Road Defects and Hazards That Can Cause Car Accidents in Georgia
All types of road defects and hazards have the potential to cause serious, or even fatal, car accidents. These issues can lead to accidents in several different ways:
Collision Risks
Some road defects and hazards present collision risks for drivers. For example, a construction barrier that has been moved into the middle of the road could leave an unsuspecting driver with nowhere to go.
Visual Obstructions
Some road defects and hazards obstruct drivers’ vision, preventing them from seeing the road ahead and avoiding a crash. For example, overgrown trees or a poorly placed sign or bus stop could be to blame if a driver cannot see what he or she needs to see in order to avoid a collision.
Vehicle Damage
Some road defects and hazards can damage drivers’ vehicles, and this damage can cause drivers to lose control. For example, if a pothole damages a vehicle’s wheel or axle, then the pothole could be to blame in the event of a subsequent crash.
Loss of Control
Some road defects and hazards can be directly responsible for drivers’ loss of control. For example, debris on the road could cause a loss of traction, and this could in turn lead to sliding off of the road or colliding with another vehicle.
Driver Confusion
Malfunctioning traffic lights, unclear signs and similar types of issues can lead to driver confusion. If drivers aren’t sure where to go or who has the right of way, this is highly likely to lead to a crash.
Road Hazards That Most Often Lead to Accident Lawsuits
Our road defect attorneys handle cases involving all types of road defects and hazards in Georgia. If you have been injured, or if a loved one has been killed, in a car accident and you suspect that a road defect or hazard may have played a role, we strongly encourage you to contact us for help. Here is just a small sampling of the types of road defects and hazards for which we may be able to help you recover just compensation:
- Debris and equipment from construction zones
- Flooded roadways
- Malfunctioning traffic lights
- Poor road design
- Poorly placed and unclear signs
- Potholes and sinkholes
- Roadway warping and erosion
- Trees, shrubs and branches
- Uneven or grooved roads
- Unmarked lanes