Poor road conditions can cause serious car accidents. A driver could lose control of their vehicle or swerve into another lane to avoid a hazard. A pothole could be big and deep enough to cause a tire to blowout and result in an accident. Sometimes drivers are unaware of hazards on the road because of poor lighting conditions or distracted driving, it’s always recommended to be aware of your surroundings and stay alert to the road in front of you.
Road Defects That Could Cause a Car Accident
Different road conditions could damage a car and also cause an accident, sometimes these are imperfections from a bad construction job or an unmaintained road that has deteriorated over time. Examples of dangerous road conditions that could lead to a car crash include:
- Potholes
- Poorly painted lines on the road
- Uneven road surfaces
- Broken concrete or cracks
- Missing barriers and guardrails
- Missing or broken road signs
- Uncleared ice and snow
You should always pay attention to the road and to other drivers around you, you never know when a driver will unexpectedly swerve to avoid a hazard or you will encounter one yourself.
Who is Responsible in an Accident Caused by Poor Road Conditions?
It’s the government’s responsibility to provide and maintain safe roads for travelers. This means that roads should have proper traffic signs, guardrails or barriers, smooth surfaces, and should be maintained regularly. The first step in recovering damages for an accident is determining who or what caused your accident. If you have proof that your accident was caused by poor road conditions then you must determine the government agency responsible for that road, it could be the city, state or county government. After determining the agency responsible you need to file the claim within the time limit to be able to recover compensation. Suing the government is complicated, seeking legal assistance from a qualified personal injury lawyer early on in your case can help you navigate through the legal process and make sure you don’t miss any deadlines and pursue the maximum amount of compensation possible.
Top Cities With the Worst Roads
Although many road users are staying at home due to the COVID-19 pandemic, roads can still be deteriorated by weather like rain and extreme heat. According to studies from the Federal Highway Administration, 26% of major urban roads in the country are in poor condition. The data also shows the following cities as having the worst roads:
- San Francisco/Oakland, CA
- San Jose, CA
- Los Angeles/Long Beach/Anaheim, CA
- New York/Newark
- Detroit, MI
Being involved in a car accident is an unfortunate situation, you could be dealing with injuries, lost wages, or the unfortunate loss of a loved one. It’s the government’s responsibility to build and maintain safe roads, unfortunately, this isn’t always the case. If you suffered an accident caused by a dangerous road, Charleston accident attorneys at Salango Law recommend speaking to a lawyer to discuss your options.