PA and NJ Accidents Due to Infrastructure Flaws

In many situations, it’s natural to assume that driver error is to blame following a collision. But while that is the case in some traffic incidents, not every collision is solely the result of a driver’s actions. In both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, infrastructure flaws, such as issues with the design, construction, or maintenance of roads and highways, can contribute to accidents.

If you’ve been injured in a crash, understanding what caused it is crucial to determining who is responsible. A Bucks County personal injury attorney can investigate your case and share with you the best path forward.

How Infrastructure Flaws Lead to Accidents

Infrastructure flaws refer to defects or problems with the physical layout or condition of roadways, highways, bridges, and intersections. These flaws can include:

• Potholes or large cracks in the pavement
• Poorly designed intersections or confusing traffic patterns
• Faded or missing road markings
• Malfunctioning or poorly placed traffic signals and signs
• Inadequate drainage causing roadway flooding
• Sharp curves without proper warnings
• Insufficient lighting on roads and highways

When these flaws are present, even the most careful drivers can find themselves in dangerous situations. For example, a deep pothole can cause a driver to lose control, or a poorly designed intersection can lead to collisions between vehicles traveling in different directions.

In short, flaws can directly contribute to accidents by creating unexpected hazards. If a traffic signal fails and gives conflicting directions, or a roadway floods due to inadequate drainage during heavy rain, drivers may have little to no time to react safely. In cases like these, a crash may occur even though the involved drivers were obeying the rules of the road.

Government entities, this includes state departments of transportation, counties, and municipalities, have a duty to design and maintain safe roadways. When they fail in this duty, they can potentially be held liable for accidents caused by dangerous conditions.

Assessing Responsibility for Expenses

Determining liability when infrastructure flaws are involved can be complicated. If poor maintenance or defective design is to blame, a government entity in charge of the road may be held liable. Or, should recent road work be performed negligently, the private company responsible may share responsibility.

It’s important to note that claims against government agencies involve special rules. Both Pennsylvania and New Jersey have strict notice requirements, meaning you must inform the government entity of your intent to sue within a short window. This timeline is sometimes as little as six months after the accident.

Because of time constraints and other challenges, working with an experienced  Bucks County personal injury attorney is essential. A skilled lawyer can investigate whether infrastructure flaws contributed to your accident, gather necessary evidence, and seek full compensation for your damages.

How do you hold a contractor or government entity accountable? If you were injured in a crash caused by unsafe road conditions, contact the legal team at Kevin L. Hand, P.C. We are proud to help injury victims throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey pursue the justice and compensation they deserve. Call 215-515-2604 to book a confidential consultation.