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Morrin Law Office

Construction Zone Accidents in Owensboro, KY

Owensboro is the fourth most populous city in Kentucky, with around 60,675 residents as of 2024. The population shows no sign of slowing, which means construction throughout the city is inevitable. 

While growth often means improvements to roadways, there is an increase in the likelihood of accidents during construction. These accidents can leave drivers and passengers facing serious injuries, costly medical bills, and unexpected time away from work.

If you, or a spouse has been injured in a construction zone accident in Owensboro, Kentucky, contact the experienced personal injury lawyers at the Morrin Law Office. 

Construction Zone Crash Statistics in Kentucky

In 2024, of the 4.58 million people in Kentucky, 1,223 were in an accident in a construction zone. 298 were injured and seven were killed in the accidents. While your odds of being one of the people in these accidents are low (around 2%)–and even lower for a fatality– they are not impossible. 

Often the focus on the dangers of construction zones are with the construction workers. While we can’t determine the exact number of crashes that took place in a work zone, we do know that motorists are twice as likely to die in a work zone compared to construction workers. 

Common Causes of Work Zone Accidents

Distracted driving accidents are the most common cause of accidents in work zone collisions, accounting for around 41% of all work zone collisions. These distractions could be due to a phone, passengers, eating, and more. 

Work zones are, by nature, unpredictable. So there are many causes for crashes beyond distracted driving, like speeding, confusion from signage or lane changes, driver impairment, and more. 

When there is proof of negligence, construction professionals and government organizations may be liable for an accident. Common causes include:

  • Roads left in unsafe condition for motorists
  • Ineffective traffic flow planning around construction areas
  • Using equipment that supervisors know isn’t functioning properly
  • Forcing drivers into abrupt or risky movements
  • Missing, unclear, or late signage warning of upcoming hazards
  • Construction machinery crossing or blocking active traffic lanes
  • Barriers, cones, or signs set too close to moving vehicles
  • Mistakes by flaggers directing cars through work zones
  • Reduced driver visibility caused by obstacles, poor lighting, or nighttime glare
  • Failing to follow safety rules established by the Kentucky Transportation Cabinet

Drivers can also be found negligent and at fault in a work zone accident. Some common causes include driver confusion or frustration, distracted driving, speeding, or driving while impaired, to name a few examples. 

Understanding Who’s to Blame

Blame is not as straightforward as one person being at fault in the state of Kentucky. Rather, it’s determined by a ‘pure comparative negligence’ rule, meaning more than one person or entity can be at fault for an accident. Compensation is determined by the percentage of fault each party is found liable for. 

These unique nuances are why it’s essential to work with a knowledgeable law office in Kentucky, like the Morrin Law Office. We can help you evaluate who may be at fault, and explore what types of compensation could be available after a construction zone accident in Owensboro, Kentucky.

Call (859) 267-1670 today for a free consultation to discuss your situation and learn more about your legal options.

Owensboro-Specific Driving Hazards

While accidents can happen anywhere, it’s important for Kentucky residents to exercise caution on certain roads, and certain times of year, especially if there is construction. 

U.S. 60, Frederica Street, or other busy commuter routes could prove especially dangerous if road work is being done. The Owensboro bridge is another area to exercise extreme caution. As the city expands, there will likely be an increase in rural-to-urban transition zones where traffic patterns shift suddenly. 

During high-traffic times of the year—such as Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame events, the International BBQ Festival, or Owensboro PumpkinFest—construction zones can be especially hazardous.

Other popular sites, like the Daviess County Public Library, and the largest sassafras tree on Frederica Street can attract tourists and distracted drivers. 

Stay aware during any of these times, or on any of these roads to protect yourself and others from an accident. 

Physical Injuries

If you are in a construction zone vehicular accident in Kentucky, it is essential to seek out a medical evaluation as soon as possible. 

Some symptoms may appear right away, while others take hours or even days to develop. It’s important to seek medical evaluation if you notice:

  • Headaches, migraines, or vision changes
  • Neck or back pain and stiffness
  • Numbness or tingling in hands, feet, arms, or legs
  • Abdominal pain, swelling, or blood in urine/stool
  • Unexplained bruising that does not heal
  • Changes in mood, personality, or sleep patterns
  • Feelings of fear, sadness, or anxiety while driving or riding in a vehicle
  • Limited ability to perform daily activities or work

Accidents in work zones can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to life-altering. Some of the most common include:

If you experience any of the symptoms, or are diagnosed with any of the ailments above, it’s essential to reach out to a reputable law office to explore if you have a case. 

Economic Damage

After a construction zone accident, if a party is found negligent your past and future medical expenses may be covered by the guilty party. That could also include past or future lost wages, or earning capacity due to an inability to work. In some cases, injuries may require home modifications or medical equipment and assistive devices, which may be considered as part of a damages claim.

Even if your body feels totally normal, there are often financial burdens after an accident. Property damage and alternative transportation costs can also be included in your overall damages. 

Non-Economic Damages

In certain cases, Kentucky law allows individuals to seek compensation for pain and suffering and other non-economic damages. 

Physical pain and suffering, emotional distress, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, scarring, permanent impairment, loss of consortium, and inconvenience or loss of amenities to life are all things that you could be compensated for after an accident. 

Construction Zone Accidents: Wrongful Death

Tragically, some construction zone crashes don’t just result in injuries—they result in the loss of life. When a driver, passenger, or even a construction worker is killed because of negligence in a work zone, the surviving family members may have the right to file a wrongful death claim.

A wrongful death case is meant to hold the responsible party accountable while helping families recover the support they’ve lost. In Kentucky, wrongful death compensation can cover both economic damages (such as funeral expenses, medical bills, and lost income) and non-economic damages (such as the loss of companionship, guidance, and emotional support).

These cases are often complex, but they can provide grieving families with financial stability during a very difficult time. An experienced personal injury attorney in Owensboro, KY can guide families through the process, investigate what went wrong, and pursue justice on their behalf.

What to Do After a Construction Zone Accident

At the scene of the accident, try to do the following, if you’re able:

  1. Remove yourself from harm’s way.
  2. Seek out medical care. 
  3. Gather photos, witness statements, and contact information.
  4. Report the accident to authorities. 
  5. Call your insurance.
  6. Call a Kentucky personal injury lawyer to evaluate your case.

Kentucky Statue 189.635: What You Need to Know

Kentucky Statue 189.635 outlines that if law enforcement doesn’t provide a written report, those who experience an accident in Kentucky have 10 days to file a report for a wreck resulting in over $500 of property damage. 

Need to file a report? Learn how to file here. 

Another important note: The statute of limitations is one year from the date of the wreck or discovered injury for a personal injury claim. However, the quicker you’re able to move on a case after an accident, the better. 

Start Your Recovery from a Construction Zone Accident in Kentucky

Accidents are terrifying. They leave everyone feeling shaken and uprooted. It’s essential that you don’t go through a tumultuous time like this alone. The experienced Kentucky injury attorneys at the Morrin Law Office can help you pursue fair compensation after your work zone accident. 

We’re here to answer any outstanding questions, provide you with guidance and next steps, help collect the evidence needed if you have a case, and make a plan to help you recover. 

Consultations are completely free. Contact the Morrin Law Office at (859) 267‑1670 today for a free, no‑obligation consultation. 

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