Chicago Hazardous Roadway Accident Lawyers
Auto accidents occur due to a variety of reasons. A number of auto accidents in Chicago occur as a result of dangerous roadways. We worry about drunk drivers or those who are talking on the cell phone or texting as they drive. We are concerned about the drivers who speed in our neighborhoods. But rarely do we think about the danger of the roadways themselves. Roadways can be defective because they are in poor condition or badly maintained. Or they can be defectively designed without bike lanes, crosswalks or sidewalks. In some cases visibility on certain roadways or at some intersections could be poor because of a block wall or foliage that has not been trimmed. Even stop signs could be obscured at intersections, putting motorists in serious danger. If you have been injured in an accident caused by a hazardous roadway, you have legal rights.
Hazardous Roadway Conditions
The upkeep of roadways is crucial to safe driving conditions. There are a myriad of potential dangerous conditions that can lead to an accident.
- Dangerous Pavement: Roads that have potholes, are patchy or have odd textures, may lead to serious accidents. Drivers may lose control of their vehicle or swerve to avoid a dangerous roadway condition. Particularly in danger are pedestrians, bicyclists or motorcyclists.
- Hazardous Weather: There are many conditions that can lead to an Illinois hazardous roadway accident. Hard rain or snow on typically safe roads can suddenly become dangerous. Black ice or excessive downpours can also lead to hazardous roadways. When the weather turns bad, additional attention must be paid to clearing roadways and making them safe for motorists.
- Poor Maintenance: The governing body in charge of the roadway is obligated to keep it safe for drivers.
- Poorly Designed Roads: Roads with limited visibility, sudden changes in elevation and steep turns can prove dangerous for drivers. Roads that are particularly narrow may also lead to collisions.
- Inadequate Lighting: When a street lacks sufficient lighting or if the lights are not in working order, it could pose a danger to motorists and pedestrians.
- Dangerous Crosswalks: Some crosswalks are located dangerously. There are no indicators such as signs or flashing lights to show the presence of a crosswalk or to alert drivers that pedestrians are crossing at that location.
- Dangerous Intersections: Examples of dangerous intersections are those that lack stop signs, stop lights or turn lanes.
- Bike Paths or Lanes: Bicyclists face real dangers while sharing the road with significantly larger vehicles. Lack of bike lanes on roadways that are heavily traveled by bicyclists can put bicyclists in a dangerous situation.
Government Liability
In cases where a dangerous or defective roadway condition has caused injury or death, injured victims or families of deceased victims can file a personal injury or car accident wrongful death claim in Chicago against the governmental entity responsible for maintaining that roadway. However, any such claim against a public agency must be filed within one year of the accident or injury, under Illinois law.
If you have been injured as a result of a hazardous roadway, the experienced Chicago car accident lawyers of The Bradley Law Firm can help. We have the knowledge, skill and tenacity it takes to stand up against governmental entities and fight for your rights. Please call us today for a free consultation and claim evaluation.