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Can a City Be Liable for Poor Road Conditions?

By Glendale Personal Injury Attorney on August 15, 2022

Sometimes, a California city can be held liable for poor road conditions that cause an accident. This is because cities are responsible for maintaining the roads within their jurisdiction. If a city fails to do so, resulting in an accident, the city can be held liable for a negligence claim.

To prove negligence, plaintiffs must show that the city knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to take reasonable steps to fix it. This can be difficult to do, as city officials often claim that they were unaware of the problem or that it was not severe enough to warrant repairs. Plaintiffs must also show that the city’s failure to fix the problem was the cause of their injuries.

If you have been injured in an accident caused by poor road conditions, you may be able to recover compensation from the city. An experienced Glendale auto accident attorney at the Aratta Law Firm can help you investigate your claim and determine whether you have a case. Contact us for a consultation at (818) 550-1111.

California Road Quality

In 2018 the American Society of Civil Engineers graded California’s infrastructure: Bridges a C-, Transit a C-, and Roads a D. California is notorious for its lousy road quality; potholes and cracked pavement are all too common. In addition, the state’s highways are in inferior condition, with an estimated one-third needing repair. Many of the state’s roads desperately need repair or reconstruction. This has led to a rise in car accidents and injuries.

Due to a lack of funding, California has been slow to address the issue. However, the California Department of Transportation is working on a pilot program to repair potholes using a new, more durable material. In addition, the agency is also working on a long-term plan to improve the condition of the state’s roads.

Why California Roads are in Poor Condition

There are several reasons why California roads are in poor condition. One reason is that the state has not invested enough money in road maintenance. As a result, there is a shortage of qualified road crews meaning that roads are often not repaired on time, if at all. Another reason for the poor condition of California roads is the state’s climate. The hot, dry weather causes roads to crack and crumble faster than in more temperate climates. This is compounded by the fact that California is earthquake-prone, which can further damage roads and transportation infrastructure. Finally, the state’s traffic levels are among the highest in the nation, which takes a toll on roads. All of these factors contribute to poor conditions and danger.

Traffic Accidents Caused by Road Damage

According to a report by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, poor road conditions are a contributing factor in nearly one-third of all traffic accidents. Potholes, for example, are a common type of road damage that can cause serious accidents. If a car hits a pothole, it can lose control and crash into another car or a pedestrian.

If you’ve been involved in a traffic accident that you believe was caused by road damage in Glendale, you should speak to a lawyer as soon as possible. A lawyer can help you investigate the accident and determine whether or not road damage was a factor.

Hire a Lawyer to Discuss Your Traffic Accident

Road damage is one of the leading causes of traffic accidents. If you’ve been injured in a traffic accident caused by road damage, you may be able to seek compensation from the responsible party. A qualified Glendale hazardous road accident lawyer can help you assess your claim and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact the skilled attorneys at the Aratta Law Firm at (818) 550-1111 for immediate consultations.

Posted in: Personal Injury