There are countless factors that contribute to car accidents: drunk driving, distracted driving, speeding – the list goes on. In some cases, though, the cause of a crash is not driver negligence but poor road conditions.
In 2009, the Washington Post reported that bad highway design and hazardous conditions played a role in more than half of all accidents on America’s roads. Potholes, chipped curbs, shoulder drop-off and pits left in the course of construction – all of these dangerous conditions can increase the risk of accidents. These crashes often result in serious injuries and severe property damage.
If you were injured or lost a family member in a car wreck that was caused by poor road conditions, contact a Madison accident lawyer at Ballard Law, PLLC to discuss your case. Mr. Ballard will assess your case, answer your questions, and help you fight for the highest possible settlement. If your case goes to trial, he has the litigation experience and resources to represent your interests in court. Call 769-572-5111 for a free consultation with a car wreck attorney today.
Elements to Prove After a Car Accident Due to Poor Road Conditions
Most roads are maintained by government entities. In certain situations, those government entities can be held liable for accidents if their employees fail to maintain the roads or if they create hazardous conditions.
However, for a government entity to be held liable for a car accident resulting from poor road conditions, it often must be proven that a sufficient amount of time had passed for the entity to have discovered the dangerous condition.
To bring a successful claim against a government entity in such a case, you will first need to establish two facts:
- That your crash was in fact caused by poor road conditions; and
- Those conditions could and should have been addressed by the government entity.
Usually, road defects are brought to the state’s attention by regular manual surveys and by public reporting. If the government entity can show that it was either unaware of the road hazard or did not yet have enough time to make the necessary repairs, it may not be held responsible for your damages.
Get in touch with Ballard Law, PLLC as they may be able to identify the party that is responsible for repairing and maintaining the road where your accident occurred.
After a serious car accident, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income and non-economic damages. One of our car wreck attorneys will advise you on the way forward.
Call 769-572-5111 to schedule a free initial case evaluation, and visit the USAttorneys.com website for more information on car accident claims in Mississippi. Ballard Law, PLLC will be happy to discuss your case with you free of charge.
Ballard Law, PLLC
108 South President Street
Jackson, MS 39201
769-572-5111
