Unsafe Roadways May Cause, or Contribute to the Severity of, Motor Vehicle Accidents
A driver who fails to use reasonable care when operating a motor vehicle may be liable for the payment of compensation to a victim injured in an accident. Sometimes, it might not be only a negligent driver who is at fault in causing an accident.
The team of seasoned, hard-working Philadelphia unsafe roadway attorneys at the Philadelphia Law offices of van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim realizes that unsafe roadways may cause or contribute to a serious accident, so we explore all options available in order to obtain maximum compensation for your injuries.
When Government Fails in its Obligation to the Public
Just as motorists are held to a legal standard of care when driving, the government agencies responsible for designing, building and maintaining the state’s roads can also be held liable when roads are unsafe.
The state and local municipalities may be liable to pay compensation when someone is injured because of unsafe roadways caused by a variety of conditions, including:
- Defective Road Design: Roadways that drop off suddenly at the shoulder may cause a driver to lose control and crash. Engineers who design curves and bends in roads must be mindful of the ability of drivers to navigate through them in all weather conditions and create pavement skid resistance.
- Failure to Do Proper Maintenance: Potholes, missing road signage and clogged storm drains can create dangerous conditions for drivers if not repaired in a timely manner. Allowing broken guardrails to remain without being repaired or failing to repaint worn roadway markings can also lead to accidents.
- Lack of Traffic Signals: The failure of municipal agencies to install traffic signals, stop signs and yield signs where needed could create dangerous conditions at intersections or other locations.
- Failure to Respond Collect or Heed Accident Data: A pattern of accidents at particular intersections or along specific sections of a road could be a sign of a dangerous or unsafe road condition that must be corrected.
Well-Versed in the Special Rules for Legal Claims Against the Government
When a government entity knows or should have known that conditions create an unsafe roadway, they have an obligation to take corrective action. The failure to do so could make the municipal agency liable to pay damages to a person injured in an accident caused by the condition.
Unlike lawsuits against another person, making a claim for personal injuries against the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania or a local municipality requires following strict rules about giving notice of the claim before a lawsuit can be filed. Filing the notice beyond the short time period established by state law could result in your loss of the right to compensation.
Michael T. van der Veen and his team of highly-skilled Philadelphia accident attorneys know and understand the special rules governing claims against the government for unsafe roadways. Our tough, relentless approach to accident cases arising from dangerous roads is designed to secure the maximum compensation possible for injured victims.
Exceptional Legal Representation When Taking on the Government
Prominent Philadelphia attorney Michael T. van der Veen and his legal team care passionately about the well-being of people injured due to the negligence of others. He has assembled a team of innovative and skilled personal injury attorneys who share his dedication to seeing injured accident victims made whole again.
If you have been injured in an accident caused by an unsafe roadway, do not delay in scheduling a free initial consultation with an Philadelphia unsafe roadway attorney from van der Veen, Hartshorn, Levin & Lindheim by calling our Philadelphia office at (215) 486-0123, or contact us through our website.
