Roads need to be maintained to be safe to drive on. When the governmental bodies or private landowners responsible for a roadway fail to provide this maintenance, they can be held liable for causing car accidents. Has this happened to you or someone you love? If so, you could be owed money for what you’ve suffered as a result – but you’ll have to take on powerful governmental entities or deep-pocketed landowners or business interests to get it. That’s where The Thibeaux Firm comes in. Contact us today for a free consultation with a road hazard car accident lawyer in Lafayette. Let us stand up for justice on your behalf.
What Is Considered a Road Hazard?
Road hazards refer to any condition or object that makes driving unsafe and increases the likelihood of a motor vehicle collision. While drivers should always exercise caution, some hazards are unreasonably difficult to avoid, putting even the most careful motorists at risk. Examples of dangerous road conditions include:
- Potholes
- Uneven pavement
- Faded or missing road markings
- Debris from construction sites or storms
- Poorly designed intersections
- Lack of traffic signs related to curves or roadwork
- Standing water or icy patches
- Defective guardrails or barriers
- Overgrown vegetation obstructing visibility
Certain hazards develop due to inclement Louisiana weather road conditions, temperature fluctuations, and heavy use. When these issues are not addressed promptly, they can quickly become dangerous, contributing to motor vehicle accidents.
Why You Need an Experienced Attorney to Help with Your Road Hazard Auto Accident Case
Accidents caused by road hazards differ from most motor vehicle crashes, where the fault lies with one of the involved drivers. It can be difficult to identify who’s in charge of maintaining the road and showing that they didn’t do their job. A skilled road defect accident attorney knows how to investigate these cases, gathering evidence such as:
- Photos of the hazard and accident scene
- Maintenance records
- Witness statements
- Expert testimony about road safety standards
At The Thibeaux Firm, we can build a strong car accident claim on your behalf by:
- Recovering critical evidence to determine what caused the accident and who was responsible for the road hazard
- Calculating the financial and non-economic damages you suffered, including medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, and pain and suffering
- Identifying all sources of potential compensation, such as insurance policies or governmental funds
- Filing your car accident claims with the appropriate parties and negotiating for a fair out-of-court settlement
- Representing you in court if it’s the best way to get you the full amount you deserve
- Never charging you a fee unless and until we recover compensation on your behalf
How Can Road Hazards Cause Car Crashes?
Road hazards cause crashes in two distinct ways:
- Direct Impact: In this type of accident, a driver hits a road hazard, which causes immediate damage to their vehicle or leads to a loss of control and subsequent car crash.
- Evasive Maneuvers: These automobile accidents happen when a driver swerves or brakes suddenly to avoid a hazard, leading to collisions with other vehicles, rollovers, or road departures.
Both common car accident scenarios can result in severe injuries. They often leave car accident victims with costly repairs and medical bills.
Who Is Responsible for a Road Hazard Accident?
The party responsible for maintaining the roadway but failed to do so may be liable for t accidents due to poor road conditions. Possible liable parties include:
- Local or state agencies responsible for keeping public roads safe can be held liable if they don’t fix known dangers in a timely manner.
- Construction companies working on road projects must follow safety rules. This means putting up the right signs and ensuring no debris is lying around.
- Private property owners are responsible for maintaining roadways on their property. They may be partly responsible if a hazard on their land spills onto the road.
- Trucking companies may be responsible when their trucks drop cargo on the roadway into the path of unsuspecting motorists.
Identifying the correct party is critical for pursuing compensation. That’s where the experience of a personal injury attorney can make all the difference in the outcome of your case.
What Is the Time Limit to File a Road Hazard Lawsuit?
In Louisiana, you typically have two years from a motor vehicle accident to file a lawsuit, which may be the case if a trucking company or negligent motorist is to blame for the accident. If you were injured on government property in Louisiana or by a government employee, you may have as little as 60 days to file your legal claim. You must provide the proper notice to the governmental entity responsible for your injuries, which requires you to state the nature and circumstances of your claim and file it with the appropriate governmental body within the short timeframe. Additionally, Louisiana law limits the amount of compensation you can recover in claims against the government.
Contact The Thibeaux Firm to Seek Full and Fair Compensation
If you’ve been injured in a crash caused by a road hazard, you shouldn’t have to face the consequences alone. The Thibeaux Firm is here to help you demand maximum compensation for your injuries, vehicle damage, lost income, and more.
Our experience serving the Lafayette community has given us the knowledge and resources it takes to tackle road hazard cases. Call us or contact us online today for a consultation with a road hazard car accident lawyer. Let us help you pursue the financial recovery you deserve.