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 roadways or highways in the United States are in poor or mediocre condition. The deterioration of road conditions has caused drivers in America 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 or defective roadway designs. However, it is the responsibility of the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT) to plan roadway design and ensure drivers have a safe route to travel. If you’ve been in a car accident caused by hazardous road conditions, a defective roadway design, construction, and maintenance lawyer from Winston Law Firm can help you get reimbursed for the damages your accident has cost you.
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 that 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 fault will lie with one or more government entities versus the drivers. 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. The amount spent on road repairs yearly represents the 2% increase, from 15 to 17%, of miles traveled in America by dangerous roads or highways that have not been appropriately maintained.
Many factors can cause a car accident due to defective roadway designs, construction, or maintenance. For this reason, lawyers for car accidents in Florida represent numerous types of defective roadway car accident lawsuits, including but not limited to the following:
- Uneven roadway pavement
- Large potholes
- Poor or lack of 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 & 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.
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 of 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
- If so, how much could you 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 a roadway design, construction, and maintenance of roads lawyer if you’re struggling after a car accident. We are here to help get the justice you deserve.
