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How Does Poor Road Design Affect a Car Accident Case?

Written by AskTheLawyers.com™

How Does Poor Road Design Affect a Car Accident Case?

Written by AskTheLawyers.com™

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After a car accident, it can be particularly challenging to know how to proceed on a quest for compensation when no one else appears to be immediately responsible for the accident. However, poor road design is a common factor in car accident cases and, if present, could indicate that the government responsible for building the road is liable for resulting damages. Additionally, when on-going road construction is present and/or traffic lights or signs are damaged or nonexistent, it is likely that a government agency may be considered liable for any resulting accident. The damages which can be compensated for in a car accident case are wide-ranging, for anything from medical bills, to lost wages, to pain and suffering. All of this depends on the way an accident occurred and the injuries that resulted.

Types of Roadway Defects

A variety of defects could occur on a roadway that a government agency can be held liable for. Improper maintenance, arbitrary construction, and a delay in responding to repair requests are all common elements of poor road design, which can contribute to or worsen an existing defect. Types of roadway defects include but are not limited to:

  • Potholes
  • Curves in the road that are too sharp, leading to rollover accidents
  • Overgrowth of vegetation
  • Cracked or uneven pavement
  • Inadequate signage
  • Faded roadway markers
  • Substandard material
  • Broken traffic lights
  • Intersections designed with inadequate attention to safety
  • Lack of guardrails
  • Inadequate lighting
  • Unsafe roadway construction practices

Any one of these defects can have disastrous consequences for the drivers who find themselves on the road. When an accident is caused due to negligence on the part of the government agency responsible for the upkeep of a public roadway, it’s important to remember that you do not have to handle your damages alone. If these defects are left unaddressed it could cause similar and worse accidents to occur in the future, so it’s important to address them right away.

After a Car Accident.

Immediately after a car accident, seek medical attention as needed; waiting to seek medical attention could have a negative impact on your case further down the road. Some injuries may not be felt until days or even weeks after an accident, so it’s a good idea to see a doctor regardless of how your body initially feels after a car accident. Additionally, it’s important to collect evidence at the scene of the accident, especially if poor road design played a part in the accident. Take a picture of whatever pothole, missing signage, broken traffic light, or poorly designed intersection contributed to the collision to ensure there is a record of it. It’s also a good idea to take a picture of any damage to your vehicle and other vehicles involved if applicable, as well as to take pictures of any injuries which occurred. Finally, it never hurts to collect the contact information of any witnesses to the accident. All of this evidence can be analyzed by a lawyer to decide how to best proceed with your particular case.

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