Defective Road Car Accidents in Santa Rosa

Despite the fact that millions of dollars are poured into our nation’s infrastructure, between 27 percent and 33 percent of the country’s major roads, highways, and interstates aren’t “substandard” and unsafe for motorists. 

Cities like Santa Rosa, California, are part of the problem. Even though the city spends over $11 million dollars every year to pave and maintain its roads, they’re still riddled with potholes, alligator cracking, and other defects.

Road defects like these have serious consequences, causing thousands of car accidents across the country every year. 

What is a Road Defect?

A road defect is anything that makes a roadway inherently dangerous or increases the risk of damage, injury, or death.

Common types of road defects include:

Potholes

In Potholes are bowl-shaped holes in road surfaces caused by bad weather conditions, moisture, pavement base failure, and the constant wear and tear of vehicles traveling on the surface. Potholes can become larger over time if they’re not patched. When a vehicle’s tire strikes a pothole, it can have the same effect as a car accident at 35 MPH, resulting in considerable property damage, serious physical injuries, and even death.

Alligator Cracking

Alligator cracking occurs when asphalt cracks make patterns that look just like alligator skin. This type of road defect is a sign of fatigue and causes accidents when vehicle tires “trip” on the uneven road surface. Pedestrians are also more likely to trip and fall when walking on road surfaces with alligator cracking.

Upheaval

Upheaval occurs when part of a road surface rises, often due to unstable underlayment or moisture under the asphalt. If a vehicle strikes upheaval on the highway while traveling at high speeds, it can create a forceful accident. 

Broken Traffic Signals

Road defects don’t have to be physical problems with the road surfaces. Broken and malfunctioning traffic signals can also make roads defective. Intersections are already the most accident-prone parts of our infrastructure. When signals are out, stuck, or wrong, it can confuse drivers and cause serious traffic accidents.

Who is Liable For a Defective Road Car Accident Accident in Santa Rosa?

While government agencies are typically immune from civil litigation, there are some exceptions - including when a road defect causes a car accident.

When a government agency responsible for road design, maintenance, and repairs knows of a fever or should be aware of a defect and does nothing to fix it, it can be liable if the defect causes a car accident.

Government tort claims in California are subject to different rules - including an accelerated timetable for seeking damages. If you’ve been injured in a Santa Rosa car accident because of defective roads, call Singleton Schreiber. We’re fearless advocates who help crash victims stand up to governments, corporations, and insurers after serious accidents.

Our Santa Rosa motor vehicle accident lawyers will help you navigate your claim and work to secure the compensation you need for vehicle repairs, medical bills, disability, and other crash-related damages.

Contact our Santa Rosa law office to schedule a free consultation to discuss your road defect accident case today with one of our injury lawyers in Santa Rosa.