Car Accident Injury caused by Road Problems

There are more than 6 million traffic accidents on the roadways each year in this country, with more than 3 million people injured in those accidents. Many of those injuries are due to the negligence of other drivers, but some are caused by other factors, as well. The most common causes of traffic accidents include:

• Driver error or negligence
• Road conditions
• Road design or maintenance issues
• Mechanical failures or defects

While not the most common causes of traffic accidents, road conditions and road design or maintenance issues are nevertheless significant factors that may allow victims to file personal injury claims for compensation.

Road Design and Maintenance Problems and Liability

It is not uncommon to drive down any city street and find some sort of city maintenance crew or construction company at work. Both of those conditions can be either the result or the cause of bad road conditions that could produce traffic accidents such as:

• Potholes
• Poor signage or faulty stoplights
• Uneven pavement
• Poor road markings
• Improper speed limits
• Poor drainage
• Poor or missing warnings for construction, hazards, or repair crews

Concerning road signs, maintenance, and repairs, every municipality has different laws concerning their liability for those issues. However, in most cases if such issues exist and have been reported, the city may be liable for any accidents or injuries those unrepaired conditions cause. It is important, however, to contact a personal injury lawyer quickly to help determine who is at fault and where to file the suit. The government is a difficult defendant, and it takes a skilled professional to compile a winning case.

Road Construction Issues

When construction crews are obstructing highways or public streets, the liable party may not be the government at all, but a private company. In addition, it is important to note that even if it was an employee whose negligence caused an accident or injury, if they were on the job at the time, their employer may be ultimately liable. Again, it may take an experienced personal injury lawyer to help determine who is at fault, if there are multiple liable parties, and where to file suit.

Hiring a Lawyer

Because these issues are complex, and because they often include dealing with government entities, it is even more vital to contact an experienced personal injury attorney quickly when such an accident occurs. They know the state statutes and whether no fault laws exist and apply, whether a government entity is exempt from such claims, or if their clients are eligible for compensation under state regulations. If so, it is important for them to be on the scene collecting evidence before it disappears or is corrupted, talking to witnesses, taking pictures, and determining what actually happened and who is liable.

In addition, these cases must generally be filed quickly, within 120 days. Knowledgeable lawyers are aware of those deadlines and have experience in working within them to protect the rights of their clients and secure the amount of compensation their client deserves.