When driving, the last thing you want to experience is a jolt and loud noise, as this indicates that you have collided with something. Unfortunately, road hazards can lead to a number of issues, including injuries and property damage. It’s imperative to understand that you can fight for the compensation you deserve in the event you have sustained injuries. The following blog explores what you should know about these matters and why working with a Monroe, Louisiana car accident lawyer is in your best interest during these difficult matters.
What Are Common Road Hazards?
When you think about a car accident, you may picture a collision involving two or more vehicles. While these are common, it’s important to understand that accidents can occur due to hazards on the road. It’s important to familiarize yourself with these matters to mitigate the potential risks. As such, some of the most common road hazards you can encounter include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Animal carcasses
- Constriction debris
- Potholes
- Uneven surfaces
- Tree branches or limbs
- Car parts
- Uncovered or loose manholes
Unfortunately, many underestimate the dangers that can accompany accidents involving road hazards. It’s a misconception that only accidents involving two or more vehicles should be taken seriously. In reality, it’s imperative to understand that one-car accidents caused by hazards can be incredibly dangerous. As such, you can endure broken bones, soft tissue damage, neck and spinal cord injuries, or traumatic brain injuries.
Who Is Liable for These Accidents?
When you are involved in an accident caused by something on the road, it can seem easy to write the incident off as an unfortunate accident, as assigning blame may not seem easy. However, this is far from the truth. If you sustain an injury due to road hazards, you can fight for compensation for the damages you have sustained. Determining what party can be held liable can be incredibly difficult, as the answer may not always be as clear as in a multi-car collision.
If you are injured due to an uncovered manhole, pothole, or shoulder drop-off, you’ll find that the entity responsible for maintaining the road can be held liable for hazards on the road. This is because the government entity tasked with upkeep is responsible for ensuring the roadway is safe and free of hazards so motorists may travel safely.
However, if you are injured because of debris on the road, the entity responsible for the debris can be held liable. For example, if you are hurt because of building material on the road from a nearby construction crew, you can hold that company liable. Additionally, if a trucking company does not load its material correctly and it falls off the vehicle as a result, that company can face liability.
Determining liability can be incredibly challenging. That’s why working with an experienced attorney is recommended, as this can be overwhelming while also healing from the injuries you’ve endured. At Breithaupt, DuBos, & Wolleson, LLC, our team can help you fight for these difficult matters. We can help hold the negligent party responsible in the fight for the compensation and justice you deserve. Contact our team today to learn more.
