As a driver, there are many frustrating things you can anticipate when on the road. Whether it’s a driver who doesn’t use their blinker before turning or traffic, it’s not uncommon to grow annoyed behind the wheel. However, many drivers find the most frustrating occurrence to be poor road conditions. Though these may annoy some, they can lead to severe accidents and injuries for others. As such, knowing what to look for and who to hold liable in the event of an accident is crucial. The following blog explores what you must know and how Baltimore County car accident attorneys can help you recover compensation.
What Constitutes Poor Road Conditions?
Unfortunately, poor road conditions can cause a number of serious accidents. Knowing what to look for can help mitigate the risk of injury, as you will know what to anticipate and be ready to navigate these unsafe conditions.
There are several conditions that can lead to accidents. These include roads that are not properly maintained as well as poorly designed roads.
Roads that are not maintained may have the following hazards:
- Potholes
- Cracks
- Uncleared snow or ice
- Broken signs
- Broken barriers
- Sinkholes
- Fading lines
- Uneven road surfaces
Poorly designed roads can include:
- Roads built in areas where erosion is likely
- Failure to properly grade the road
- Shoulder drop-offs
- Sharp turns
- Blind-curves
- Improper drainage
Unfortunately, these can all lead to damage to vehicles and accidents. These collisions can be a car running into a guardrail or other vehicles. For example, if there is no sign indicating an upcoming blind curve, a driver may not know to anticipate it. As such, they may collide with another passing vehicle or continue straight into a guardrail.
If I’m Injured, Who Can Be Held Liable?
Determining liability in instances where poor road conditions lead to an accident can be challenging, as there are many factors that must be considered. In general, if you crash your car due to a pothole or uncleared roads, you may be able to hold the municipality responsible for the road liable for the injuries you’ve sustained. This also applies if a collision between two drivers who were both adhering to the rules of the road occurs because of poor road conditions.
However, if a driver is partially negligent in the accident, they may be found liable. For example, if a driver is speeding while approaching a blind curve, they may be going too fast to stop when they notice a stop sign that is hidden around the bend. Though the road was poorly designed, if the driver had been following the posted speed limit, they may have been able to stop.
As you can see, there are many considerations you must take into account when poor road design or conditions lead to an accident. At the Law Offices of Markey & Orsi, we can help you navigate the complexities of recovering compensation for any injuries you may have sustained as a result. We can also assist in determining whether the local town, county, or state is responsible for the road that caused the accident. Contact us today to learn how we will fight for you.
