Poorly Maintained Roads

Causes of Car Accidents

Just as drivers must follow traffic laws and exhibit a certain standard of care for other motorists, the government also has an obligation to ensure the roads are properly maintained so as to prevent harm to others. When the state fails to properly design or repair its roadways, it can be held liable for any resulting injuries. Motorists who suffer injuries as a result of poorly maintained roads should speak with a New York auto accident attorney to learn whether they can file a lawsuit to recover compensation for their injuries.

At Block O’Toole & Murphy, we have experience handling claims against the state when an auto accident results from a poorly maintained or designed roadway. For instance, our New York auto accident lawyers recovered a $2 million wrongful death recovery for a family who lost their son when his vehicle hit an icy patch on the Grand Central Parkway. Our New York auto accident attorneys worked hard to prove that the state was liable for accidents stemming from this well-known and troublesome area of the roadway, which had a tendency to collect groundwater that would freeze during the winter months. We provide this level of dedication to all of our cases, so fill out our free case review form if you or a loved one was injured in an accident stemming from poor road maintenance.

Roadway Defects in New York

New York car accidents can stem from a variety of causes, including roadway defects. Some common defects on New York highways include the following:

• Uneven pavement
• Poor road design
• Inadequate traffic signals or signs
• Improper drainage
• Lack of warning signs detailing construction zones or other road hazards
• Potholes

Although potholes form as a result of poor weather, changing temperatures and heavy traffic flow, they can continue to worsen until repaired. Even a small pothole can inhibit a driver’s control, causing a vehicle to swerve and collide with another car. Our New York car accident lawyers have seen first-hand the damage potholes can have on motorists. We recently obtained a $1.25 million settlement for a woman who suffered neck injuries after her vehicle hit a pothole on Atlantic Avenue in Brooklyn.

Liability in Car Crashes Resulting from Dangerous Road Conditions

The state is required to properly maintain their roadways and inspect them regularly. Additionally, most governments have an outlet where residents can file complaints about roadway defects. If the state fails to comply with these notices, it may be held liable for any accidents resulting from such road defects. Victims who can prove that the government knew about the road defect and failed to act can file a lawsuit against the municipality to recover compensation for their car accident injuries.

Claims against the government typically have to be filed in a specific, and very short, period of time. Therefore, it’s important for auto accident victims to contact a New York motor vehicle accident attorney shortly after their crash. Because of the strict guidelines governing these types of claims, injured auto accident victims need to speak to an attorney with a strong background in this area of law. At our personal injury law firm, our accident lawyers in New York have extensive experience handling claims against the government in both auto accident and medical malpractice cases. We have the tools to prepare a strong case against the government, an often difficult defendant. If you’ve been injured in a New York car crash due to a roadway defect, do not hesitate to contact us today for a free case review.