When driving, you may take every precaution possible to prevent accidents and keep yourself and others safe while traveling. From adhering to the speed limit and coming to a full stop at stop signs to always checking your blind spot and using your blinker, safe driving is critical. However, the last thing you expect is to be involved in an accident caused by road hazards. If this represents your circumstances, it’s important to understand you do not have to write this off as an accident. By working with an experienced Broward County auto accident lawyer, you can fight for the justice and compensation you deserve when you’re hurt because of another party’s negligent actions.
What Hazards Can Lead to an Accident in Florida?
Unfortunately, there are a considerable number of hazards that can litter the roads and lead to accidents. It’s important to familiarize yourself with some of the most common dangers you can encounter while driving to mitigate potential accidents. As such, some of the most common hazards include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Potholes
- Glass, plastic, or metal from an accident
- Debris on the road
- Tree branches and limbs
- Construction equipment or supplies
- Uneven road surfaces
- Manholes with loose or missing covers
If you are involved in an accident caused by a hazard on the road, knowing how to proceed is critical to protecting yourself in these matters. Generally, the most important thing you should do is call 911 to report the accident, even if there are no other cars involved. This allows you to ensure a report is filed regarding the accident, especially if your car sustains damage or you are injured.
You should also seek medical treatment for any injuries sustained. This is not only important for your health and well-being but also establishes medical care, which can help your case if you decide to pursue legal action against the negligent party.
Who Can Be Held Responsible for Damages I Sustain from Road Hazards?
Determining liability for accidents caused by hazards on roads can be tricky. Typically, you’ll need to determine things like where the hazard originated to determine who can be held responsible. For example, if you are involved in an accident caused by a pothole in the road, the municipality responsible for maintaining the roadways can face liability. This is because it is ultimately the responsibility of the entity responsible for maintaining the road to ensure it is safe for vehicles to travel on.
However, if the hazard is related to construction, you may be able to trace the hazard back to a recent construction company that did work on or near the road. If this is the case, the company can be held liable as it is their responsibility to ensure they keep their equipment, supplies, and debris clear of the roadways.
If you’ve been involved in an accident due to road hazards, it’s in your best interest to connect with an experienced personal injury attorney from the Finizio Law Group as soon as possible. Our firm understands how overwhelming it can be to try to seek compensation for an accident, which is why we are dedicated to guiding you through these challenging times. When you need help, our firm is here. Contact us today to learn how we can fight for you.
