Liability for Crashes Caused by Road Debris and Other Hazards

The majority of car accidents happen because of a negligent act of a party or parties. In many cases, it is the negligence of one of the drivers involved in the accident that causes the crash. However, there are car accident cases where it is not another driver, but instead road debris or other hazards. If you have been injured in a car accident that was caused by a dangerous road hazard, contact a Virginia personal injury attorney to find out what legal recourse you may have.

What Road Hazards Can Cause Crashes?

At our law firm, our attorneys have handled many car accident cases that were caused by dangerous roads. Some of the more common factors in these cases include:

  • Uneven roadways
  • Potholes
  • Fallen trees or branches
  • Poor road design
  • Construction equipment on the road
  • Construction materials on the road
  • Broken traffic lights
  • Debris or cargo that has fallen off a vehicle

When a street or road is in need of maintenance and repair, there could be additional hazards such as narrow shoulders or uneven lanes that can also cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle like the hazards mentioned in the list above.

Who Is Responsible for Road Hazard Accidents?

When a victim is injured in a car accident that resulted from road hazards, it may be difficult to determine what party is liable for the losses the victim suffers because of those injuries. This is why it is important to consult with a Virginia personal injury attorney. Your attorney will determine any and all parties that may have liability for the accident. In many cases, there may be more than one party, depending on the circumstances of the crash. Some possible scenarios include:

  • A government entity, such as the state, county, or town, when the accident is due to a road that was poorly maintained and in need of repair.
  • A construction company if the crash was caused because workers left equipment, materials, or other debris on the road in the way of traffic.
  • Another driver if that driver swerved into the victim’s vehicle in order to avoid a road hazard.

Contact a Virginia Injury Attorney

If you have been injured in a crash caused by a driver who was speeding, contact a Virginia car accident attorney to see what type of financial damages you may be due. You may be entitled to financial compensation for medical expenses, loss of income, pain and suffering, emotional anguish, permanent disability, scarring, and disfigurement.

It is important to remember that Virginia has a statute of limitation for how long victims have to file a claim for damages against those responsible for their injuries, so do not delay. Failure to file before that legal deadline could mean you lose any chance of ever filing your claim or getting justice against the person responsible for you or your loved one’s injuries.

The legal team from Shapiro, Washburn & Sharp has been advocating for injured clients since 1985 and will do all we can to ensure you receive the best possible outcome under the circumstances of your case. If you would like to meet with one of our skilled car accident attorneys to find out how we can help, call us today for a free case evaluation.

 

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