Highway Defects and Liability

Highway accidents contain a greater risk of injury than inner-city accidents because of the high speeds and close proximity of highway driving. When roadways are not properly maintained, they may develop hazards that can compromise the safety of drivers. If a person gets involved in an accident because of a highway defect, the institution responsible for maintaining the roadways should be held accountable for the victim's losses.

Common Highway Defects

When driving at an average speed of 65 miles per hour, any small roadway hazard can cause a serious accident. If you or someone you know has been the victim of any of the following highway defects, consult an experienced personal injury attorney immediately:

• Shoulder drop-off - If a shoulder abruptly drops off without adequate warning, drivers who need to pull to the side of the road may lose control of their vehicle

• Water pooling-Excessive water pooling due to dips or valleys in the roadway can create a slippery environment for vehicles, which increases their likelihood of hydroplaning

• Potholes-Large potholes can cause serious damage to a vehicle, and, if large enough, cause the driver to lose control of their vehicle

• Uneven pavement-Alterations in pavement or uneven pavement due to construction must be accompanied by a warning sign

• Lacks of signs-Warning signs are an essential part of highway maintenance. Failure to provide ample notification to drivers about roadway conditions may result in a serious accident.

• Lack of guardrails-Elevated roadways must have guardrails that are sturdy enough to protect a car from falling off of the bridge/road. Damaged guardrails should be fixed promptly so as to avoid further accidents.

• Objects on roadway-Part of tires, roadkill, and other miscellaneous items that may litter highways should be reported and removed as quickly as possible. When travelling at 70 mph, even the smallest obstruction can cause a serious accident to occur

• Construction negligence-Frequently when roadways are under construction, temporary routes are constructed to redirect traffic. Unfortunately, sometimes these temporary conditions may be unsafe, containing sharp turns, narrow lanes, and misplaced cones

If you have been the victim of a highway defect, you may be able to retrieve compensation for your losses, including medical expenses, property damages, lost wages, pain and suffering, and in extreme cases, the wrongful death of a loved one.