When Should You Consult a Lawyer About Negligent Infrastructure?
The best time to contact a car accident attorney after any car accident is as soon as possible. It is never actually too early to do so. In complicated cases where a faulty road or poor road conditions were the accident’s cause, you should review your case with an attorney immediately.
The law firm you choose will know how to handle road design and Miami car accident lawyer cases and when to consult an attorney about negligent infrastructure. They will have the tools, resources, and investigative teams to help identify the defects that led to the accident. They will also identify the responsible party for the poor conditions or poor road design and pursue damages accordingly.
How to Determine Who Is Liable if Road Design or Defect Caused a Car Accident
Proving responsibility and financial liability in infrastructure negligence claims can be complicated. They can also be time-consuming since they can require road design studies and research to understand why the accident happened.
To determine liability, our auto accident lawyers prove the elements of negligence—duty, breach, causation, and damages—that open the door to recovering damages. It can be hard to reach the right people, gather evidence, and document your case on your own. A Fort Lauderdale car accident attorney familiar with the laws of your state can handle these complex legal matters on your own.
Legal consultations for car accident claims are typically cost-free and risk-free. You can share your recollection of the motor vehicle accident with a lawyer. They will explain your rights as the injured party and the steps they can take to recover monetary compensation.
Examples of Negligent Infrastructure in Road Design
Just as drivers are responsible for operating their vehicles safely and following the rules of the road, the appropriate agency must also provide roads that are safe to drive on. Examples of dangerous conditions due to improper infrastructure or faulty repair include:
- Missing, incorrect, or blocked road signs
- Missing or hidden traffic signs and signals
- Potholes and other road defects that can be hard to see
- Mismarked entrance and exit ramps and curves
- Debris in the roadway and insufficient lighting after dark
It’s important to note that hazardous road conditions can also increase the risk of driver error, so a third party may also be involved. If one or more of these negligent road infrastructure issues were the cause of your accident, a local personal injury attorney can help you document the cause and seek appropriate damages within the allotted time.
How Your Attorney Proves Car Accident Liability Due to Road Design
Your car accident case will rely on the evidence your attorney compiles to prove the road was defective and the defect caused your accident. Evidence can include:
- Your police report with notes, diagrams, and photos
- Witness testimony from bystanders and other road users
- Road tests and studies in the accident’s aftermath
- An inspection of the building materials used to construct the road
- Medical records documenting your accident injuries, especially severe injuries
Your lawyer will handle evidence collection for you. While they build your case and guide you through the legal process, you can focus on getting better.
It Is Never Too Soon to Consult a Car Accident Attorney for Road Accidents
In Florida, a recent change in personal injury law decreased the time you have to file a lawsuit after an accident. In general:
- Personal injury lawsuits must be filed within two years, according to Florida Statutes § 95.11(3)(a)
- Wrongful death lawsuits must be filed within two years, according to Florida Statutes § 95.11(4)(d)
When your case involves the government, additional notification and filing deadlines apply, per Florida Statutes § 768.28. A Fort Myers car accident attorney can help you decipher and comply with any time restrictions that affect your case. They can also help you avoid the potentially costly risks of non-compliance.
The Benefits of Hiring an Attorney After a Car Accident Caused by Road Design
It can be difficult to manage the legal aftermath of any car accident on your own. One caused by damaging road infrastructure can benefit from the assistance of a car accident attorney who can:
- Consult road design and infrastructure experts to investigate the accident
- Request road layout reports, infrastructure diagrams, and relevant studies
- Work with subject matter experts who can explain why the crash occurred
Road design safety is critical for all drivers. If the road involved in your accident did not meet the required safety standards, your lawyer can help you prove it. After the cause of the accident is confirmed, your attorney can handle the negotiation process with the appropriate party.
Call (954) 633-8270 for a Free Review of Your Road Design Car Accident
If you or someone you love was injured in a recent car accident caused by an issue with the road, our law firm will help you recover fair and appropriate compensation. Cases like these can involve one or more government agencies or municipalities, making them difficult to navigate on your own.
