Who is Liable if a Road Hazard Causes a Crash?

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Road hazards are one of the leading causes of crashes on our roads. Whether it’s an icy patch, a pothole, or debris, these road hazards can easily cause drivers to lose control and crash their vehicles.

According to recent statistics from the US Department of Transportation, nearly 1 million car accidents each year involve some form of road hazard. These accidents typically result in vehicle damage, injuries to drivers and passengers, and fatalities.

Some common types of road hazards include:

• Potholes – Cracks and uneven surfaces on the pavement are often difficult for drivers to see, especially if they’re driving at night or on busy streets. These obstacles can cause a driver to lose control and crash.
• Debris – Things like rocks, branches, and even trash can become obstacles on the road. If a driver hits one of these objects, it can cause serious damage to their vehicle or even lead to an accident.
• Animals – Whether it’s a deer crossing the road or a squirrel darting out from the side, animals are dangerous hazards for drivers. If a driver hits an animal, it can damage their car and injure or kill the animal.
• Bad Weather – Inclement weather conditions like rain, sleet, and snow can make driving conditions more difficult and increase the risk of accidents.
• Poor lighting – Another type of hazard is poor lighting, making it difficult to see potential dangers on the road.

Other types of road hazards include:

• Cargo or debris that fell off vehicles
• Fallen trees or branches
• Construction equipment or debris
• Uneven roadways or unmarked lanes
• Roadway erosion
• Ice and snow
• Lack of guardrails
• Broken traffic lights
• Sunken or raised maintenance hole covers
• Poor road design

Who Is To Blame for Your Road Hazard Car Accident?

If you suffered an injury in a road hazard accident in Atlanta, you might wonder who is responsible for the crash and your injuries. Unfortunately, road hazard accidents are notoriously complex and require a law firm with experience investigating these complicated accidents.

Who is responsible for these hazards? It depends on the type of hazard.

For example, potholes, broken traffic lights, and faulty streetlights are typically the responsibility of the city or county to repair. In these cases, a local county or state government agency may hold liability for maintaining the road. When they fail to do their job correctly, serious accidents can occur.

However, irresponsible maintenance or construction crews might bear liability for dangerous debris on the road. Suppose a construction company failed to tie down the bed of their truck and secure the load they carried. As a result of their carelessness, the truck dumped pebbles onto the road, causing serious accidents. In this scenario, the trucking company might bear liability for the accidents their negligence caused.

What Can You Do to Prevent Road Hazard Accidents?

Regardless of who is responsible for road hazards, drivers need to be aware of potential dangers on the road and take appropriate steps to avoid them. This means checking your mirrors and blind spots regularly, paying attention to traffic signs and signals, and following all posted speed limits.

Some additional safety tips include:

• Pay attention to the road – Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of accidents, so staying focused when behind the wheel is important. Put away your phone and other distractions and pay attention to the road ahead.
• Drive defensively – Be aware of your surroundings and watch out for potential hazards. If you see a hazard on the road, slow down and give yourself plenty of time to react.
• Stay alert – Don’t drive if you’re tired or under the influence of alcohol or drugs. These substances can impair your ability to make split-second decisions and could lead to an accident.

By following these safety tips, drivers can help reduce their risk of being involved in an accident caused by a road hazard.

Contact Our Atlanta Car Accident Lawyers

The Kim Law Team has helped injured car accident victims after accidents for years. If you suffer an injury in a car accident caused by a road hazard, we can help you pursue justice and hold the negligent entity accountable for your accident.  If it is a city, county, or state agency, you must act quickly to avoid missing critical deadlines.

Our law firm offers FREE initial consultations and reviews, so you can get the answers you need – when you need them. Call 404-587-8946 or fill out our confidential contact form. Just call and JUST WIN.