignoring guidance set out by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet

Negligence by Drivers

Motorists can also be found at fault if their actions contribute to a crash. Common driver-related causes include:

  • Distracted driving
  • Excessive speeding
  • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
  • Confusion or frustration with sudden traffic changes

Because each construction zone crash is unique, negligence may extend beyond the examples listed above. A careful investigation is often needed to determine what went wrong and who should be held accountable.

Four Legal Considerations for Covington Car Accidents

If you are in a car accident in Kentucky (whether in a work zone or not), there are four legal considerations to keep in mind. 

  1. Kentucky is a choice no-fault state. When purchasing auto insurance, drivers can choose no-fault coverage, which requires their own insurer to cover medical expenses and lost wages up to a certain limit. To pursue additional damages through a lawsuit, drivers must have opted out of no-fault coverage when their policy was issued. Yet, even if you didn’t opt out, it’s still a good idea to talk to an attorney if you think you may have a case. 
  2. If you opt out of the no-fault insurance system, Kentucky uses a pure comparative negligence rule. More than one person or organization can share the blame in an accident, and compensation is determined by the percentage of fault assigned to each party. This means in some cases, you could sue another driver and a construction company for negligence. 
  3. Kentucky follows a pure comparative negligence rule, which means you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault. However, your recovery will be reduced based on your percentage of responsibility.
  4. Kentucky has a statute of limitations of one year from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Time is of the essence, so if you think you may have a case, don’t wait to speak with a construction zone accident attorney in Kentucky.

Contact the Morrin Law Office Today

Construction zones are an unavoidable part of life in Covington. City expansion, traffic congestion, and distracted driving all play a role in making work zones dangerous for drivers. 

Whether an accident is caused by a negligent driver, unsafe construction practices, or a combination of both, the consequences can be life-changing. If you or a family member has been injured in a construction zone accident, you don’t have to navigate the legal and financial aftermath alone. 

The Kentucky personal injury attorneys at Morrin Law Office can help you understand your options, investigate who may be at fault, and guide you through the process of seeking fair compensation for your injuries and losses.

Contact Morrin Law Office today at (859) 267-1670 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We will answer your questions, review your case, and help you take the next step toward recovery.

We have handled work zone accident cases across Kentucky (including Louisville, Georgetown, Lexington, and more) and can help evaluate the specifics of your situation.