Many accidents are caused by driver error, such as speeding, running a red light, or making an illegal turn. But many accidents are also caused by hazardous roads. These hazards cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles, sending them careening into another motorists or objects.
It should come as no surprise that Colorado’s roads are not as good as they could be. Too many defects make our roads dangerous, and the state is not always quick to solve problems. If you have been injured and suspect that a defect in the road contributed to your accident, then you should consult with a hazardous roadways attorney in Grand Junction as soon as possible.
CONTACT OUR FIRM
Types of Road Hazards
Many hazards can contribute to an accident, including:
- Poor lighting. Foliage might have grown over the streetlights, or the bulbs might have burnt out and not been replaced. Whatever the reason, poor lighting makes it difficult to see other vehicles, which can lead to crashes.
- Potholes. A vehicle can ride smoothly over a tiny pothole. But large ones not only damage the vehicle but can cause a driver to lose control.
- Uneven pavement. A vehicle might be upset due to uneven pavement.
- Poor shoulder construction. A vehicle can flip over or suffer other damage if the shoulder is not made properly.
- Dangerous curves. A poorly-designed roadway can have curves that are dangerous to navigate, causing drivers to spin out of control.
- Dangerous intersections. Intersections are dangerous enough as is. But if the intersection is poorly designed, then more accidents can occur.
- Road debris. A construction crew might not clean up after itself and leave behind materials or tools. A motorist can strike these.
- Defective or missing guardrails. Guardrails help keep vehicles from flying off the road or into other lanes. A missing or malfunctioning guardrail can contribute to serious accidents.
- Accumulations of snow or ice. Winter weather is unavoidable in Colorado, but the road crews need to do their best to clear the roads in a timely manner.
If you think a hazard is to blame for your crash, then you should document it as best you can. For example, you can take a picture using your smartphone of anything wrong with the roadway. Your attorney will be grateful for this documented evidence.
How a Lawyer Helps
Both the police and insurance companies are very quick to blame all accidents on driver error. As a result, your claim for compensation could be rejected, leaving you out in the cold. It often takes quite a bit of work to convince an insurer that a road defect contributed to your crash.
At Cimarron Ridge Legal Group, our attorneys are very experienced at negotiating settlements with government agencies responsible for maintaining safe roads. These agencies are hesitant to pay out claims, but obtaining compensation is possible if you understand the process. Although we can’t guarantee success in your case, we can ensure that you put your best foot forward.
Establishing Fault and Timelines for Bringing a Claim
To get compensation from a government agency, you typically need to show that the agency knew of the hazard but failed to fix it in a timely manner. This can be tough. For example, it isn’t enough that there is a giant pothole in the middle of the lane. You also need to establish that the agency responsible for the road knew that the pothole was there but failed to take any action to correct it.
Colorado and state agencies are immune from lawsuits. However, the state has made an exception for people injured when the state has not been sufficiently careful.
But the state also makes it difficult by having very strict deadlines you must meet. In particular, you must file a written notice with the agency within 180 days of your accident, otherwise the state will not negotiate a settlement with you. You also won’t be able to sue if you don’t meet this deadline, so it is imperative that you move quickly.
Speak to a Grand Junction Hazardous Roadways Lawyer
Hazardous roads are entirely avoidable, but Colorado has been slow to act to fix our most dangerous roadways. At Cimarron Ridge Legal Group, we help injured motorists gain a measure of satisfaction that they have held the state responsible for failing to make timely repairs.
Contact us at (970) 230-7656 to discuss your case. We offer a free, confidential consultation where we can talk about your injuries and your chances of success. All you need to do is call us today.
Contact Us