Accidents can be caused by unsafe roads
Speeding, driving while under the influence, and distracted driving are the top causes of automobile accidents. However, dangerous road conditions also contribute to the number of car accidents on our roads and highways.
Dangerous driving conditions can result from poor road design and poorly maintained roads which can also include the maintenance of lighting, signage, traffic signals and control devices, and pavement lines and markings.
Indications of dangerous road conditions may include:
- A accident-prone area such as an intersection with a significant number of collisions
- Lack of proper traffic control signals, stop and/or yield signs
- Lack of proper drainage leading to pooling of water or ice formation on road surfaces
- Pavement hazards such as potholes due to inclement weather conditions or aging surfaces
- Inadequate guardrails on curves and overpasses
- Obstructing the driver’s vision or creating blind spots with improper placement of construction materials, etc.
Government entities are in large part responsible for building and maintaining safe roads and highways and may be held liable for accidents caused by unsafe roads.
Drivers have rights
While the local, state, or federal government has the responsibility for maintaining safe road conditions, accidents caused by unsafe road conditions can be complicated when it comes to determining liability. Retaining the service of an attorney for car accidents who has experience in dealing with these types of cases is critical to the success of your personal injury claim.
Drivers rights in accidents that are the result of poor road design or unsafe road conditions include bringing an action for physical and medical injuries. These damages can be economic and can include any expenses that are related to your accident — property damage, medical bills, loss of earnings — as well as non-economic damages such as pain and suffering.
The job of an attorney for car accidents is to prove that your accident was the result of unsafe road conditions or poor roadway design and that there was a failure on the part of the government agency in question to remedy the hazardous conditions.
Speak to an attorney
If you’re a resident of South Dakota and have been injured in an accident caused by unsafe road conditions, you need to contact the Rapid City Law Firm of Gregory Yates and Michael Schubeck, unsafe highway design attorneys.
Personal injury cases involving dangerous road conditions and design often require thorough investigations of the accident site and determining if there is a history of accidents in that area. We can help you when it comes to establishing liability and collecting damages in an accident that was due to unsafe roads.
With over 40 years of collective experience in the field of personal injury litigation, our firm has a proven record of winning cases for our clients through negotiated settlements, awards, and jury verdicts.
Contact our Rapid City Law Offices to schedule your free consultation.