Dangerous Roads
In many of the accidents that occur on Californias roads, driver negligence is not the only factor contributing to the accident. In some cases, either poor design of the roads or improper maintenance can be a contributing factor. In addition, some roads fail to provide proper warnings of dangers ahead. If this has happened to you, you may be able to pursue a legal claim against the governmental entity, contractor or other party who is responsible for the dangerous road conditions.
There can be a variety of factors related to improper road design, maintenance of roads, or improper warnings. Some include:
- Missing road signs or poorly placed road signs
- Improperly maintained traffic signals
- Sharp turns without warnings
- Uneven pavement
- Sudden lane detours
- Trees or bushes obscuring signs
- Poorly placed utility poles
- Sudden shoulder drop offs
- Missing or poorly designed guard rails or lane dividers
- Poorly marked or designed construction zones
- Large potholes
- Accumulating water, snow or ice
- Other dangerous road conditions
If you have been injured in an accident caused by any of these road conditions, you have the right to pursue compensation against the government entity, contractor or other party responsible for designing, constructing and keeping the roadway in a safe condition.
It can be difficult to pursue a case involving dangerous roads and the issues are often complex. A prompt investigation must be undertaken to document and preserve the evidence at the scene, determine the appropriate parties, and determine the applicable law. Employment of qualified and experienced expert witnesses is essential to proving liability.
You need an attorney with experience in pursuing dangerous road cases. There are time limitations on how long you can bring such a claim, which can be as short as six months if you have a claim against a government entity, so contact an attorney as quickly after the accident as possible. In California, contact Don Sjaarda, Orange County dangerous roads attorney at 714-963-8216.
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Don Sjaarda, Personal Injury Attorney, is proud to serve the Orange County communities of Fountain Valley, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, Irvine, Costa Mesa, Orange, Tustin, Garden Grove, Westminster, Santa Ana, Seal Beach, Los Angeles, San Clemente, Laguna Beach, Laguna Niguel, Laguna Hills, Lake Forest, Brea, Cypress, Los Alamitos, Yorba Linda, Placentia, Fullerton, Anaheim, Buena Park, Stanton, Midway City as well as Riverside and San Bernardino Counties.