Poor Road Condition Accidents in Pittsburgh
Drivers in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania are only as safe as the roads they drive on. Unfortunately, public roads and highways in Allegheny County are often in a state of disrepair, with defects, hazards and safety issues that put all motorists at risk. If you get hurt in an accident caused by poor road conditions, learn who may be responsible for your injuries and when to contact a car accident attorney in Pittsburgh for assistance.
Common Road Defects and Problems in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Safe roads are critical for preventing automobile accidents and protecting the well-being of drivers, bicyclists and pedestrians in Pittsburgh. If a road contains a hazard, whether from weather conditions or inadequate maintenance, this increases the odds of a car crash.
Examples of dangerous road conditions are:
- Road degradation
- Potholes
- Cracks
- Uneven surfaces or shoulders
- Pooling water
- Objects or debris on the road
- Missing reflectors or signs
- Obstructed road signs
- Malfunctioning traffic signals
- Aging infrastructure
- Unsafe work zones
- Dangerous road design
- Bridge failures
Elements such as the weather, snowstorms and ice in Pittsburgh can contribute to dangerous roads, but it is the government’s duty to ensure adequate upkeep. If a road’s quality deteriorates to a dangerous state of disrepair, the agency responsible for the road can be held accountable for related accidents.
Who Is Responsible for an Accident Caused By Rough Roads in Pittsburgh?
The maintenance, upkeep and safety of public roads are the responsibility of state and local municipalities in Pennsylvania. The government entity that owns the road has a duty of care to ensure its reasonable safety for traffic. The failure to meet this duty, resulting in a car accident, personal injury or death, can make the government liable.
If you get injured in a car accident caused by faulty roads in Pittsburgh, you may have grounds to bring a claim against the state or local government, depending on which agency owns the road. You could also have a premises liability claim in Pittsburgh against an individual property owner if the accident occurred on private property.
Unique Issues Involved in These Car Accident Cases
Rather than going up against another driver for causing your crash, you will need to bring a claim against the entity responsible for maintaining safe road conditions. This type of case can come with many unique issues and challenges.
One example is the Sovereign Immunity Act, which generally protects government entities from facing liability. However, dangerous road and highway conditions caused by the agency’s negligence can give you the right to file regardless of the sovereign immunity rule.
Get Help for Your Poor Road Condition Accident Case in Pittsburgh
Dealing with a car accident claim caused by poor road conditions can be difficult, especially if you are also living with serious injuries. Your case may involve unique laws, statutes and deadlines if you need to hold the government liable.
Protect your rights and seek the financial compensation you need to move forward by contacting a personal injury lawyer near you. A lawyer can go up against government entities to hold them accountable for dangerous roads and highways.
Your lawyer can connect you with the right doctors, gather evidence, and negotiate a fair settlement or take your case to court – all while you focus on healing. For a free review of your car accident case in Pittsburgh, contact Dallas W. Hartman, P.C.