What to Do After an Accident From a Defective Road
Defective roadways are more common than people think and can result in severe crashes and injuries. You may be overwhelmed and stressed after getting injured in a defective road accident and may be unsure of what you should do. At Leonard Legal Group, our New Jersey car accident lawyers can help you navigate a defective road accident to make sure you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries and related losses. We have handled roadway defect cases for over 26 years and our firm recently settled a roadway defect case for 4.25 million dollars.
To help protect your right to fair compensation and strengthen your claim, here’s what you should do after a defective road accident:
- Get medical attention right away or call 911 if anyone’s injured and report the accident to the police.
- If you are able, list down the exact accident location, nearby landmarks, and road conditions.
- Take photos or videos of the accident scene, the road defect responsible for the crash, vehicle damage, and other things that may be relevant to the crash.
- Talk to witnesses and get their statements and contact details.
- Discuss your case with a New Jersey car accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Proving negligence and liability in a defective road accident can be difficult. Depending on where the crash took place, a municipal, state, or federal agency might be responsible for designing, constructing, and maintaining the defective road. But figuring out which agency you can hold liable for your injuries and damages may not be easy.
While the state maintains most highways and freeways, cities usually maintain city streets, and counties maintain unincorporated roadways. In addition, some roadways are maintained and owned by private companies. This is why it’s in your best interest to work with a New Jersey car accident lawyer.
At Leonard Legal Group, we have the resources and experience to deal with such complexities. We will hold all the at-fault parties liable for your damages to ensure that you receive a settlement or award that will cover all the losses you incurred due to the defective road.
How Defective Road Accidents Happen in New Jersey
Poorly designed and constructed roadways and poor road maintenance usually cause defective road accidents. Poorly designed and constructed roads cause crashes due to:
- Dangerous drop-offs and trenches
- Improper or concealed signs
- Unclear or insufficient road markings
- Overly narrow lanes
- Tight curves incapable of accommodating speed limits
- Overly short merging lanes
- Blind intersections
- Unleveled roads or improper grading
- Inadequate or lack of guardrails
Poor or improper maintenance can also cause severe crashes and injuries. Poorly maintained roads typically have the following:
- Potholes
- Construction equipment, items, or debris that have not been secured properly
- Excessive oil or gravel
- Defective traffic or warning signals
- Malfunctioning street lights
- Debris or foliage that obscures road signs
Seek Legal Guidance From an Experienced New Jersey Car Accident Lawyer Now
You must focus on recovering from your injuries after getting hurt in a defective road accident. There are strict notice of claim requirements that must be followed or your claim will be barred. A notice of claim must be filed with the appropriate public entity within 90 days of your accident, or your claim will be barred and your legal rights potentially extinguished. Leave all the legal aspects of your case in the capable hands of our New Jersey car crash lawyers. To schedule your free case review with our New Jersey car accident lawyer, contact the Leonard Legal Group at 973-984-1414 or reach us online.