There are many different causes of auto accidents, some of which you may be more familiar with than others. Accidents caused by other motorists and vehicles is probably the most well known. Accidents caused by defective parts is also rather well known as well. One particular cause of auto accidents that people don’t usually consider with regard to litigation involves the roads themselves. Issues with the state of the road can lead to auto accidents.
Our personal injury attorneys would like to take a few moments right now to address some of the common issues that arise with regard to auto accidents that are caused by poor road conditions.
What does “poor road conditions” mean exactly?
Poor road conditions is a broad designation applied to any instances in which the state of the road contributes to an auto accident or directly causes an auto accident. There are numerous factors to consider with this issue, which we will cover in brief below. When possible, our legal team will do their best to hold local governments and road crews responsible for their negligence.
Road Damage / Poor Maintenance and Auto Accidents
One of the most common kinds of poor road conditions that our car accident attorneys notice involves bad maintenance and general disrepair. Pot holes can cause drivers to take major bumps as they drive, potentially causing them to lose control. Malfunctioning or dead traffic signals are also a major example to consider. Or if the lines on a street or the reflectors between lanes are missing or ineffective, it can be hard for motorists to know where their lanes begin and end.
Poorly Designed Roadways and Auto Accidents
When roads are poorly designed, this can make driving safely difficult. Issues surrounding road design are varied. If there are blind turns and narrow streets, for example, this can make accidents more likely. Lines on the street may be incorrect or confusing, or there may be little to no light on a road, making it very dangerous for those driving at night.
Poor Signage and Auto Accidents
Another road condition issue to keep in mind is poor signage. If there are no stop signs, yield signs, or simple markers of any kind to denote potential hazards or unsafe conditions, this can pose major dangers to motorists. The same is true if there are tree limbs or other obstructions to road signage that should be visible.
Weather Can Make Bad Roads Worse
If a road is already dangerous due to design, bad maintenance, and other factors, poor weather will just make matters worse. This is important to keep in mind, especially if you are driving and notice a bad road and poor weather. Slow down and do your best to stay safe.
Learn More About Your Rights In Auto Accident Cases
If you would like to learn more about auto accident litigation and how our team can help you in your time of legal need, be sure to contact our New Orleans personal injury attorneys today. The entire team here looks forward to meeting you in person and helping you receive just compensation and achieve justice in a court of law.