Car Crashes Caused by Dangerous Road Conditions

With its small-town atmosphere, historic downtown area, and antebellum architecture, Monroe, Georgia attracts thousands of visitors every year.

Although somewhat removed from the hustle and bustle of Atlanta, Walton County still sees its fair share of car crashes, some of which are caused by negligently maintained roads.

Our motorcycle accident attorneys in Toccoa know that car crashes caused by dangerous road conditions can cause injuries ranging from cuts and bruises to broken bones and concussions.

The treatment of even minor injuries can be expensive, so if you or a loved one were injured in a car crash that was caused by a road defect, it is vital to speak with an experienced car accident lawyer in Atlanta who is well-versed in state law and can explain your options.

Types of Road Hazards

It is estimated that as many as 50% of all fatal car crashes involve dangerous road conditions.

While potholes may be the most common example of road defects, there are a number of other types of conditions that regularly cause crashes, including:

• Dangerous curves;
• Poor lighting;
• Poor drainage;
• Construction hazards;
• Faded lane markings;
• Cracked or crumbling asphalt or cement resulting from the use of inferior materials during construction;
• Improperly placed road signs;
• Inadequate shoulders;
• A failure to use reflective markers; and
• Missing guardrails.

While these problems have a variety of possible causes, the most common include:

• Poor design;
• Improper maintenance or repair; and
• Inferior construction.

Potential Liability

Road construction and maintenance are usually the responsibilities of cities, states, or the federal government.

Although government entities are generally immune from suit, they can be held responsible in some cases for car crashes caused by dangerous road conditions.

However, plaintiffs and their Atlanta personal injury attorneys are required to follow strict procedural rules when filing a claim against the government.

For instance, before a plaintiff can bring a suit against a government agency, he or she is required to file a notice of claim no later than a year from the date of injury.

If the claim is against a city, however, it must be filed within six months.

The notice must be in writing and include certain information, including:

• The name of the responsible government entity;
• The date and location of the crash;
• The amount of loss suffered by the plaintiff; and
• A description of the act or omission that caused the plaintiff’s crash.

It is only after the claim has been denied or if a certain amount of time has passed and no further action has been taken that an injured party can file a claim in court.

In many cases, the parties are able to work out an agreement during settlement proceedings, which can cut down significantly on court costs.

Collecting Compensation

Holding government entities responsible for poor road maintenance can be difficult, but if an Atlanta motorcycle accident lawyer is successful on behalf of an injured victim, he or she may be able to obtain reimbursement for medical expenses, lost wages, loss of future income, and pain and suffering.

Contact an Experienced Car Crash Attorney Today

If you live in Monroe or elsewhere in Walton County and were recently injured in a car crash caused by a dangerous road condition, please contact The Angell Law Firm, LLC at (770) 217-4954 to schedule a free consultation with a dedicated motorcycle accident attorney who can help explain your legal options.