Unfortunately, debris left on the road can lead to significant issues for motorists, whether it causes traffic or a severe accident. In many instances, a slowdown as drivers maneuver around the debris is optimal, but a road hazard can cause accidents. It’s vital to understand who can be held liable in these instances, as there are many factors that will influence who is responsible. Keep reading to learn more about this process and discover how a Broward County auto accident lawyer can assist you.
What Are Common Hazards?
There are a significant number of hazards that can impact motorists on the road. The most common include natural debris like tree branches, flooding, and wild animals. However, road hazards can also include products that fall off of trucks, construction equipment or materials, and parts of other vehicles, such as a bumper left in the road following a collision.
However, there doesn’t always need to be a physical object on the road for a hazard to be present. For example, street light malfunctions, potholes, raised manholes, or improper lighting in an area can all be considered road hazards.
Who Is Liable if a Road Hazard Leads to a Collision?
There are many factors that influence who can be held liable for an accident when it is caused by a road hazard.
One outcome is that the other driver is held responsible if their negligence lead to the collision. For example, if they were not paying attention to the road and hit a pothole which causes them to lose control of the vehicle and crash into you, they may be liable. This is because a driver must take caution when traveling, and if they had been paying attention they could have safely maneuvered around the hazard.
In other instances, the municipality responsible for maintaining the road may be liable. If a town leaves a street light broken for weeks and it causes an accident because both sides had a green light, you can sue the municipality. Similarly, if construction debris leads to an accident, you can sue the company and the entity that hired the workers.
If injured in an accident caused by a road hazard, you may be eligible to receive compensation if you were not at fault for the injuries sustained. This includes medical expenses, property damage, pain and suffering, and any lost wages you experience as a result.
At the Finizio Law Group, we understand that car accidents can be scary. Even seemingly minor collisions can lead to severe damages, so our legal team will do everything possible to help you recover the compensation you are entitled to at the hands of a negligent driver or municipality. Contact us today to learn how we can assist you through these challenging times.
