Most truck accidents are caused by negligence on the part of the truck driver, trucking company, or a third party. In other cases, truck accidents caused by road hazards cause serious injuries. Road hazards are always dangerous for drivers and passengers, especially when large trucks are involved. It’s more difficult for truck drivers to maneuver around road hazards in time to prevent an accident.
If you or your loved one have been seriously injured in a truck accident caused by road hazards, it’s crucial that you reach out to an experienced attorney. Ceja Law Firm PLLC has represented clients who’ve been injured in a wide range of truck accidents, and we have a proven track record of obtaining the most compensation possible for our clients. We will help you understand your legal options and answer your questions.
Why Are Road Hazards So Dangerous?
Commercial trucks are so large and heavy that it takes drivers longer to come to a stop or swerve out of the way of hazardous conditions. When a truck driver tries to avoid colliding with a road hazard, the driver may swerve into another traffic lane and cause a multi-vehicle collision on the highway or freeway. In other cases, the truck may collide with the debris and cause a roadblock. Other drivers may not be able to avoid colliding with the truck.
Construction Debris Can Cause Road Hazards
Road construction sites generally produce a lot of debris and waste. The company overseeing the project is legally responsible for properly disposing of debris. When construction sites become cluttered and create hazardous conditions for construction workers, drivers, and passengers. When unsecured debris gets blown into the street, it can fly into a truck driver’s windshield, causing damage to the truck.
The truck driver may swerve to avoid danger if they’re operating the vehicle when it is struck. In other cases, the construction company may fail to move large equipment away from the main road or may fail to post appropriate traffic signs warning oncoming drivers of the construction site.
Missing Traffic Signage
When there are proper traffic signs, all drivers will clearly know what steps to take to remain safe. When signage is missing, the results can be tragic. A truck driver may not have enough time to maneuver around a sharp curve that comes out of nowhere. The truck driver can easily run off the road without proper signage. When a stop sign is missing, a truck driver may assume they have the right of way when they don’t, and the consequences can be devastating.
Poorly Designed Intersections and Roads
Poorly designed roads sometimes create a road hazard, resulting in truck accidents. Many Texas roads have been poorly designed, creating dangerous conditions that can result in a truck accident. Blind curves are dangerous. A sharp curve on the road can make it nearly impossible for motorists, including truck drivers, to see oncoming traffic approaching in the opposite direction.
When intersections have lanes that are too narrow for large vehicles or have sudden, sharp turns, truck drivers may not be able to see oncoming traffic. In other cases, roads don’t drain when it rains. Even a small amount of rain can cause ice to form or dangerous flooding. Wet roads are particularly dangerous for truck drivers and can cause trucks to spin out of control.
Potholes
In addition to causing vehicle damage, potholes can also cause truck accidents. Even an experienced truck driver may not see a pothole and may roll over it, causing a loss of control. When a pothole is deep enough, the impact can be incredibly destructive. Potholes can cause a trailer to swerve to a right angle, causing a multi-vehicle collision.
Steep Shoulders
Large commercial vehicles have a greater likelihood of rolling over. When a highway’s shoulder is too steep, it creates a drop-off. When a truck driver needs to pull over on this type of shoulder, the truck driver may try to overcorrect, resulting in a jackknife accident or rollover.
Proving Liability After a Truck Accident Caused By Road Hazards
Several parties could share the blame for truck accidents caused by road hazards. As the truck accident victim, you’ll need to prove that one or more party’s negligence or recklessness caused the accident that resulted in your injuries to recover compensation. When road conditions are dangerous, the municipality responsible for maintaining or designing the road may be liable for the victim’s injuries.
In other cases, the truck driver may have been too fatigued and intoxicated to operate safely. The driver may have missed an object in the road due to fatigue, causing a collision. The trucking company may be partly liable for failing to ensure the truck was maintained and the brakes operated properly.
Pursuing a Claim Against a Government Agency
Generally, towns, cities, and states are responsible for maintaining roads and intersections. Victims of road hazard accidents caused by poorly maintained or designed roads may have a right to sue the liable municipality. For example, if the road was poorly designed, causing the truck accident, the victim may be able to sue the responsible municipality.
Likewise, a victim may be able to sue the agency that failed to fill a dangerous pothole that caused the truck accident. Pursuing a claim against a municipality or government agency can be challenging. There are stringent deadlines for filing a notice of claim against government agencies. Speaking to an attorney as soon as possible is crucial.
Discuss Your Case with a Texas Truck Accident Attorney
When you work with the attorneys at Ceja Law Firm PLLC, you can rest assured we will investigate your case and get to the bottom of why the truck accident happened. We have the experience and resources to work with experts to investigate the accident, identify all liable parties, and develop a strategy to obtain the most compensation possible. Contact Ceja Law Firm PLLC to schedule a free case evaluation.
