What To Do If You’re Injured In A Crash Caused By A Road Hazard

Often people assume that all car and truck accidents are caused by negligent drivers. But in Maryland, dangerous road conditions or poor roadway design can also play a major role in serious crashes.

From potholes to inadequate signage, these hazards put drivers, passengers, and pedestrians at risk every day. If you’ve been injured in a crash tied to a road defect, talk to a Baltimore personal injury lawyer about who is responsible and your options for recovery.

Common Road Hazards and Assessing Liability

Road hazards and poor design can take many forms, including:

• Potholes, crumbling pavement, or uneven surfaces
• Missing or obstructed traffic signs
• Poor lighting in high-traffic areas
• Inadequate guardrails or barriers
• Dangerous intersections with poor visibility
• Poor drainage that leads to standing water or hydroplaning risks

Any of these issues can contribute to a collision, especially when large vehicles like trucks are involved. When a crash is caused by a roadway hazard, liability can be more complex than a standard two-car accident.

Potentially responsible parties may include government entities responsible for road maintenance and design or construction contractors who failed to maintain safe conditions during roadwork. Private property owners could be responsible as well, particularly if the hazard was connected to a privately maintained road or parking lot.

Determining liability requires a careful investigation of maintenance records, design plans, and accident reports. There are a range of professionals who can guide you through the process. You don’t have to go through the process alone, and there are particular rules that seasoned professionals are familiar with to smooth the experience.

Special Considerations in Claims Against the Government

If a government agency is responsible for the unsafe condition, filing a claim is different from suing a private party. Maryland has strict rules when pursuing claims against state or local governments. These include shorter filing deadlines (often within one year of the injury) and limits on the amount of compensation that can be recovered.

Because of these rules, acting quickly after your accident is essential. A lawyer can help ensure that all notice requirements and deadlines are met.

Cases involving road hazards and poor design often pit injured individuals against powerful government agencies or contractors. Without legal help, it’s easy to miss deadlines, lose evidence, or face unfair denials of responsibility. A Baltimore personal injury lawyer familiar with Maryland roadway claims can protect your rights and pursue compensation for medical costs, lost income, and pain and suffering.

If you’ve been hurt in a Maryland car or truck crash caused by something other than driver error, don’t assume you’re without options. Liability may rest with government agencies, contractors, or other parties responsible for keeping roads safe. By acting quickly and working with a skilled injury lawyer, you can hold the right parties accountable and secure the recovery you deserve.

Were you hurt in an accident involving a road hazard? The attorneys at Iamele & Iamele, LLP are available to investigate liability, preserve evidence, and guide you through the claims process. To schedule a confidential appointment, simply contact us.