Defective roadway designs are a leading cause of car accidents in the United States. According to the 2021 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure, approximately 43% of the roads or highways in the U.S. are in poor or mediocre condition. Hiring a defective roadway design, construction, and maintenance attorney can be critical if injured in an accident on these roads.
The deterioration of road conditions in America has caused drivers to spend up to $130 billion on vehicle repairs and operating costs or to purchase a new vehicle when necessary. Many factors can contribute to unsafe roadway designs. However, it is the responsibility of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to ensure drivers have a safe route to travel.
If you’ve been in a car accident caused by hazardous road conditions, an experienced car accident lawyer from Winston Law Firm can help you get reimbursed for the damages your accident has cost you. Reach out to us today by phone or through our website and schedule a free case consultation with a member of our legal team.
Who Could Be at Fault for a Car Accident Caused by Defective Roadways in Florida?
After a car accident, you probably feel like your world has been shattered. Depending on the circumstances of your accident, you may be severely hurt or without a working vehicle. After everything you have been through, it is understandable that you would want to hold responsible parties liable for their wrongful actions or careless behavior.
Unlike typical car accident claims, lawsuits for defective roadway design, construction, and maintenance are complex because of the number of defendants your case may involve. While your Florida car accident attorney will investigate all parties involved in the crash, it is likely that the fault will lie with one or more government entities.
The following parties could potentially be liable for a car accident caused by defective roadway designs, including:
- The state government
- The local government
- Contractors or construction companies
- Engineering firms
- Utility companies
What Kind of Claims for Defective Roadway Designs, Construction, and Maintenance do We Represent in Florida?
According to the 2021 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure, the United States spent up to $786 billion funding roadway and bridge construction. Of this sum, approximately $435 billion is spent repairing existing infrastructures in poor or hazardous conditions.
Many factors can come into play in a car accident caused by defective roadway designs, construction, or maintenance. For this reason, car accident lawyers in Florida represent clients in numerous types of defective roadway car accident lawsuits, including but not limited to the following:
- Uneven roadway pavement
- Large potholes
- Poor or nonexistent water drainage
- Traffic signs hidden behind trees
- Poor lighting
- Unmarked dips in the road
- Confusing traffic signs
- Defective speed bumps
- Blind corners
- Defective traffic lights
- Fallen traffic signs
- Road shoulders with inadequate space
- Distracting signals
- Older bridges
- Overgrown trees
- Unmarked entries or exits
Contact a Compassionate Defective Roadway Design, Construction, Maintenance Attorney
(954) 475-9666Road Design and Safety Standards in Florida
Every state must follow specific guidelines when planning, designing, and executing road development and maintenance. According to the Florida Administrative Code & Florida Administrative Register, the standards for roads in Florida are dictated by the Florida Greenbook via the Florida Department of Transportation.
The Florida Greenbook states that roads must be built based on functionality, traffic volume, reasonable speed, traveler characteristics, trip characteristics, safety, and accessibility. The road design, construction, and maintenance will also be influenced by the type of road and where the road is located.
In addition, road engineers will consider the traffic that uses the road to travel, including cars, commercial vehicles, trucks, bicycles, pedestrians, motorcycles, and the surrounding environment. Economic constraints must also be considered based on the road’s impacts on local environments and communities and how cost and quality will be affected.
Once the roads have been completed, frequent maintenance will be required to avoid hazardous conditions and motor vehicle accidents in Florida that can be prevented.
Time Limit for Filing a Lawsuit
When filing a lawsuit for a car accident caused by a defective road design, construction, or maintenance, it is important to pay attention to the amount of time you have to file. While the personal injury statute of limitations in Florida is generally two years – barring rare exceptions.
The best way to ensure your lawsuit is filed on time is by contacting an experienced attorney shortly after your crash. Your lawyer will be able to inform you of exactly how long you have to take legal action, as well as any other information relevant to your case and the specifics of suing the government.
How Can a Roadway Design, Construction, and Maintenance Lawyer in Florida Help Me After a Car Accident?
Car accidents are always terrifying, no matter how they happen. When a preventable car accident occurs because of someone else’s negligent behavior, you may struggle with anger, anxiety, sadness, and frustration and want to hold responsible parties accountable. All your feelings are valid and deserve to be addressed after a car accident in Florida.
Lawyers for the design, construction, and maintenance of roads in Florida can help you win the compensation you deserve to recover economic and non-economic damages after a car accident. We can offer our legal expertise and increase your chances of winning a settlement after a successful car accident claim.
Our top-rated car accident attorneys are here and ready to fight for you after a severe or life-threatening car accident in Florida. We can use our expertise to determine vital evidence for your claim, including but not limited to the following:
- How the accident occurred
- Who is responsible for the accident
- If you have a claim
- How much you could win
- How to pursue damages to recover all you have lost
Talk to a Lawyer for Roadway Design, Construction, and Maintenance of Roads in Florida
When you or a loved one is hurt in a car accident, it is understandable that you want justice for everything that has happened to you and the ways you have suffered. You’re in the right place if you’re seeking help after a car accident. The top-rated roadway design, construction, and maintenance of roads in Florida from Winston Law Firm are just a phone call away.
We wish to make this difficult time easier for your family as you rest and recover from your injuries. By hiring a motor vehicle lawyer, you can take the time you need to heal as we fight to ensure you receive fair compensation for your damages.
Don’t wait to talk to an improper roadway design, construction, and maintenance lawyer if you’re struggling after a car accident. We are here to help get you the justice you deserve. Contact us by phone or through our website to schedule a free case review.
