Every year, thousands of crashes are caused by poor road conditions. Whether the roadway is covered in ice or rain or the roadway is poorly maintained, these conditions can be dangerous for drivers. Here is what you should know about crashes caused by poor road conditions.
What Are Poor Road Conditions?
Poor road conditions are when roads are not safe for driving. This can happen due to poor maintenance or poor weather conditions. There are many reasons why roads can have poor conditions, but all of them make driving more dangerous. There are thousands of accidents caused by poor road conditions every year.
These road conditions can cause a number of accidents. Rain and ice can cause cars to slide into other cars or off the road into other obstacles. They can also create visibility issues which can cause a crash. Cracks and holes in the road can cause damage to cars that drive over them and can also cause drivers to swerve around them, which could potentially cause loss of control or a crash.
Who Is Responsible for Road Conditions?
It is important to remember that state governments are generally in charge of maintaining their own roads. In some cases, the federal government is in charge of major roads for interstate travel. Cities, municipalities, and even private citizens can be responsible for roads under the right conditions. It all depends on the road and who owns or operates it.
Road conditions must be maintained to keep driving safe. In general, the entity responsible for a roadway is responsible for its upkeep. For example, a large number of potholes that have not been fixed can cause legal trouble for the road’s caretaker.
Road upkeep also means taking preventive action, like salting roads before ice and snow storms. Not all hazards can be prevented, but whoever is responsible for the road is also responsible for taking preemptive action to stop accidents from happening when they do have a measure of influence over a potential incident.
What Steps Should You Take After an Accident?
If you are involved in a crash caused by poor road conditions, the first thing you should do is report the incident to the authorities. Not only will this contribute to statistics on crashes caused by bad road conditions, but it will also help other drivers avoid the same fate.
Additionally, if you have suffered injuries, call your physician or visit your local emergency room for immediate treatment. Consider working with a lawyer to handle any serious problems that arise with the costs of the accident and dealing with either driver’s insurance company.
Contact an Albuquerque Car Accident Attorney
If you or someone else was injured or killed as a result of a road condition-related accident, contact a car accident attorney to discuss your legal options. In the weeks or months after a car accident, you may face unexpected expenses, loss of work, and other damages. You might be entitled to compensation related to your injuries that could help offset these costs.
Dominguez Law has experience defending car accident victims in crashes caused by poor road conditions. You can speak with a member of our team to discuss what happened and what options for legal recourse are available to you. Call (505) 317-9837 or schedule a consultation using the contact form. We also speak Spanish.