Accidents Caused By Poor Road Conditions
Poor Road Conditions Cause Accidents
Accidents caused by poor road conditions are a significant contributor to the total number of injuries sustained as a result of road traffic accidents every year. Poor road conditions can occur for many reasons, including natural events, such as heavy rains or flooding. This can cause the roads to become unsafe and raise the probability of an accident occurring.
Poor physical conditions on the road can also cause accidents to occur. Maintaining the roads and ensuring the safety of the drivers on them is an important responsibility. The Scottish Government holds this responsibility not only to the drivers on our roads but also to the pedestrians and cyclist as well. This responsibility includes maintaining proper signage, traffic control devices, lighting, and road conditions.
If you have been involved in an accident and were injured because of poor road conditions, you have a right to receive compensation. When someone is injured in a road traffic accident as a result of government negligence, the government agency responsible for maintaining the road can be held liable. Here are some great examples of unsafe road conditions that may result in an automobile accident.
- Large Potholes
- Fallen Signs
- Inadequate Guard Rails
- Loose Gravel
- Sunken Drain Covers
- Poor Traffic Control in Construction Zones
- Construction Material Placed in A Manner That Inhibits the View of Traffic
Can I Claim Compensation if I was Involved in an Accident Caused by Poor Road Conditions?
The simple answer is yes but it is important to note that dealing with government agencies can get complicated. Nobody can argue with the fact that poor road conditions cause accidents and if damage occurred because of the failure of a government agency to complete their duties then you should rightly get compensation. Having a trusted advisor working on your behalf can help to increase your claims chances of success. In many cases there are multiple government agencies involved and this can increase the length of time it takes to resolve and settle your case.
What if I am not Sure What Caused my Accident?
Sometimes a driver is not sure what caused their accident. When this is the case an investigation may be commenced to determine if poor road conditions were the culprit. This investigation can add to the time it takes for your claim to be considered, however, once it can be proven poor road conditions were at fault your claim’s success rate will improve dramatically.
How Can I Improve My Chances of Success
The time that immediately follows an accident can be hectic. If you are able to, you will need to contact the authorities and your insurance company. You should also get witness statements and information.
Be sure to check for security cameras at local businesses that may have caught the accident. All of these things can help your claim. In order for your case to be successful you will need to prove these five elements:
- The Accident Occurred on Government Property
- The Road was Dangerous as a Result of Neglect
- These Dangerous Conditions caused the Accident
- The Accident Occurred in a Way that the Public Entity Could Reasonably Anticipate Would Result from the Dangerous Condition
- The Dangerous Condition Resulted from a Failure of Action on The Part of the Entity
What Do I need to Lodge My Claim?
Claims Solutions Scotland Ltd can help guide you through the claims procedure. We can help you gather the necessary evidence you need in order to lodge your claim with success. CCTV footage, witness statements, and photographs from the scene of the accident can all further your claim and help to prove your claims validity. Every claim must be examined on an individual basis to determine the best compensation strategy to follow.
No Win No Fee
Claim Solutions Scotland Ltd operate on a No Win No Fee business model. In the unlikely event we are unable to secure your compensation we will waive our fees. This means you can get back to what’s really important – spending time with your loved ones and working through the recovery process. Conditional Fee Agreements allow you to focus on recovery rather than your costs.
Start Your Claim Today
If you have been injured in a car accident as a result of government negligence we can advise you on the best strategy to follow in order to establish liability and maximise your compensation. Contact us today for a consultation and to see how much compensation you are eligible to receive.