Not all car accidents are caused by reckless drivers—sometimes, the road itself is the problem. Potholes, poor lighting, missing signs, and dangerous curves can turn a normal drive into a serious accident. But who’s responsible when a crash happens because of a road hazard?
When the Government May Be Liable
In many cases, a government entity (like a city or county) is responsible for maintaining public roads. If an accident happens due to poor road design or lack of maintenance, the government may be held liable. However, these cases are not always simple. Proving negligence requires showing that the agency knew—or should have known—about the danger and failed to fix it in a reasonable amount of time.
Filing a claim against a government entity also comes with tight deadlines. In some places, you may only have a few months to take legal action. That’s why it’s crucial to act fast and speak to a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
What About Construction Zones?
Accidents in construction zones are also common. In these cases, the construction company or contractor may be responsible if their work created unsafe conditions—like unclear detours, poor signage, or loose debris on the road.
In some situations, multiple parties can share responsibility, including government agencies, contractors, and even other drivers who didn’t react appropriately.
Protecting Your Rights After a Crash
If you were hurt in an accident and believe the road itself played a role, don’t assume you’re out of options. A qualified personal injury attorney can investigate what happened, determine who may be liable, and fight to get you the compensation you deserve.
At The Law Offices of Bailey and Burke, we understand how complex these cases can be—and we’re here to help you every step of the way.
Contact us today for a consultation, and let’s talk about your rights.
