Car accidents are often caused by the actions of drivers. Occasionally, however, a wreck may be caused by dangerous road conditions. Streets may not be surfaced correctly, the design of intersections might be dangerous, there might night be proper lighting or the roads may not drain correctly after a rainstorm.
If dangerous road conditions caused your accident or were a contributing factor, you may be able to hold the government entity or private contractor liable for your injuries. At Steinger, Greene & Feiner, our car accident attorneys in West Palm Beach can help you get the compensation you deserve.
For over 20 years, our lawyers have fought the insurance companies and the government when necessary to win compensation on your behalf. We know how complex these cases can be, and we have the experience and skills necessary to either negotiate a settlement out of court or fight for your rights in court.
Give us a call today at 800-916-8108 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation.
Common Dangerous Road Conditions in West Palm Beach
There is any number of work conditions that can be dangerous for drivers. In some cases, the city, state or federal government is responsible for these conditions. In other cases, private contractors hired to build or maintain the roads might be responsible. Our experienced West Palm Beach car accident lawyers can handle your case, no matter who is responsible.
Some of the most common dangerous road conditions in the city include:
Potholes
Potholes form when water seeps into the ground, eroding the layers beneath the surface of the road. When cars continue to drive over these areas, the road surface collapses. Potholes often crop up in South Florida because roads are built on unsteady surfaces, such as sand.
The location of the pothole dictates who’s responsible for its repair. On state or local roads, the Florida Department of Transportation or the local government may be responsible. On interstates, the federal government is responsible for repairs, though they will likely employ local contractors to repair the road.
Bad Road Construction or Design
Creating a safe road requires a lot of planning. If the wrong materials are used, the road isn’t built with traffic volume in mind or is otherwise dangerous, it can lead to serious accidents. However, the construction of the road isn’t the only concern.
Roads must also be designed with safety in mind. If there are too many sharp curves, inadequate lighting, short merge lanes or on-ramps, and other dangerous road designs can lead to a culmination of bad accidents.
Failure to Address Known Hazards
The government is tasked with constantly monitoring road conditions to identify and correct any potential problem areas. For example, if a stop-sign intersection has an excessive number of car wrecks, the government is responsible for taking steps to alleviate the problem, such as installing traffic signals.
However, if the problem is well-known but it remains an issue, the government could be held negligent for any accidents that happen in the area.
Making a Claim Against the Government in Florida
If your wreck was caused by dangerous road conditions, the state or local government will most likely be the ones to be held liable. If a contractor is responsible, the process is relatively simple. But filing a claim against the government is much more complex.
Florida Statutes section 768.28 allows for claims to be made against the government. In order to file your claim, you must first put the responsible government agency on notice of the claim (in writing) within 3 years of the accident. After the notice is made, you must wait at least 180 days before filing a lawsuit so an investigation can be conducted.
The process becomes much more complicated after the notice is filed, and can take two different routes depending on if your claim is accepted or denied. It can also be very complicated if you are filing a claim against the federal government. That’s why it’s so important to speak with an experienced lawyer as soon as possible.
Speak to a Car Accident Attorney in West Palm Beach Today
If you have been involved in a car accident caused by dangerous road conditions, you have a right to compensation. Our West Palm Beach car accident lawyers can take on your case and help you get the full compensation you deserve.
Give us a call today at 800-916-8108 or contact us online for a free, no-obligation consultation.