Auto Accidents Caused By Potholes in Brevard County
Many motorists do not realize this, but issues with road conditions can result in serious auto accidents. That why our team of Melbourne attorneys take bad road condition auto accidents so seriously. It's important that victims of these kinds of accidents work with skilled attorneys so negligent parties can be held accountable.
Potholes can be an especially hazardous. These holes in the road and portions of broken roadway are a common issue in many places, and they are much more dangerous that people think. Let's explore this issue in more detail and consider what your legal options may be.
What Causes Potholes?
Potholes are formed by a combination of moisture and pressure exerted on a roadway. When it rains, water can seep into the cracks in the asphalt and wind up in the roadbed. The roadbed is underlying structure of a road, comprised of gravel, sand, and rock. As cars pass over the cracked asphalt, the pressure can lead to erosion of the roadbed. As the roadbed collapses, the asphalt is pressed down into it, eventually leading the to the asphalt breaking away.
Fixing Potholes
Potholes can be fixed relatively easily. Road workers can patch up a pothole using hot or cold materials that fill in the hole so the surface of the road is even and smooth. Unfortunately, the repair of a pothole may be delayed for weeks or even months. The longer a pothole goes unrepaired, the greater the hazard to drivers.
Why Are Potholes Dangerous
The presence of potholes can often lead to two kinds of accidents.
On the one hand, if a driver runs over a pothole, the jarring nature of the pothole can lead to the driver losing control of their vehicle. A car can suddenly change directions, colliding with adjacent vehicles or leading to the loss of control of a vehicle. For people on motorcycles, driving over a pothole can lead to the motorcyclist being thrown from their bike.
On the other hand, driver may try to swerve to avoid the pothole. This sudden swerving can also lead to the loss of control of a vehicle as well as collisions with nearby vehicles.
Potholes and Vehicle Damage
Potholes can lead to major damage to a vehicle. For perspective, hitting a deep pothole can cause the same amount of force as getting into a collision at 35 miles per hour. This force can lead to major damage to a vehicle's tires, suspension, and steering systems. The impact of the pothole can also lead to injuries to the driver and passengers of a vehicle.
Who Is Held Liable for Poor Road Conditions?
Cities, counties, and states are in charge of road repairs and maintenance. When a pothole causes or contributes to an auto collision, it's important that the proper government agency be held accountable. Taking legal action against local and state governments can be complicated, which is why having skilled attorneys on your side is so crucial. We can guide you through the complexities of the legal process, and help obtain damages that cover medical expenses, vehicle damages, lost wages, and other losses associated with the accident.
Contact Charpentier Law Firm To Discuss Your Auto Accident Case
For more information about your legal rights and options following a serious auto collision, be sure to contact our Brevard County Auto Accident Attorneys today by calling 321-308-8020. The lawyers of Charpentier Law Firm, P.A. will help you in your time of legal need.
WE HAVE A HISTORY OF SUCCESS
IN BREVARD COUNTY
Over the past 40-plus years of helping Brevard County's injured and mistreated, our firm has obtained some $65 million in recoveries on behalf of our clients, highlighted by an $15.5 million product liability award.
The team at Charpentier Law Firm has the negotiation skills to reach favorable settlements in many cases, but also has the experience and perseverance to try a case to verdict whenever it is in the best interests of our clients. Our history of success illustrates our dedication to our clients and their pursuit of justice. Our personal injury attorneys in Melbourne, Titusville, and Cocoa are proud to offer superior legal representation to victims and their families throughout Brevard County and Central Florida.