Practice Areas Car Accidents Road Hazards

Our Road Hazard Lawyers Can Help

Dealing with local traffic is enough of a concern without worrying about the road’s condition. While we might not have to deal with snow and ice, various other road hazards can present accident risks. Each year, numerous accidents result from hazardous road conditions and our attorneys are here to assist victims.

If you have been injured in an auto accident caused by a road hazard, you may be entitled to financial compensation under California law. Depending upon the circumstances involved, you could have a claim against:

• A state or local road authority;
• A road construction or maintenance contractor;
• The manufacturer of the asphalt or other materials used to construct the road;
• The other driver involved in the accident (if any); and/or
• Various other third parties.

When Can You Seek Compensation for an Auto Accident Caused by a Road Hazard?

There are two primary grounds for seeking financial compensation after an auto accident caused by a road hazard. The first of these grounds is negligence. If the government agency or contractor responsible for building the road was negligent in doing so, then this is one example of a situation in which you may be entitled to financial recovery. Other examples include negligent road maintenance, negligent failure to keep construction debris out of lanes of travel, negligent road design, and careless driving by other motorists who encounter road hazards.

The second of these grounds is what is known as “strict liability.” Under California law, product manufacturers can be held strictly liable when defects in their products lead to accidents. In cases governed by strict liability law, proof of negligence is not required to secure a financial recovery.

What Are Some Common Examples of Road Hazards?

Many different types of road hazards can support claims for negligence, strict liability or both. Some of the most common examples include:

• Debris from road construction sites
• Defective asphalt or other construction materials
• Gravel or rainwater accumulation
• Improper selection of road construction materials
• Inadequate road maintenance
• Inoperable traffic lights
• Low or crumbling shoulders
• Merging lanes that are too short (or non-existent)
• Missing or confusing traffic signs or lane markings
• Potholes and sinkholes
• Uneven lanes
• Visual obstructions

Regardless of the specific issue involved, if you have been involved in an auto accident in and believe that a road hazard may have been a factor in the collision, you owe it to yourself to consult with an attorney about your legal rights. Notably, while you may be entitled to significant financial compensation, you may also need to file a “notice of claim” promptly to preserve your legal rights if you have a claim against a state or local government agency.

Schedule a Free Consultation with a Leading Road Hazard Accident Law Firm to Learn More

If you have been hurt in an auto accident, we encourage you to contact us promptly for a free, no-obligation consultation about your legal rights. To discuss your case with one of our experienced attorneys in confidence, call 800-789-8840 or tell us about your accident online now.