Road Hazards and Liability for Motor Vehicle Accidents

Drivers are frequently at risk from road hazards. Most cars can manage obstacles. But risks can result in catastrophic crashes. Determining who is responsible for the aftereffects becomes crucial in these situations. CourtLaw Injury Lawyers explains the common road dangers and who can be held accountable for any road accident.

Typical Road Hazards Faced by Drivers

Drivers frequently encounter various risks when driving. Some are caused by human carelessness or oversight – others may be environmental. The following are some of the threats that are most commonly encountered:

• Potholes
• Broken or uneven pavement
• Debris – from accidents, construction, or cargo
• Untreated snow and ice
• Severe weather – heavy rain, snow, hail, or fog
• Animals – both wild and domestic
• Falling objects – items dropped from other vehicles

Each of these dangerous challenges poses a serious threat to vehicle control and driver safety.

Read: Night driving is a common cause of motor vehicle accidents

Who is Liable for Road Hazard-Related Accidents?

Different people are responsible for accidents brought on by road hazards. The cause of the potential danger and whether it might have been avoided frequently determine liability.

Private Individuals or Businesses

The vehicle’s driver or the related business may be held accountable if debris from the car causes a danger. For example:

• If products fall from a shipment that is not adequately secured, the trucking business could be held accountable.
• If a construction business leaves tools or supplies on the road, it may be held accountable.

However, in the absence of witnesses or security footage, determining the origin of debris can be challenging.

Liability of the Government

Under some circumstances, government agencies may also be held accountable. However, establishing blame is more difficult. Here are a few instances:

Neglected Maintenance

A municipality may be held negligent if it neglects to fix a pothole or remove snow after being informed.

Improper Road Design

The local authority may be held accountable if a road’s layout results in water pooling or rockslides.

Animal Crossing Zones

Authorities may be held partially responsible for mishaps if they installed warning signs while being aware of regular animal crossings.

However, government culpability is restricted and necessitates evidence that they were aware of the risk and chose to disregard it.

What If No One is Liable for Road Hazards?

Some traffic accidents happen for no apparent reason. For instance:

• Accidents that are brought on by untamed animals unexpectedly darting into the road.
• Unforeseen weather conditions bring on accidents, such as fog, hail, or heavy rain.

These are frequently seen as inevitable and an aspect of driving danger. However, there may be some exceptions.

A government agency may still be held partially accountable if it knew that a particular section of road was likely to see animal crossings but failed to alert drivers.

What You Should Do After a Road Hazard Accident?

If a road hazard causes a car accident involving you:

• Get medical help right away.
• Make observations about the scene. Take pictures of the damage to the car and the danger.
• Inform the highway authority or local police about the incident.
• To learn about your rights and potential liabilities, get legal guidance.

The Final Verdict

Road hazards pose a significant risk, cause accidents, and alter lives. Many incidents lead to obvious accountability. However, not all do. Knowing who could be at fault is essential to getting the funds you are due. Seek legal advice right now to safeguard your rights and seek justice.

Speak with a Personal Injury Lawyer in New Jersey

Did a road risk in New Jersey cause you or a loved one to be hurt? Our personal injury advocates can help you get reimbursed for your property damage, medical expenses, and injuries. Our offices are in:

• Perth Amboy
• New Brunswick
• Roselle
• East Orange
• Jersey City
• Elizabeth
• Linden
• Newark
• Paterson
• South Amboy, and Trenton

Contact us today at (732) 442-5900 or complete our online contact form to schedule a free consultation.Find us: 163 Market St., Perth Amboy, NJ 08861