What to Do After a Texas Car Accident Caused By Damaged Roads

While most car accidents result from driver negligence, a large number of car accidents occur because of poor road conditions, whether due to improper maintenance, incomplete construction, faulty design, or poor signage. Depending on the specific roadway, federal, state, and local government authorities may be responsible for the road on which you drive. These government agencies are responsible for building and maintaining the roads for travelers' safety. If they fail to do so and the poor road conditions lead to an accident that causes injuries, the victim can file a personal injury claim to seek recovery for their damages.

According to the U.S. National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, more than 2.2 million traffic accidents in the United States happen every year as a result of issues with the road itself. Some of the most common reasons include: 

• Poor road design

• Roads that become unreasonably slick as a result of ice accumulation or loose debris

• Sign and signal defects

• View obstructions

Even if the reason is not listed above, if you believe that you have been involved in an accident that resulted from damaged or poorly designed roadways, you may still pursue a claim. Under tort law, the party at fault for an accident is generally responsible for compensating the victims of their negligence for all of their losses and damages, including medical treatment cost, vehicle damages, lost wages, pain and suffering, and decreased earning potential.

If you have been severely injured in a car accident due to faulty or dangerous roadways, get in touch with an experienced car accident lawyer and have your case evaluated. An attorney can consider all of the accident’s details and help you determine whether you may be eligible for compensation. Your lawyer can also calculate the approximate value of your total loss resulting from the accident and help you file a strong case. By representing your best interests and backing them with strong evidence, an attorney can be of great value when you seek compensation.

Types of Roadway Hazards

Faulty road designs or construction can cause serious accidents, causing drivers, passengers, and pedestrians to become seriously injured. These are some of the most common types of roadway hazards:

• Improper grading

• Steep shoulder dropoffs

• Narrow lanes

• Sharp curves

• Improper drainage systems

• Fallen trees or tree limbs that obstruct the road

• Inaccurate or missing traffic signals

• Debris or gravel on the road

• Cracked pavement

• Potholes

• Missing covers of maintenance holes

• Obstructions of view

• Missing or insufficient lighting

There are numerous reasons for which a roadway can be deemed to be the cause of an accident and its resulting injuries. If you have faced an accident due to a cause that is not mentioned above, it is important to speak with an injury lawyer.

Determining Liability for Road Accidents

To seek compensation after an accident, the victim is required to identify the party at fault. When roadway defect causes accidents, it can be extremely challenging to identify which people’s or agencies’ negligence contributed to the accident.

In some situations, government entities may be insulated from liability, so it is important to work closely with a lawyer who has experience with negligence cases involving these types of agencies.

Other parties that may be held liable in an accident caused by a faulty roadway include the company that constructed the road, the engineers involved, or the contractors who worked on the project. But demonstrating others’ negligence requires valid proof. 

Evidence Needed in Accidents Caused By Roadway Defects

In any car accident caused by defective roads, gathering evidence from the scene is very important. This may include photographs of the scene of the accident that showcase the exact condition of the road and your vehicle. It is important to do this quickly because the road may be repaired shortly after the crash. The following types of evidence may be especially valuable in establishing fault:

• Pictures or videos of the accident site that clearly depict the road condition or any other circumstance that caused the accident

• Measurements of things like narrow road width and length of guardrails

• Blueprints of original road design proposed in comparison to the current road layout on which the accident happened.

There can be many reasons behind a road accident. Identifying the exact cause or causes should be left to knowledgeable professionals. This is why it is so important to consult with an experienced car accident attorney to discuss your crash and the injuries that you suffered. With appropriate professional help, you can determine the person or authority who caused you the injury. Contact an experienced Dallas personal injury lawyer at Khattar Law, P.C., to help you pursue your personal injury claim stemming from an accident.