In most cases, car accidents occur because of some form of operator error. Usually, a mistake by one or more of the drivers involved in the collision will be to blame. There are other factors that can play a role in these accidents, including dangerous road conditions.
One of the first things to consider following car accidents caused by defective roads in Avondale is liability. If the state or local government failed to keep the road in a safe, working order, our skilled car accident attorneys may be able to hold them accountable through the legal system.
The government does not always design or maintain the roads in a way that will keep drivers safe. Some common causes of Avondale road defect car accidents include the following:
Large potholes and deteriorating pavement can destabilize a vehicle. When a driver strikes a deep pothole at speed, the impact may cause the vehicle to swerve and collide with other motorists or fixed objects.
Roads that do not drain properly may allow water to collect on the surface. Standing water increases the likelihood of hydroplaning, where tires lose contact with the road. When drivers cannot steer or brake effectively, serious collisions may follow.
Guardrails are a vital safety tool that help prevent vehicles from leaving the roadway. When they are damaged or missing, a minor incident can quickly turn into a life-altering crash.
Drivers rely on warning signs and clear lane markings to navigate, but it can lead to chaos when they are missing. When signage is missing or road markings fade away, drivers may receive little warning about hazards ahead.
One of the first steps our attorneys take after a car accident in Avondale caused by defective roads is to determine who is legally liable. In many cases, a government entity such as a city, county, or even the State of Arizona is in charge of taking care of these roadways.
A public agency could be found liable if it knew about a dangerous road condition but failed to fix it. In fact, you could have grounds for a lawsuit even if they should have known, regardless of whether they had notice or not.
It’s important to note that claims involving government entities follow special rules. Arizona law often requires injured individuals to file a formal notice of claim within a limited time before pursuing a lawsuit. You have a limited amount of time to act, so putting off a discussion with an attorney will only work against you.
Not every accident involving a dangerous roadway has a single cause. A defective road may contribute to a crash while other factors also play a role. For example, a driver might strike a large pothole while speeding, lose control of the vehicle, and collide with another car. In that situation, both the roadway defect and the driver’s actions may contribute to the accident.
Arizona follows a pure comparative negligence rule. This means more than one party can share responsibility for a crash. A court or insurance adjuster may assign a percentage of fault to each party involved. Even when a driver shares some fault, they may still recover damages if another party’s negligence also contributed to the accident.
If you have been injured in a car accident caused by defective roads in Avondale, now is the time to seek legal help. Contact Phillips Law Group as soon as possible for a private consultation.
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