Fresno is home to over 1,800 miles of roads that the California Department of Transportation maintains. While these roadways provide routes that residents need for commuting and meeting their daily needs, the massive number of heavily traveled roads means poor road conditions are an ongoing issue throughout the city.
Car accidents caused by defective roads in Fresno are not uncommon. However, they can make it harder to identify fault and assign responsibility. If you’ve been hurt in an accident caused by poorly maintained roads, the car crash attorneys at Valero Law Group can help you file a claim against the responsible party. Since the laws surrounding government agencies are complex, it is in your best interest to contact an experienced lawyer as soon as possible.
How Poor Road Conditions Cause Accidents
Large potholes are a common problem in Fresno. Hitting them can cost motorists hundreds or even thousands of dollars for vehicle repairs. Swerving to avoid them can cause an accident. Vegetation growth can also be a danger, especially around intersections. When trees or bushes obscure road signs or traffic lights, drivers might not know who has the right of way. Any of these conditions can cause accidents that lead to multiple injuries that require costly medical treatments and time missed from work.
Who Is Liable for Car Accidents Caused by Defective Roads?
The California Department of Transportation manages a majority of the state’s highways and freeways. Routine maintenance is an essential part of this management to keep the roads in safe condition to avoid accidents. Any car accident caused by factors such as uneven pavement, damaged asphalt, poorly marked roads, broken guardrails, etc., must be investigated to gather evidence to file a lawsuit against the responsible government agency.
Unfortunately, filing a claim against a government entity can be complicated. Not all accidents in which road conditions are a factor result in liability. Additional issues can arise because most state and federal agencies cannot be sued without permission through a specific legal process. Filing a negligence claim against a government agency requires the plaintiff to submit a written notice to the Department of Financial Services within the appropriate statute of limitations.
A Fresno car accident attorney with experience in defective road cases takes many steps to identify fault and hold responsible parties liable. For a compensation claim to be valid, lawyers must prove the government entity or private contractor owed drivers a duty of care. This means collecting evidence that proves the agency in question knew there was an issue with the road and failed to take action. The lawyer will then use this evidence to file a negligence claim and pursue a lawsuit if necessary. Reach out to our team to learn more about the process.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Attorney for Assistance with Your Defective Road Claim
Car accidents caused by defective roads in Fresno are a common issue and an ongoing concern for motorists. If you were injured in an accident caused by defective roads, you deserve compensation to support the best recovery possible. Unfortunately, the legal process to get the compensation you deserve can be complex.
The accident attorneys at Valero Law Group understand the importance of following strict legal protocols and meeting tight deadlines to hold responsible parties liable. We take all accident cases on a contingency basis, which means you never have to pay unless we win. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation to discuss the details of your defective roads accident case.
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