Lexington Construction Zone Vehicular Accident Attorney

Construction Work Zone Procedures

The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet’s Policy and Procedures for the Safety and Mobility of Traffic Through Work Zones explain their goal is to design, implement, and maintain safe and efficient environments for workers and those traveling through a work zone. Projects they consider “significant projects” shall receive a Temporary Traffic Control Plan (TTCP) and a Public Information Plan.

The procedure section defines a significant project as meeting any of the following:

1. Any interstate system project which is anticipated to occupy a location for more than 3 days;
2. Any project on any multilane roadway which is anticipated to occupy a location for more than 3 days where the existing directional ADT is over 1,000 vehicles per hour, per lane, that would close a lane during the peak hours;
3. Any project on a 2-lane roadway which is anticipated to occupy a location for more than 3 days where the existing ADT in both directions is over 1,000 vehicles per hour that would close a lane during its peak hours; or
4. Any project on the Interstate or National Highway System that would involve a detour.

The TTCP guidelines vary depending on whether the significant project takes place on an interstate or non-interstate road:

Interstate Projects Guidelines 

• Expected queue length due to lane closures shall be analyzed and not exceed 3 miles beyond the typical queues expected without the construction project;
• Total closures of an interstate segment should not be considered unless there is an interstate detour available that can safely accommodate the expected increased traffic; and
• User costs shall be analyzed and the use of the incentives/disincentives to encourage timely completion of the total project or critical phases should be considered.

Non-Interstate Projects Guidelines

• Expected queue length due to lane closures shall be analyzed and should not exceed 3 miles beyond the typical queues expected without the construction project;
• Total closures of a segment should not be considered unless there is a detour available that can handle the expected increased traffic. Alternative travel routes should not exceed 10 miles.

For the Public Information Plan, the significant project’s team must establish communication strategies to inform the affected road users, the public, area residences, businesses, and appropriate public entities regarding the work zone traffic measures. The plan should include information on the expected impacts, closure details, and commuter alternatives.

When informing drivers of a construction zone, a construction company may use any of the following warnings:

• Public meetings
• Media stories or ads
• Online Websites
• Highway advisory radio
• Changeable message signs
• Printed material at selected site
• Rest area kiosk
• Cones
• Barrels
• Flashing lights
• Construction workers in bright vests

Injuries and Damages Caused by a Lexington Construction Zone Wreck

Keep in mind that you should never ignore any injury symptoms after a motor vehicle wreck. Even if you do not see or feel any initial signs of injury, you should always get checked out by a medical professional following an accident. There may be internal damage or injuries that have yet to set in.

If you’ve experienced any of the following injuries from construction zone wreck in Lexington, Kentucky, you may have grounds for a personal injury claim:

• Abdominal pain;
• Back pain;
• Broken bones;
• Cuts;
• Lacerations;
• Numbness or tingling in arms or legs;
• Excessive bruising;
• Traumatic brain injury;
• Reduced physical function; or
• Inability to perform job or basic routines.

If you’re considering filing a personal injury claim for your construction zone accident, it is important to understand the possible damages. Damages are the potential financial amount awarded to an injured party to help them fully recover. If you’ve experienced any of the following compensatory damages caused by your accident injury, contact Morrin Law:

• Hospital bills or other healthcare services;
• Future medical expenses;
• Loss of income;
• Property damage;
• Loss on quality of life; or
• Pain and suffering.

Example Lexington Case

August 2023 – An 18-year-old in Lexington died after being fatally struck by a tire in a construction zone. According to the report, the Lexington Police responded to a call for an injured person at the 99-mile marker on I-75 around 8pm on August 3, 2023.

The victim was Braxton Willoughby of Mt. Sterling, who recently graduated from Montgomery County High School. The coroner’s report indicated that Willoughby was struck by a tire that came off a passing vehicle in the I-75 construction zone by the Clays Ferry Bridge. The tire caused traumatic injury to the teen’s torso. Willoughby was transported to the UK Medical Center for his life-threatening injuries but was pronounced deceased by the Fayette County Coroner not long after.

Contact Morrin Law Firm for a Risk-Free Case Evaluation

Getting injured in an unexpected accident is the last thing anyone wants, especially when the accident was caused by the negligence of another person. Depending on the extent of your injuries, you may have a long road to recovery. This can include piling medical bills and other accident-related expenses. If your injuries were caused by the reckless or negligent behavior of another driver or construction company, you should receive compensation to help with the resulting damages.

By contacting a Kentucky personal injury attorney, you can rest while we take on the bulk of the case. While you focus on your physical and emotional recovery, we will consult with insurance companies or the construction company on your behalf. If the case requires going to court, Morrin Law will fight to win you the compensation you deserve. Our firm works on a contingency basis, so we only get paid if you do! Contact our office today at (859) 358-0300 and receive a risk-free evaluation. We will only take on your case if we believe we can provide optimal value to your case.