When you get into a car accident and another driver is to blame, you can sue them for damages. What if they are not the only party to blame though? In some cases, there are other contributory factors to an accident and there are other parties that need to be held liable. A good example of this is when road conditions help cause a crash. A car accident lawyer in Queens can tell you what to do if you think someone else needs to be held accountable for a dangerous road.
What Kinds of Road Conditions Can Cause an Accident?
Many types of road conditions can help cause an accident. Some good examples of this include:
- Rain and snow that cause cars to slide
- Debris left over from construction work
- A giant pothole that causes a driver to lose control and hit someone else
- A tight turn is not preceded by warning signs, so a speeding driver hits another car before they get the chance to slow down
Obviously, some of these road conditions can be larger contributors to accidents than others. It’s important to know when someone should actually be held liable for the conditions that helped cause your crash.
What Should I Do After Bad Road Conditions Have Caused an Accident?
You want to begin gathering evidence right away after a crash like this. Take pictures of the accident scene, with a special focus on the road conditions that contributed to the crash. Then do everything else you would after a car accident. Exchange insurance info, call the police so that they can make a report, and make it a priority to get care for your injuries.
Can I Sue the Government Over Bad Road Conditions?
In some cases, yes. If the government did not properly maintain the road or make efforts to keep it safe, they can be a liable party in your case. If a large pothole, faded lane markings, or a lack of signage contributed to your accident, this is something to seriously consider.
However, you need to know that the deadline for suing the government can be quite tight. Normally, accident victims have three years to sue for damages in New York. When the government is being sued, the victim must submit a claim within 90 days or they will lose their chance at holding the town or city accountable for their neglect.
Should I Hire an Attorney?
A personal injury case can already be difficult to pursue on your own. A lawyer can help you build a case against multiple parties and ensure that you do not miss any important deadlines, like the statute of limitations. They can also negotiate with insurance companies and other parties on your behalf.
Schedule Your Consultation
When you are ready to move forward with a personal injury lawsuit, contact the Law Offices of George Poulos. We can take a closer look at your case in an initial consultation. If we think that we can help you fight for compensation, we’ll tell you more about the next steps to take.
