Proper road design is one of many factors that can help minimize car accidents. The accident rate on poorly designed roadways is significantly higher than on well-designed roads. If a poorly designed road is constructed, the engineering team responsible for the design, as well as the government entity responsible for getting the road built, can both be held liable.
At Winston Law, we have seen the damage that poor road design can cause. If you were injured in a crash caused by improper road design, our team of experienced lawyers can help you recover compensation from the liable party. Reach out to us today by phone or through our website to schedule a free case evaluation with one of our Davie car accident lawyers.
Types of Poor Roadway Design
Many types of defects in road design can lead to accidents. From failing to consider weather conditions to neglecting to account for cars breaking down on the roads, a number of design factors can create hazards for drivers and others on or near the roadway.
Sharp Turns
The risk of rollovers on sharp turns is high, especially for vehicles with a high center of gravity. While geological conditions can sometimes make sharp turns necessary, reduced speed limits, guardrails, and proper lighting can all help minimize the risk.
However, these factors are not always taken into consideration during design, and the problems created by these turns are often addressed only after several accidents have proven the danger.
Blind Curves
Even curves in the road that are not particularly sharp can cause problems if drivers can not see around the corner. Blind turns can be incredibly hazardous. Even if drivers remain in their lanes and everyone is following the rules of the road, a broken down vehicle, animal in the roadway, fallen tree, or other obstacle can result in a driver taking a blind curve and crashing their vehicle.
Onramps and Offramps
When designing a freeway, vehicles entering and leaving the road must have the space needed to merge safely. Short onramps that don’t give drivers time to get up to speed or space to adjust to the flow of traffic can cause serious problems and result in devastating crashes.
Similarly, a short offramp that doesn’t leave a driver enough time to safely decelerate before taking a sharp turn or reentering slower traffic can create havoc.
Weather Conditions
When the design of a roadway does not take into account weather conditions, the rate of accidents increases dramatically. Failure to consider heavy rainfall and proper drainage can result in pooling water and cause the tires of vehicles to lose traction and hydroplane out of control, especially when vehicles on the road are traveling at high speeds.
Similarly, failure to consider geological issues like fault lines and earthquakes can result in roads and bridges falling apart far more quickly than anticipated, causing dangers to those using the road.
Guardrail Placement
While proper guardrail placement may not reduce the risk of an accident occurring, it can certainly help minimize the damage and potentially the number of vehicles involved. Missing guardrails can result in a vehicle that has lost control crossing into oncoming traffic.
Furthermore, a missing guardrail can lead to a driver plummeting off the edge of a cliff or hillside, causing significant pain and suffering.
Roadway Shoulders
Failing to leave space for vehicles experiencing problems to pull off to the side of the road safely can be incredibly hazardous. A broken-down car in the middle of the roadway can create a hazard for other traffic, especially if near a curve in the road where the vehicle is not easily visible.
Even if a shoulder is provided, if it is not large enough, it can create issues. A driver attempting to replace a flat tire may find that they are too close to passing traffic to safely change their tire without risk of being struck by a passing vehicle. If injured in an accident, there are multiple parties you may be able to hold liable.
Reach Out to an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you were injured in an accident caused by poor roadway design, you may be entitled to compensation. The best way to ensure you get the money you need and deserve is by contacting an experienced car accident attorney. When you speak with a lawyer, they can help determine your options for pursuing compensation as well as who is liable for your damages.
At Winston Law, we have helped countless accident victims recover fair compensation for their damages. As a small law firm, we strive to ensure that every case we take gets the personal attention necessary to ensure a favorable outcome. We have a proven track record of winning big for our clients, both through court rulings in our favor and positive settlement deals.
Contact us by giving us a call, completing our online contact form, or using our chat tool, and schedule a free case review with a member of our legal team. There is no obligation to retain our services, so don’t hesitate to reach out to learn more about your options today.
