Car accidents are most often caused by driver carelessness, but road conditions are also responsible for most of the wrecks. Road conditions, weather, and hidden obstacles all have the potential to cause wrecks, so who is to blame? Fault in a car accident is not always the fault of drivers. Government agencies, road builders, or third parties can in some cases be to blame for dangerous road conditions. Find out what a car accident lawyer Anaheim, CA, has to say about it.
Typical Hazardous Road Conditions That Cause Accidents
Some road conditions pose the risk of accidents, in that it is challenging for drivers to maintain control. They are:
- Potholes and Uneven Pavement – Big potholes or cracks on the road can make drivers lose control or wreck their vehicles and result in accidents.
- Poorly Signposted Building Sites – Drivers can make sharp turns if the building signs, road closures, or diversion routes are poorly signposted, resulting in accidents.
- Missing Road Signs or Worn-Out Markings – Missing stop signs, faded lane markings, or broken traffic lights create confusion and dangerous intersections.
- Standing Water or Flooded Roads – Hydroplaning hazards may be created by poor drainage, which is more difficult to brake or steer on.
- Loose Debris or Gravel – Loose debris along a curve or highway construction debris has the tendency to decrease tire traction, causing cars to skid.
Who Can Be Held Accountable for Accident Due to Road Deterioration?
When dangerous road conditions are a factor in an accident, liability is harder to establish. The responsible parties can be:
- Government Agencies – Public roads are owned and maintained by cities, counties, or state agencies. If they fail to fill potholes, repair broken signs, or fix roadways, they will be liable for accidents.
- Construction Companies – If a piece of roadwork is poorly planned or is not well signposted, the construction company that did the work could be held responsible.
- Property Owners – From time to time, incidents occur on private property or property belonging to property owners which are under maintenance.
- Other Drivers – Even if a careless driver does not change their speed or driving mode to accommodate road conditions, they are still liable even if the road was unsafe.
How to Determine Road Conditions Caused Your Accident
In a bid to apportion blame where blame is due, proof is decisive in establishing that hazardous road conditions led to the accident. This is where a car accident lawyer Anaheim, CA, can help. Among the most precious forms of evidence include:
- Photos and Videos – Photograph the scene, including potholes, missing signs, or other road hazards that might have contributed to the accident.
- Witness Testimonies – The other drivers, pedestrians, or businessmen can testify that the road condition was bad.
- Police Reports – Road hazards could be part of the police report of the accident to support your claim.
- Locality Accident History – Where many accidents have taken place at one place, the reason may be prolonged negligence on the part of road authorities.
Suing for Accident Caused by Road Conditions
Suing a government agency or contractor is not like pursuing a typical car accident claim. Most states have very limited time frames in which to make claims against government agencies, and lawyers are generally required to manage the complex cases. If the other driver was the at-fault driver, typical car insurance claims and personal injury lawsuits could apply.
Final Thoughts
Dangerous road conditions have a considerable impact on responsibility for accidents, and at times deflect blame from drivers. Where potholes, inadequate signage, or hazardous construction areas are responsible for causing an accident, government agencies, contractors, or private property owners may be held liable. Obtaining good evidence and consulting a car accident lawyer Anaheim, CA, can enable accident victims to receive reasonable compensation for losses and injuries.