Everyone has come across a road defect at least once while driving. They’re an unfortunate and prevalent issue in small towns and big cities across the country, and while most cause fleeting moments of annoyance, some can cause serious car accidents and life-altering injuries. City, state, and even the federal government are all responsible for maintaining public roads. As citizens, we depend on these municipalities to keep us safe by identifying and fixing any major road defects that could potentially cause an accident and put our lives at risk. When an individual or group of people fail to uphold this duty, innocent lives could be at risk.
From car and truck drivers to motorcyclists and bicyclists, road defects impact everyone on the road. When we get behind the wheel of a car, we know we are responsible for our actions to keep ourselves, anyone with us, and other motorists safe. But we don’t consider that our safety and livelihood could be threatened because of a negligent government agency. Taking legal action against your local or state government can be an incredibly complicated and challenging ordeal, especially without the proper legal education and experience. You need a skilled and dedicated car accident attorney by your side every step of the way to ensure your rights are protected and your financial future is secure.
When vehicles come upon severe road defects, drivers rarely have an opportunity to avoid them and thereby avoid an accident. Whether a massive pothole or significant depression, hitting these defects can be incredibly dangerous at any speed, and especially on the highway. At The Benton Law Firm, we are committed to helping car accident victims like you hold negligent parties responsible and recover the financial compensation necessary to pay for medical bills, car repairs, and other damages. To speak with a skilled Brownsville road defect attorney today, contact us by calling (956) 230-6390 and take the first step in protecting you and your family’s well-being.
Common Road Defects
While state and federal laws require governments to fix any problems on the road, that doesn’t always happen. When road defects aren’t repaired, innocent individuals pay the price. Contact the Houston road defect attorneys today if you’ve been involved in a car accident due to any of the following:
- Potholes – Although they vary in size, potholes of all widths and depths can cause damage and potentially a severe crash. Potholes are one of the primary road defects that cause accidents, especially when a vehicle is traveling at high speeds where the sudden drop or jolt can cause a tire blow out or for the driver to lose control of the vehicle. These are especially dangerous for motorcyclists who are more likely to flip and have minimal protection if they are thrown from the bike.
- Standing water from poor drainage – When roads aren’t properly designed or constructed, they can hold large amounts of water on them in the event of heavy rain. Standing water increases the risk of hydroplaning and can even cause engine flood if the water is high enough.
- Road depressions – Unlike potholes which are holes in the ground, depressions are deep indentations that can cause tire blowouts, veering into other lanes, and even motorists to lose control of the car.
- Guardrail damage – Guardrails are intended to keep vehicles from entering oncoming traffic or from going over a steep drop off when taking a turn, and if they are damaged or missing, it can result in serious accidents.
Along with the ones mentioned above, other common road defects that can cause serious car accidents include severe shoulder drop-offs due to uneven pavement, damaged or missing signs, and even street signs covered by overgrown trees or shrubbery and are not visible to motorists.
Do I Have a Case?
Because they are filed against a municipality or government agency, cases involving road defects or unsafe road conditions can be some of the most involved, complicated, and time-consuming. Depending on where you live, some governments may be absolved of all responsibility. You need a skilled and experienced personal injury lawyer on your side to prove the government acted negligently and is therefore responsible.
This is a complex process and requires the plaintiff to prove that the government controls that specific stretch of roadway, the government knew of the danger or defect, they failed to take action and fix the damage in a reasonable amount of time, and that the road defect was, in fact, the paramount cause of your accident and injuries.
For plaintiffs, it’s essential that you take the proper legal action as soon as possible, so you don’t lose your chance at a case because of the statute of limitations running out. And while the deadline varies depending on the specifics of the case, the majority of car accident cases in Texas must be filed within two years of the accident.
Contact Us Today
If you or someone you love has suffered severe, life-altering physical and emotional injuries due to a car accident caused by a road defect, it’s vital to know that you have options. At The Benton Law Firm, we are committed to serving our community and helping people who feel that don’t have a voice speak up and take a stand against negligent government agencies. Our Brownsville car accident lawyers will investigate every aspect of your case and represent you every step of the way so you can recover the financial compensation necessary to pay for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact us today at (956) 230-6390 and schedule a confidential and free consultation.