When such incidents occur, you need a trusted Dallas road defect car accident lawyer to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. At Patterson Law Group, we specialize in handling these complex cases.
Common Types of Road Defects in Dallas
Many accidents occur because of preventable hazards on the road. Understanding these defects can help you recognize when negligence might have played a role in your accident. Common road defects include:
- Potholes and cracked pavement: These can cause tire blowouts or force drivers to lose control.
- Steep shoulder drop-offs: These make it difficult for vehicles to recover safely if they veer off the road.
- Improper drainage systems: Roads with poor drainage can flood easily, causing hydroplaning.
- Missing or broken guardrails: Guardrails are critical in preventing vehicles from skidding off dangerous road sections.
- Malfunctioning traffic signals and improper signage: These can confuse drivers and increase the risk of collisions.
According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), improper or neglected road maintenance is a leading cause of accidents in the state. In 2023 alone, Texas recorded over 500,000 vehicle accidents, with a portion directly linked to infrastructure issues. These defects can turn routine driving into a dangerous experience, endangering drivers, passengers, and pedestrians alike.
Legal Liability in Road Defect Cases
In Texas, road defect cases often involve government entities responsible for road construction and maintenance. Under state law, government agencies may be held liable if:
- The hazard was foreseeable and could reasonably be expected to cause harm.
- The government agency had prior knowledge of the issue but failed to address it on time.
- No warning signs were placed to alert drivers of the danger.
- The driver had no reasonable way to anticipate the hazard.
For instance, if TxDOT receives complaints about a dangerous pothole but does not fix it promptly, and that pothole causes an accident, the state may be held liable. However, Texas law provides government immunity in certain situations, making it essential to act quickly and gather strong evidence to build your case.
Steps to Build a Strong Road Defect Case
When pursuing a road defect claim, collecting evidence early before the conditions change or repairs are made is critical. Our team at Patterson Law Group helps clients gather essential evidence, such as:
- Photographs of the scene: Capturing the defect and surrounding conditions immediately after the accident is crucial.
- Maintenance records: Obtaining records from government agencies can reveal whether they knew about the hazard and neglected to fix it.
- Accident scene measurements: Measurements can demonstrate the impact of the defect, such as the depth of a pothole or the angle of a steep drop-off.
- Weather reports: If bad drainage contributed to hydroplaning, weather data can support the claim.
- Testimonies from experts: Engineers or traffic safety experts can analyze the defect and testify how it caused the accident.
Building a strong case also requires strict legal procedures, especially when the liable party is a government agency. Texas law mandates that victims file claims within specific time limits to avoid losing their right to compensation.
Statistics and the Impact of Road Defects
The importance of addressing road defects becomes evident through the following statistics:
- 250,335 people were injured in motor vehicle crashes in Texas in 2023.
- 15,219 serious injury accidents involved road defects or unsafe conditions, resulting in life-changing injuries such as spinal cord damage and traumatic brain injuries.
- Single-vehicle accidents linked to road defects remain a persistent issue. In 2022, 1,471 fatalities resulted from run-off-the-road crashes, many of which could have been prevented with better maintenance.
These numbers reflect the severe human and economic toll road defects can cause. When governments and private contractors neglect their duties, the consequences are often devastating.
Why Choose Patterson Law Group?
As a top-rated road defect accident lawyer in Dallas, Patterson Law Group is committed to helping victims of road-related accidents seek justice. Our team understands the complexities of road defect cases, including navigating government immunity laws and ensuring responsible parties are held accountable.
We provide:
- Comprehensive case evaluation: We assess every detail of your accident to determine liability and damages.
- Evidence gathering and investigation: Our team works with experts to collect and analyze critical evidence.
- Negotiation and litigation: Whether through settlement or trial, we fight for the best possible outcome.
Our experience handling road defect cases allows us to address challenges efficiently and confidently, ensuring our clients receive the compensation they deserve.
Compensation You Can Recover
Victims of road defect accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
- Medical expenses: Coverage for surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing care.
- Lost wages and earning capacity: Compensation for time missed at work and diminished future earning potential.
- Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages for physical pain and emotional distress.
- Property damage: Reimbursement for repairs or replacement of your vehicle.
- Wrongful death damages: In fatal accidents, families may receive compensation for funeral expenses and loss of companionship.
Every case is unique, and our team will work closely with you to ensure all potential damages are accounted for.
How We Can Help You
If you’re looking for an accident lawyer near me, Patterson Law Group is here to help. We understand your challenges and are ready to provide the legal support you need.
Contact Us Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident caused by a road defect, don’t wait. Call Patterson Law Group today for a free consultation.
Our dedicated road defect auto accident attorneys in Dallas will evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Let us handle the legal complexities while you focus on healing and recovery.
