Most car accidents are caused when one driver acts negligently, and that negligence results in a collision. While those who are injured in these wrecks should consider pursuing a personal injury lawsuit to find accountability and recover compensation for the damages thrust upon them, these aren’t the only circumstances that may warrant legal action. In fact, if poor road conditions are the cause of an accident, then a victim may have legal recourse against New York City.
Circumstances that may warrant legal action against New York City
You can sue New York City if poor road conditions have resulted in injuries or property damage. Some circumstances that may warrant legal action include:
- Large potholes: Hitting a pothole at a higher rate of speed can result in significant damage to your vehicle. It can even cause you to lose control, thereby resulting in a serious accident.
- Poor road markings: When the lines on a road are missing or faded to the point that they’re hard to see, the risk of an accident can be significantly increased.
- Improper drainage: A lack of adequate drainage can cause a road to flood, which increases the risk of hydroplaning. And when you hydroplane, you completely lose control of your vehicle, oftentimes sending it careening towards other vehicles and pedestrians. Poor drainage can also lead to excessive icing and slippery roads in the winter months.
- Missing, damaged, or hidden traffic signs: Following traffic laws can help keep you safe. Yet, if the road on which you’re driving is missing traffic signs, the signs are so damaged that you can’t understand them, or if there are trees or shrubs blocking the signs, then you may not be aware of the traffic rules in a certain area and in certain situations. This can cause a lot of confusion and put you at a heightened risk of being involved in an accident.
- Broken traffic signals: If you enter an intersection but the traffic signal is broken, then there’s a good chance that you’re going to collide with another vehicle.
What should you do if you’re injured in an accident caused by bad road conditions?
First, recognize that it’s important to act fast. The conditions of the road can quickly change, and if you don’t gather evidence prior to the change, then you’ll be left without the corroboration you need to effectively pursue your case.
Therefore, it’s crucial that you act fast to take pictures of the accident scene. Also, be sure to take witness statements about the events leading up to the accident, but also about the conditions of the road at the time of the wreck.
Consider whether construction is occurring in the area of the accident, too, as roads that are under construction that cause an accident may lead to liability for the construction company, but not necessarily the City.
Are you ready to fight the City for the compensation you deserve?
If so, then now is the time to read up on the personal injury lawsuit process and how it’s different when you’re pursuing a claim against the City. Then, you can gather the evidence necessary to support your claim. With this understanding of the process, strong evidence, and persuasive legal arguments, you should be able to create a compelling case. Hopefully then you’ll be able to negotiate favorable resolution or litigate a win so that you can recover the compensation needed to advance your recovery and reclaim your life.