How Ohio’s Specific Trucking Routes Affect Your Accident Case
When you’re involved in a truck accident in Ohio, the road you were on isn’t just the background for your crash. It can be a key factor in determining liability, jurisdiction, and the legal strategies your attorney uses. Major freight routes like I-70, I-71, I-75, and U.S. Route 23 all have their own traffic flows and patterns, not to mention different construction projects that Ohio roads are known for. Working with a truck accident attorney who understands these routes and the challenges they pose can help you build the strongest case possible. Call Soroka & Associates to set up a consultation now.
Why the route matters in truck accident cases
Commercial trucks don’t take random routes to get where they need to go. Federal and state regulations, as well as the companies’ protocols and preferred routes, guide where they go. These designated corridors often carry a higher volume of freight traffic, which means that there are likely to be more interactions (and potential accidents) between smaller cars and large trucks. These routes also often have their own unique rules and restrictions, such as different speed limits for trucks, hazardous material bans in certain areas, and truck lane limitations. Freight routes are also known for their predictable choke points, where traffic backs up at merge-heavy interchanges or work zones.
Why does this matter for you as a truck accident victim? The route you’re on actually plays a significant role in several different aspects of your case. First, the route may determine which agency investigates and responds to the crash—local police, Ohio State Highway Patrol, or both. If your road had specific trucking restrictions and limitations, those may help you when it’s time to prove negligence. Different routes may also have different traffic cameras, DOT maintenance logs, or other forms of evidence available.
I-70, a cross-state freight route
This route runs across the entire state of Ohio, from Indiana to West Virginia. It runs through Columbus and Dayton. Its role as a major freight artery means there are lots of trucks on this route at any given point, particularly near the manufacturing and distribution hubs of Columbus and Dayton. I-70 also always seems to be under construction, which means limited lanes and lower speed limits. Chain-reaction crashes are a real risk in this region, particularly during heavy congestion and bad weather.
When crashes occur on this route, liability may extend beyond the drivers involved to include negligent contractors or, in limited cases, government entities that failed to maintain safe traffic flow under exceptions to Ohio’s Political Subdivision Tort Liability Act.
I-71, a high-speed freight corridor
Cutting from Cincinnati to Cleveland and passing through multiple logistics centers along the way, this highway has high-speed stretches once you get outside the city limits. You’ll often find bottlenecks near construction zones, particularly as you get close to bigger cities. There are truck lane restrictions in certain areas of this route, which may affect passing and merging by truck drivers.
In crashes that occur in restricted-lane sections, investigators may pull GPS and electronic logging device data to see if the truck involved was compliant with lane restrictions. Failure to comply may strengthen the victim’s negligence claim.
U.S. 23, running through rural and suburban regions
While the interstates mostly run through large cities and high-traffic logistics hubs, U.S. Route 23 is a smaller and quieter road in some locations, and it includes two-lane segments with suburban multi-lane roads. Drivers often use this route as a way to avoid congestion on the interstate, so when the interstates get backed up, it’s usually only a matter of time before U.S. 23 is as well.
This route has fewer passing zones than larger highways, which means you may see more drivers taking unnecessary risks to pass slower drivers. In addition to trucks and passenger vehicles, you may see farm vehicles, school buses, and other traffic that can complicate your route. There is less surveillance on this road, so it may be a little bit harder for you to build your case without traffic camera footage.
How construction zones change liability in truck accident cases
If your accident occurs in a construction zone—and in Ohio, that’s always likely—your accident claim could be impacted. Temporary lane shifts and reduced road shoulders can create hazards and ramp up your risk of an accident, particularly in dense traffic or when dealing with distracted drivers. Speed limit drops, which are often ignored by impatient drivers, can also put you at greater risk. However, they can also make it easier to prove negligence if other drivers ignore the lower speed limits. Additionally, proper signage and traffic flow guidance is necessary. Construction companies that fail to meet signage requirements may be liable for collisions.
The role of ordinances and route restrictions
Many Ohio municipalities have implemented restrictions and limitations to improve traffic flow and reduce the risk of truck accidents. Some bridges and residential streets have weight restrictions to protect aging infrastructure from the weight of trucks. Or, they may have areas with time-of-day delivery restrictions to limit congestion in business districts. Violations of these ordinances, whether intentional or not, can serve as evidence that supports your claim. This is one of the benefits of working with an experienced truck accident lawyer; they know how to use this evidence to your advantage.
Start your truck accident claim with Soroka & Associates
If you’ve been injured in an Ohio truck accident, you could be entitled to compensation. Let’s talk about your options and plan your next steps. Just call us or send us a message online to get started now.