Poor road design and shoddy maintenance contribute to more traffic accidents than you might think. However, proving that a road problem caused a crash can be complex, requiring a thorough investigation and expert input.
The car accident attorneys at Phillips Law Group have the knowledge and resources to effectively manage cases involving car accidents caused by defective roads in Tolleson. We have advocated for injured people in the community for decades and have a long record of success.
Roads take a beating in this climate. Extreme heat, fierce sun, heavy downpours, and occasional strong winds all wreak havoc on the structural integrity of the roads. The weather also causes fading of lane markings and traffic signs, adding to the danger.
The roadways require constant, diligent maintenance to keep them safe, but municipal budgets and priorities do not always provide for it. As a result, local drivers face hazards like:
Construction and maintenance crews repairing these hazards can themselves create danger if warning signs, cones, and lights are inadequate or improperly placed.
When a driver is involved in an accident and road conditions are a factor, a Tolleson attorney from Phillips Law Group can investigate. A legal professional can subpoena records to determine whether the agency responsible for the road knew of the hazard and failed to respond appropriately. When necessary, attorneys can engage engineers and other experts to show that the design or construction of the roadway was defective.
When someone is hurt and suffers losses in a car crash, the party whose negligence caused the crash is liable to pay their damages. Damages can include medical costs, lost wages, incidental expenses, plus money for pain and suffering.
However, important aspects of a case depend on who owns the road. An experienced attorney in Tolleson effectively manages a claim, whether the defective road is publicly or privately owned.
Municipalities, counties, and the state own most of the roads in public use. When a road defect causes an accident, the responsible government agency could be liable.
Unlike many other states, Arizona does not cap damages against government defendants, but there are some special procedural requirements. Arizona Statutes § 12-821.01 requires an injured person to file a notice of claim with the relevant government agency within 180 days, or they may lose the right to compensation.
Sometimes defects occur on privately owned roads. Roads that provide access to shopping centers, colleges and universities, stadiums, and other large public spaces may be owned by a private entity rather than by the local government where the road is located. Lawsuits against the owners of private roads proceed like any other personal injury case.
Phillips Law Group attorneys will collect and present evidence showing that the property owner’s failure to provide a safe roadway was negligent. They can negotiate with the property owners and attempt to reach a reasonable settlement that provides fair compensation. If the owners or their insurance company do not make a fair offer, a skilled attorney can file a lawsuit and present the case to a judge or jury.
Car accidents caused by defective roads in Tolleson happen frequently. If road conditions caused a crash that injured you, contact Phillips Law Group right away to set up a free consultation. Our attorneys have the experience and expertise to get you the compensation you deserve, so reach out today.
Available 24/7 
