Problems with defective roadway design, construction, and maintenance are some of the leading causes of car accidents in the United States. If you were hurt as a result of a problem with the road on which you were traveling, hiring a defective roadway design, construction, and maintenance lawyer in Fort Lauderdale can be critical.
A variety of factors can result in a road being unsafe. However, the ultimate responsibility for maintaining safe roads in the state lies with the Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT). At the Winston Law Firm, our legal team is here to help you get the compensation you need after an accident. Schedule a free consultation with a Fort Lauderdale car accident lawyer today.
Potentially Liable Parties in an Accident Caused by Defective Roadway Design, Construction, and Maintenance
Following a car accident, determining liability is critical for recovering the money you need and deserve. Unfortunately, proving liability in an accident caused by poor road conditions can be challenging. However, when you hire an experienced Fort Lauderdale personal injury lawyer, they will know what to look for to prove fault.
These cases tend to be incredibly complex, and attempting to handle the legal process on your own can be incredibly challenging. Your lawyer will guide you through the process and help prove liability so you can recover the money you need. Some of the most commonly liable parties in roadway design accident cases include:
- Contractors or construction companies
- The local government
- The state government
- Utility companies
- Engineering firms
Common Roadway Issues That Can Lead to Accidents
There are a variety of issues with a roadway that can lead to an accident. Some of the most common roadway defects our Fort Lauderdale defective roadway design, construction, and maintenance attorneys see in Florida include:
- Large potholes
- Poor lighting
- Uneven pavement
- Blind corners
- Traffic signs that are blocked from view by trees
- Inefficient water drainage
- Confusing traffic signs
- Unmarked dips in the road
- Speed bumps that do not meet regulations
- Defective traffic lights
- Overgrown trees that push out into the roadway
- Traffic signs that have been knocked over or stolen and not replaced
- Unmarked entries or exits for a roadway
- Inadequate space on the shoulder of a road
- Bridges that have aged poorly
Contact a Compassionate Fort Lauderdale Defective Roadway Design, Construction, & Maintenance Attorney
(954) 475-9666Be Mindful of the Filing Deadline for a Personal Injury Lawsuit
If you suffered damages in an accident resulting from defective roadway design, construction, or maintenance, you may be considering filing a lawsuit against the liable party. When attempting to secure damages, the Florida personal injury statute of limitations is two years. If you fail to file your lawsuit within this period, you may be out of options for recovering compensation.
It is always best to contact an experienced defective roadway design, construction, and maintenance lawyer serving Fort Lauderdale as soon as possible after your accident, as exceptions may apply to the deadline that further limit the amount of time you have to file. These exceptions are common when attempting to recover damages from a government entity.
Hiring an attorney early will have the added benefit of putting them in the best position to build a strong case on your behalf. The earlier your lawyer can get started, the easier it will be for them to collect evidence before it becomes lost or stolen, and speak to eyewitnesses while the events are still fresh in their minds.
Steps a Roadway Design, Construction, and Maintenance Attorney in Fort Lauderdale Will Take in Your Case
A car accident can completely disrupt your life and leave you to pick up the pieces. When dealing with injuries and other complications of a crash, the last thing you need to worry about is building a legal case and dealing with insurance companies. Fortunately, an experienced attorney can handle all your legal concerns while you recover from your injuries.
The first thing your lawyer will do is begin an investigation into your accident to determine your eligibility for filing a personal injury lawsuit, figure out who is liable for your damages, and collect evidence that supports your claim. Some of the actions your attorney will likely take during this investigation include:
- Visiting the accident scene to take photographs, record details that may have contributed to the crash, and collect any available evidence, including any available security footage
- Speaking with eyewitnesses about the accident and what they observed
- Securing a copy of the official accident report from the police
- Reviewing your medical records related to the crash
- Consulting experts who may serve as witnesses in your case
After they have concluded their inquiry, your lawyer will evaluate your damages to determine how much your claim is worth and file the necessary documents with the court or the insurance company of the liable party. They will then begin to prepare your case for trial.
As your lawyer constructs your case, they will be in continued contact with the other party, attempting to negotiate a settlement deal. If a deal has not been reached by your trial date, your attorney will argue your case in court.
Reach Out to an Experienced Defective Roadway Design, Construction, and Maintenance Attorney Serving Fort Lauderdale
Following an accident caused by problems with the road, recovering damages from the at-fault party can be essential for getting your life back on track. At the Winston Law Firm, we are dedicated to helping our clients get the money they deserve. Our experienced legal team has recovered over $60 million in damages for our clients.
Get in touch with us today by calling us or completing our online contact form to schedule your free case review with a member of our team. Also, feel free to check out our client testimonials to get a better idea of the type of service we provide to our clients.