Connecticut Defective Roadway Accident Lawsuits
While the majority of automobile accidents in Connecticut are due to the fault of one or more negligent drivers, hundreds of accidents are caused every year by defective roadways. Such roadways are primarily built and maintained by governmental agencies, but some are private.
In Connecticut, there are state laws that hold governmental agencies, and private entities alike, liable when an automobile accident occurs due to a poorly designed, intersection, road or highway as well as accident caused by poorly maintained roads. However, whether the responsible party is a governmental agency or a private entity, it is important that the victim work with an injury attorney experienced in defective roadway lawsuits. In Connecticut, Hartford injury lawyer Andrew J. Cates has the experience and resources to help you fight for full compensation.
Government Agencies Are Responsible
The governmental agency that is responsible for the defective roadway that caused your accident and injury is considered to be the responsible party in cases where only your car, and no other, was involved in the crash. These agencies may employ private companies to make sure such roadways meet the safety standards set by the state, and in such cases both parties may be liable when such maintenance was not properly completed.
Defective Road Conditions that may Lead to an Automobile Accident
There are numerous poor road and sign conditions that may result in a car accident, such as:
- Damaged or confusing traffic signs
- Roads that have not been maintained
- Poorly lit roadways
- Roads that have collapsed
- Potholes
- Defective lights and signals
- Shoulder design not done properly, not leaving enough space to use the shoulder
- Median dividers that have not been positioned properly
- Curb side parking areas that are poorly designed
What Should I do if I get in an Accident Because of a Poor Road Condition?
If you or a family member has been involved in an accident due to the poor quality of a road, a hidden or misleading sign, or any other defective roadway condition, you may be wondering who will cover the cost of your injuries and damage to your vehicle. Every defective road case is different, but if, in fact the road’s poor design or lack of maintenance caused your accident, a governmental agency may be responsible for your damages. In some cases you may be able to file claims against both a governmental agency and another motorist, if both were at fault.
Statutory Limit
If you have suffered a loss due to a defective roadway it is important that you secure legal representation as soon as possible. This is because defective roadway lawsuits have very short statutes of limitations. This means that even in situations where you are able to prove that a governmental agency was liable, you may forfeit your right to compensation if you file your claim after the statutory deadline. Consult one of our Hartford accident attorneys immediately for a free case evaluation. The sooner you do this, the better, both because an early investigation may help your case, and because of the importance of notifying the governmental agency and/or filing suit before the expiration of the applicable statute of limitations.
Hiring the Right Lawyer
Defective roadway lawsuits can be complicated personal injury claims, and not every attorney has the ability to handle this type of case. Our Hartford personal injury attorney is equipped to handle your defective roadway case, and secure for you of the full compensation to which you are legally entitled. Call the Law Offices of Andrew J. Cates, LLC now for a free, no obligation case evaluation toll free at (800) 330-4988 or (860) 522-7044, or contact us online.