Florida Road Defect Lawyers

Common Road Defects That Cause Accidents in Tampa

Many accidents result because of careless or reckless drivers who cause collisions because they do not operate their motor vehicles safely. However, defects on the road itself cause other accidents. When you pull out of your driveway, you probably expect to find safe roads to travel. Unfortunately, you can find any number of road defects, which can cause serious injuries. 

The following common road defects have the potential to result in injury-causing accidents:

• Inadequate lighting
• Improper signs
• Missing traffic signs or lights
• Potholes
• Uneven pavement
• Missing barriers or guardrails
• Dangerous or missing shoulders
• Debris left on the road
• Overgrown vegetation

These defects might cause your car to crash, injuring yourself and others. For example, a deep pothole can jostle the vehicle, causing you to lose control of it and swerve into oncoming traffic. Similarly, a missing stop sign might cause you to fly into the intersection, where you collide with another vehicle, causing injuries. Inadequate shoulders can pull your vehicle into a ditch, where it rolls over.

If you have been in an accident due to a road defect in Florida, call our attorneys at (833) 899-0310.

Who to Sue for Road Defects & Why It Matters

A key fact in these cases is finding the party responsible for the road defect that led to the crash. In many situations, a government agency has the obligation to maintain the roads in a safe condition. However, in other situations, construction companies are responsible for the defect, such as when they leave debris on the road.

The party you sue will make a huge difference in how your case proceeds. Generally, the state of Florida and municipalities enjoy immunity from all lawsuits, including personal injury lawsuits caused by road defects. However, if you jump through some hoops, Florida may allow you to sue. In particular, you need to send a claim to the government agency identifying your injury and making a request for compensation.

This notice allows the government to settle the claim if it wants. Only after the government declines to settle can you file a lawsuit in court. Furthermore, the amount you can receive if you sue the government is capped at $200,000 per person.

Lawsuits against third-party contractors do not impose these requirements and do not limit the compensation you can seek. Instead, you can file immediately in court after your accident.

How a Lawyer Can Help

Car accident injuries cause our clients to lose thousands of dollars, if not more. The person who caused the accident should pay you compensation and make you whole. 

In Florida, you may be able to receive compensation for:

• Medical expenses for past and future treatments, if required
• Lost wages
• Lost future earning capacity if you cannot return to your old job
• Damage to your vehicle and other property
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of consortium

Each car accident is unique, and we cannot guarantee you will receive any specific damages. 

Nevertheless, relying on our experience, one of our attorneys may craft a claim for you and handle every aspect of your case, including:

• Filing a claim with the appropriate insurance company
• Negotiating with an insurance company
• Filing a claim with the applicable government agency
• Collecting evidence in support of your lawsuit
• Filing and pursuing a lawsuit against the appropriate defendant

Mistakes to Avoid After a Road Defect Accident

After an accident, you might feel worried about how to pay your bills and wonder if you will ever fully recover. Fear and worry cause many injury victims to make key mistakes in the days and weeks after an accident, hamstringing their cases and costing them thousands of dollars in compensation.

After an accident:

• Write down the location of the accident and as much about what happened as you can remember. Your lawyer may need to visit the scene to gather evidence.
• Contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Your lawyer has your best interests at heart and can protect your rights. An insurance claims adjuster does not.

Call The Florida Law Group Today to Speak with a Road Defect Accident Attorney in Florida

Car accidents leave victims confused and unsure about what to do next. At The Florida Law Group, our attorneys have decades of experience in helping injured motorists get the compensation they deserve. If a road defect caused your crash, we can make a compelling case to that effect, and we will fight for a fair resolution to your case. 

To begin the process, call (833) 899-0310 or send us an email through our online contact form.