Hazardous Road Conditions That Can Cause Accidents
Hazardous Road Conditions That Can Cause Accidents
Negligent driving isn’t the only cause of car crashes. Dangerous road conditions are among some of the most common causes of car accidents. Municipalities have a duty to ensure roadways are well-designed, maintained in good condition, and repaired when necessary. Failure to do so can result in their being held liable in the event an accident occurs that causes injury to a driver, passenger, or others on the road. If you suffered an injury due to a hazardous road condition, you may be eligible to pursue compensation in a personal injury action.
Types of Dangerous Road Conditions
Many accidents caused by dangerous road conditions could have been prevented with due care. Importantly, a municipality must keep the roads, parkways, and highways for which it is responsible in good repair. If a municipality has received notice of a dangerous condition and fails to make repairs in a timely manner, it may be held liable for any injuries caused by the hazard.
From construction debris to cracked pavement, and improper signage, there are many types of hazards in the road that can cause collisions. Other unsafe road conditions that can lead to accidents that cause injury can include the following:
- Potholes
- Debris, tools, and objects associated with roadwork
- Faded road lines
- Missing or confusing road signs
- Depressions and obstructions
- Improper drainage that allows water to stand and/or freeze
- Missing barriers
- Uncleared ice and snow
- Unsafe construction zones
- Poor road design
Whether a hazard in the road causes you to veer into another car or hit the siderail, a tree, or another object, a car accident caused by a dangerous road condition can be severe. The injuries that can be sustained in these types of accidents can be serious and include broken bones, lacerations, concussions, nerve damage, paralysis, soft tissue injuries, and permanent disability. You might also require extensive medical treatment and lose time from work as you heal from your injuries.
Compensation for Injuries Caused by Hazardous Road Conditions
In the event you were injured in a car accident caused by a hazardous road condition, your life may be changed forever. Depending on your injuries, you may require surgery, a course of physical rehabilitation, and other medical intervention. You might be unable to work or participate in the activities you once enjoyed. In such cases, you may be entitled to pursue compensation for your damages.
By filing a personal injury action, you may be eligible to recover not only your economic damages, but you might also be compensated for physical pain and suffering you experienced due to your injuries. An award of economic damages is meant to cover the costs associated with unreimbursed medical expenses, lost wages, future loss of earnings, and out-of-pocket costs incurred due to the accident. The category of non-economic damages covers a wide variety of losses that are not pecuniary in nature — including loss of enjoyment of life, physical pain, mental anguish, and loss of consortium.
Based on the facts and circumstances of the case, more than one party may be held liable for your injuries. In addition to holding the municipality liable, another driver might share some of the blame. There might also be a third party who should be held accountable. A skillful personal injury attorney can investigate your claim and determine which parties to name in the lawsuit to help ensure you receive maximum compensation.
Contact an Experienced New York City Personal Injury Attorney
If you’ve been injured in a motor vehicle accident caused by an unsafe road condition, you may be eligible to recover compensation for your monetary and non-monetary losses. The Edelsteins, Faegenburg & Brown, LLP is a personal injury law firm dedicated to fighting for the rights of car accident victims to ensure they obtain the monetary recovery they deserve for their accident-related injuries. Located in Manhattan, our firm has been handling personal injury cases throughout New York City since 1937. Call to schedule a free consultation at (212) 425-1999 today.