Houston Defective Road & Highway Lawyer
After an accident, it is easy to assume that one of the drivers involved is at fault. However, accident victims are often surprised to learn that it was actually another party that was negligent and caused the crash, such as a government entity. This is often the case when defective road conditions, such as potholes, debris, or construction, caused an accident. Our Houston defective road & highway lawyer will conduct an investigation to determine what caused your crash so you recover the fair settlement you deserve.
Common Defective Road Conditions
A defective road condition is any hazardous defect in the road that could cause an accident. The most common of these are as follows:
- Negligent road construction: When construction workers do not follow the appropriate safety procedures while doing road work, it can block roads and create other dangerous conditions that could cause a crash.
- Inadequate road maintenance: Broken traffic lights, a lack of lane dividers, and broken guardrails are just a few examples of inadequate road maintenance that could cause an accident.
- Unsafe road design: Dangerous lane markings, steep slopes, dips, and drop-offs are all different types of unsafe road designs. When these conditions are present, there should always be warning signs present that warn drivers of the potential danger.
- Uneven road surfaces and potholes: Many people think conditions such as potholes are only a nuisance, but they can be so severe that they cause a serious accident. Loose gravel and cracked or broken roadways are other examples of uneven road surfaces that can cause a crash.
- Road debris: Debris can quickly clutter a road when it falls off of vehicles or blows onto the roadway. Common road debris can include loose hubcaps, disengaged trailers, unsecured cargo, and more.
It is not only drivers that are at risk when a defective road condition is present. Cyclists, motorcyclists, and pedestrians may also be at risk.
Who is Liable for Road Defects?
Most commonly, government entities such as the Texas Department of Transportation are responsible for defective road conditions. It is still possible to file a lawsuit against a government agency, but the procedures are quite different. For example, accident victims typically have two years after a crash to file a claim. When filing a claim against a government entity though, that time is shortened to just six months.
In most cases, you must also file a notice of claim with the government entity to inform them of an upcoming lawsuit. If you have to file a lawsuit against a government agency, it is critical that you work with a Houston negligent/defective road/highway design lawyer that is familiar with the procedure.
Call Our Negligent/Defective Road/Highway Design Lawyers in Houston Today
If you have been hurt due to a hazardous condition in the roadway, our Houston negligent/defective road/highway design lawyers at Gilde Law Firm can guide you through the process and help you claim the full settlement you deserve. Call us today at 800-973-3106 or contact us online to schedule a free consultation and to learn more.
