In most truck accidents, one or more drivers are at fault. However, some motor vehicle accidents occur due to poor conditions on the road. In these instances, the governmental agency responsible for road design or maintenance can be held liable for your resulting damages, such as medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering. However, unique laws can apply when you file a claim against the government, so it’s in your best interest to work with a lawyer experienced at handling these truck accident legal claims in San Antonio.
In our practice, some of the most common poor road conditions that contribute to truck accidents include:
Potholes
Potholes are holes in road surfaces that are caused by erosion or wear on the surface. Potholes can form due to extreme weather conditions, overuse of the road without proper maintenance, improper construction, or inadequate drainage. These road hazards may start small, but they can become larger if not promptly repaired.
When a truck driver rolls over a pothole, their tire can get stuck in the hole, potentially causing them to lose control of the vehicle or for cargo to shift in the truck, leading to a dangerous rollover accident.
Shoulder Drop-Offs
Some shoulders on Texas roadways can contribute to motor vehicle accidents. Commercial trucks take up more space than standard passenger vehicles, so they may be more apt to be driven on the shoulder, or a truck driver could be trying to pull over onto the shoulder of the road to stop for a mechanical issue when the shoulder suddenly drops off. This can cause the driver to lose control, tires to blow out, or the truck to roll over.
Uneven Pavement
Road pavement can also be uneven at points other than the shoulder. When the tires are driving on different heights, this can cause suspension issues, leading the driver to lose control of the vehicle. Large cracks, hills, and other forms of uneven pavement are often due to a lack of adequate maintenance on the road, which get worse the longer time goes without remedying the issue.
Poor Road Design
Sometimes, truck accidents occur due to the actual design of the road. The road may contain curves that are too sharp or roads that do not prohibit commercial trucks, which are still unsafe for these vehicles to drive on.
Lack of Signs
Transportation agencies are responsible for installing proper, visible road signage and painting where necessary. If drivers cannot see warnings about the road, speed limits, or other indications about known hazards, they can’t respond to them.
Signs could be missing because they never existed in the first place or because they are not repaired or replaced when they are damaged. Missing signs can contribute to accidents caused by drivers not knowing who has the right of way or that there is an obstruction ahead.
Roadway Obstructions
Debris, construction materials, trash, loose gravel, and even appliances can wind up on the roadway, creating a danger to truck drivers and anyone in their path. When government agencies fail to routinely inspect roadways for hazards or maintain the roads they are responsible for, preventable accidents can occur.
Contact George Salinas Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation
If you were injured in a truck accident involving poor road conditions, contact George Salinas Injury Lawyers for a free consultation by calling 210-225-0909.