Beaumont Lawyers for Car Accidents Caused by Road Defects
Most car accidents are caused by negligent drivers. These are drivers who are distracted, drunk, reckless, or speeding. However, some accidents are not caused by other drivers at all. Some accidents are the result of poorly maintained or defective roadways.
There is more to a road than just a path for getting from one place to another. From concept to a finished structure, roads are complicated. They are intricate networks that require regular maintenance and updates. Failing to take care of these important pieces of infrastructure can lead to devastating consequences for the drivers who frequent these roadways.
If you are involved in a road defect accident, you may be wondering who to turn to for help paying your medical and repair bills. At Portner Bond, PLLC, we know you have questions. We want to provide you with answers. Call our Beaumont office at (409) 838-4444, or reach out to us online to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation about your case. We can review your unique situation and help you sort through who can be held responsible for compensating you for your injuries.
The Beaumont car accident attorneys of Portner Bond, PLLC have over 85 years of combined legal experience. We are confident that we can help you seek justice and compensation.
What Is a Road Defect Accident?
A road defect accident is a crash caused by poor roadway maintenance, poor infrastructure, or design flaws. If a roadway is missing a key sign that indicates drivers must merge, and an accident happens, that could be an example of a road defect accident. Government agencies are responsible for maintaining safe roadways for Texas drivers. When an organization fails to take safety seriously, or they neglect their duties to the public, an accident can be the result.
Common Road Defects that Can Cause Accidents
One of the most common road defects is the scourge of most drivers’ existence, the pothole. Potholes may seem like a nuisance or inconvenience you must live with while in Texas. However, they are significant threats to the safety of Texas drivers. Hitting a pothole can cause significant vehicle damage and may even cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle. Potholes are also responsible for causing tire blowouts. Motorcycle riders are very susceptible to pothole accidents. Potholes can cause a rider to flip or overturn, resulting in traumatic injuries.
Other common road defects that can cause accidents include:
- Poorly painted lane lines
- Uneven lanes
- Inadequate road shoulders
- Missing road signs
- Improper road signs
- Malfunctioning traffic lights
- Poor drainage
- Poor lighting
- Poorly executed construction road construction work
- Overgrown vegetation blocking visibility
- Inadequate safety features like guardrails or barriers
- Poor road design
Injuries from Road Defect Crashes
Road defects can cause catastrophic accidents and severe injuries. Most road defect accidents are sudden and feel like they come out of nowhere. Victims are often left to cope with painful injuries and enormous medical bills, unsure who they should turn to for compensation. Some of the most common injuries caused by road defects include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Concussion
- Paralysis
- Whiplash
- Spinal injuries
- Fractured bones
- Internal bleeding
- Organ damage
- Burns
- Scarring
- Disfigurement
- Contusions
- Lacerations
Road defect injuries can result in mountains of medical debt. Treatment costs are only the beginning. You may end up needing physical therapy, rehabilitation, or other considerations down the road. Are you prepared to pick up the tab? Do not let yourself be buried by bills. Talk to an experienced Beaumont personal injury attorney about your potential case.
Who Is Responsible for a Road Defect Crash?
Road defect accidents tend to be much different than other types of car crash claims. Typically, government agencies are responsible for maintaining roadways. When a road defect causes a significant crash, the government may be responsible for the outcome. However, holding the government accountable for compensating victims can be a difficult and daunting challenge. Most government agencies are protected from litigation by sovereign immunity. Special circumstances need to be in play to get around this legal concept and hold a government agency accountable.
While challenging, it is not impossible to recover compensation from the government for a road defect accident. However, you need a skilled and resourceful attorney on your side who knows how to navigate this sometimes-difficult process. There are strict deadlines to adhere to and multiple hoops to jump through. An attorney can investigate the cause of the accident and gather the crucial evidence needed to support a claim against the government. In a case of this type, the burden of proof is on the motorist. An injured party needs to demonstrate how the road posed an unreasonable risk. They must also have evidence that the government knows or should have known about the existence of the defect.
Yet, government agencies aren’t the only ones that may be held accountable for poor road conditions. Liability for a road defect may also fall on other agencies such as a:
- Private construction company
- Private landscaping business
- Private landowner
- Manufacturer of a defective product such as a signal or guardrail
These entities can also be held responsible for poor design features or poor conditions of a roadway. An experienced Texas attorney can review your case and identify who may be liable for an accident. Once the at-fault party or parties have been identified, an attorney can get to work and prepare a strong case on your behalf. At Portner Bond, PLLC, we work hard to give you the best chance possible at recovering compensation for your injuries.
Contact an Experienced Beaumont Road Defect Attorney Today
Road defect accidents can be overwhelming. You may be trying to cope with serious injuries while struggling to make ends meet. The government and private construction companies have time and money on their side. Who do you have on your side making sure you are fairly compensated?
At Portner Bond, PLLC, we want to be there for you. Our legal team has the dedication, experience, and resources to take on the government or other entities responsible for dangerous road defects. For more information on how we may be able to help you pursue meaningful compensation after a road defect accident, call our office at (409) 838-4444, or reach out to us online today. We offer a free and confidential case evaluation. Learn more about your rights and set up a consultation today.