Defective or Dangerous Roads In Oklahoma City
Oklahoma City has more than its share of dangerous roads, including the I-235 and I-44 Interchange, the Northwest Expressway, and Turner Turnpike. It also has many hazardous intersections, such as the Western Avenue and Reno Avenue intersection, and the NW 39th St intersection with N. St Claire Avenue. With more than 66,000 car accidents in Oklahoma in a single recent year, dangerous and defective roadways play a significant role in many of the city’s car accidents. A car accident attorney in Oklahoma City is here to help you if you were injured in an accident.
How Do Dangerous Roads Cause Car Accidents In Oklahoma City?
Even the most careful driver who follows all Oklahoma traffic laws and avoids distractions can have an accident when there’s a dangerous condition on the road. Some road hazards are caused by inclement weather conditions, such as ice or rain, requiring drivers to take extra precautions, but when someone else’s negligence causes the road hazard, it’s not always possible to be prepared and avoid an accident. Common causes of dangerous road accidents in Oklahoma City include the following:
- Potholes
- Excessive sand on the road shoulder
- Uneven pavement
- Obstructed signs
- Uncleared debris like branches and loose gravel
- Road construction debris
- Obstacles such as barrels and traffic cones
- Poor lighting
- Confusing intersection designs
- Faulty signal lights
- Obstructed views at intersections (such as buildings or signs in the way)
- Uneven road shoulders
- Lack of guardrails
- Faded road markings
- Unsafe bridges
City, county, and federal agencies are responsible for maintaining roadways in Oklahoma City. This duty includes clearing obstructions, repairing signal light malfunctions, and designing sensible intersections with clear views.
Who Is Liable After an Accident Caused by a Defective Roadway, Dangerously Designed Intersection, or Construction Hazard?
After a serious car accident caused by a defective or dangerous road in Oklahoma City, it often takes an experienced investigation to document compelling evidence proving the responsible party’s liability. Common liable parties in hazardous roadway accidents include the following:
- City or county road maintenance agencies
- Negligent road construction crews
- A city or county road planning agency that is responsible for designing a confusing intersection
Proving liability requires showing evidence that the responsible party failed in their duty of care to prevent injuries to those on the roadway, their failure directly caused an accident with injuries, and the injury victim suffered damages from the injury.
What Damages Are Recoverable In an Oklahoma City Dangerous Road Accident?
Accidents with injuries are painful, frightening, and expensive. In the worst cases, they cause life-altering adverse consequences or fatalities. A successful claim against a liable party after a dangerous roadway accident could recover damages that include the following:
- Property damage
- Past and future medical expenses
- Past and future income loss
- Out-of-pocket costs
- Compensation for pain and suffering
- Compensation for other non-economic damages that apply, such as disfigurement, loss of limb, the loss of one of the senses, or diminished quality of life.
If a loved one died in an accident caused by a dangerous or defective roadway, a wrongful death claim against the at-fault party could recover death benefits for a close family member.
How Can a Dangerous Road Accident Attorney Help My Case?
Claims against government entities, such as city road planning and road maintenance agencies, are complex and include timelines and paperwork requirements different from those of typical car accidents. Call a personal injury lawyer in Oklahoma City from Dan Davis Law to speak to a hazardous roadway accident lawyer who can help with this very specific type of claim.