Who is at fault if poor road conditions cause your accident in California? Liability can vary in these cases. However, the city, county, or state government may be responsible in some cases. In other situations, the fault may fall on drivers who fail to take necessary precautions.
You can discuss all potentially liable parties in your situation with a Los Angeles dangerous road conditions accident lawyer from our team at the Simmrin Law Group. Finding the responsible party allows your lawyer to build a claim to bring you compensation.
Learn more by calling or completing our online contact form.
Who Is Responsible for Accidents Caused by Poor Road Conditions?
Responsibility for collisions caused by poor road conditions – like potholes, faded or missing markings on the road, or insufficient signage – can vary. In some cases, the legal system expects drivers to exercise increased caution based on these conditions.
For example, drivers who fail to slow down after noticing poor road conditions may hold liability if they subsequently strike another vehicle.
However, in some cases, a local or state governmental agency may be responsible for accidents. Generally, you can only file a claim against the government if a Los Angeles personal car accident lawyer can show that:
- The responsible agency knew about the problem with the road
- The agency had time to remedy the poor road conditions
- The agency failed to take reasonable steps to repair the road
- The issues with the road directly led to your crash and injuries
Considering that California ranked fourth worst on a study of U.S. road conditions by state, we understand the hazards drivers face in our area and can investigate to see if the government is responsible for your losses.
How Do Lawyers Find the Responsible Party After an Accident?
Determining fault for an accident caused by poor road conditions will require your attorney to investigate. Attorneys use multiple techniques to collect evidence after a collision. Our legal team may:
- Visit the scene of the wreck to assess the condition of the road
- Look up records of possible past road repairs
- Determine if anyone reported the damage officially
- Speak to witnesses who cause the collision
- Get pictures or video of the accident
- Acquire a copy of your official accident report
A Los Angeles personal injury lawyer may work with experts who understand the hazards of poor road conditions and how the government should address these issues to keep drivers safe. After finding the liable party, your law firm can proceed with a claim for compensation.
For a free legal consultation, call (626) 709-2523
Can You Sue the Government for Poor Road Condition Accidents?
In some cases, the Federal Tort Claims Act makes it possible for you to sue a government agency for an accident. However, you should know that these claims are often very hard to resolve in a driver’s favor.
Additionally, you generally have minimal time to file a claim against the government. Typically, you have around six months to seek compensation instead of several years, as you’d have with a standard personal injury claim.
Therefore, we recommend contacting a lawyer immediately if you believe the actions of a government agency directly caused your motor vehicle accident in Los Angeles.
What Compensation Do You Get for Poor Road Condition Accidents?
You may qualify for compensation to cover all your expenses after an accident caused by poor road conditions. In this situation, a lawyer can focus on the costs of your:
Healthcare Bills
Car accidents can lead to broken bones, cuts, burns, traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), and other injuries. You may qualify for funds to cover emergency care, hospitalization, medical procedures, and medications.
Property Damage
We know how expensive vehicle repairs are in California. A lawyer can help you secure funds for car repairs. The at-fault party may have to pay to replace your vehicle if the accident totaled your car.
Lost Wages
Drivers often need time off work to recover after an accident. We’ll track your lost wages and diminished earning potential, factoring these costs into your request for compensation.
Non-Economic Losses
Finally, an attorney may help you seek payment for the emotional pain and suffering you experience after an accident. We know how to determine the value of these losses, so contact us for help today.
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Speak to Us About Accidents Caused by Poor Road Conditions
Who’s at fault if poor road conditions caused your accident in California? In this situation, another driver or a responsible government agency could have to cover your financial losses. Our team at the Simmrin Law Group can investigate your situation to provide more information.
Call or fill out our online contact form to get started.
Call or text (626) 709-2523 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form