Roadways showing wear and tear are not uncommon to drivers, but too often these annoyances can turn into dangerous and even fatal conditions. Poorly designed and maintained streets and highways may involve the city, county, and state standing accountable for unsafe public roads. A knowledgeable Maryland road defect attorney can help pursue complicated claims against these entities.
If you or a loved one encountered a road defect that resulted in damage or injury, reach out to one of the lawyers at Alpert Schreyer Injury Accident Lawyers today to understand your rights and the possible compensation available to you. Contact Us Today or call (301) 932-9997 for A Free Case Evaluation.
Types of Road Defects
Your normal commute might typically take you through a safe driving environment with clearly posted signs and well-maintained roads. Nonetheless, some conditions could put you at risk.
Road defects can cause problems passing through a road, possibly causing accidents when a driver loses control because of an obstruction or while trying to stay clear of the dangerous area. These accidents may involve one or more vehicles and can result in serious or even fatal injuries.
Common road defects that could prove hazardous are:
- Potholes, cracks in the road, or unmarked speed bumps
- Malfunctioning traffic lights
- Improper signs
- Poor road design—difficult to see medians, sharp turns, narrow shoulders, issues with drainage
- Inadequate guardrails
- Unmarked construction zones
- Insufficient road striping
- Poorly planned landscaping or other visual obstructions
- Insufficiently plowed or salted roads during winter months
- Dangerous passing lanes
- Short exit lanes for accelerating or decelerating
- Uneven pavement—pooling water that may lead to hydroplaning
Liability for Hazardous Roads in Maryland
Unsafe roadways require accountability in the same way that accidents involving negligent drivers do. Government entities have a duty to keep roads safe and maintained for motorists across Maryland. A breach of that duty may allow you to recover compensation for any automobile accidents that a government entity could have avoided with better oversight and care.
A government entity could face liability if:
- A government entity had control over roadway involved
- The roadway created an unreasonable risk for drivers
- The government entity had constructive or actual knowledge of the risk or danger
- A government entity failed to repair the damage in a timely manner
- Roadway defects contributed to the injuries sustained
At times, the general contractor in charge of designing and building the road can face liability for conditions leading to your incident. An experienced attorney can help you sort through the intricacies of this process and find the evidence you need to pursue your claim.
Submitting a Road Hazard Injury Claim
Maryland sets specific deadlines for submitting claims to report a road hazard incident from pothole damage, road debris, or other conditions. For example, you must send a claim to the Maryland Transit Administration within one year of the injury. To make sure you submit your claim within the appropriate timeframe, don’t delay in contacting our skilled attorneys to assist you with your options.
Recovering Compensation
Maryland caps damages for personal injury lawsuits brought against a municipality or state government at $400,000. Due to the expense and scope of medical costs related to injuries suffered in these cases, it is wise to seek an experienced attorney to help you recover the most damages possible in your case.
Contact Our Car Accident Lawyers for a Free Consultation
Contact Alpert Schreyer Personal Injury Lawyers today to consult with a skilled car accident attorney. The initial consultation is absolutely free, and our fees are contingent upon successfully winning your case. There’s no risk in reaching out to learn more about how we can support you.