Auto Accidents and Potholes
Driver error, whether due to recklessness or neglect, is the leading cause of car accidents. However, there are other conditions that can further increase the risk of an auto accident. One such factor is poor road conditions. One of the most common types of road damage is potholes. Potholes are bowl-shaped openings in the road caused by asphalt damage. Once a pothole has developed, it will continue to grow if it is not repaired. Potholes (especially those that are large in size) can lead to auto accidents.
In turn, auto accidents often result in property damage and personal injury, both of which amount to serious financial losses for accident victims. The experienced auto accident attorneys at Chanfrau & Chanfrau can examine auto accidents involving potholes to ensure our Daytona Beach, FL clients are justly compensated by the person or party who is liable for the accident.
What Causes Potholes?
Potholes are a common result of the continual wear and tear a road is exposed to. Asphalt is a hard and durable material, but with all the cars, trucks, buses, and other heavy vehicles that drive over roads each day, it is natural for some damage to occur. This damage is further affected by weather conditions. Rain is especially damaging to the road and can cause a small pothole to grow in size rather quickly. The larger a pothole is, the greater effect it can have on the vehicles that drive over it.
Pothole Risks
Larger potholes can seriously affect a vehicle, throwing off its suspension, and putting strain on its shocks. In these instances, potholes may cause damage to the vehicle, or can even throw it out of control and result in a car accident. Potholes are especially dangerous for motorcycles, which only have two wheels, and weigh much less than cars. A large pothole could easily buck a motorcycle and cause its rider to be ejected.
It is important to drive cautiously and always be aware of road conditions. Drivers should avoid speeding and drive around large potholes whenever possible. If a driver does spot a pothole in the road, it should be reported to state officials or highway authority as soon as possible. Be sure to note the exact location of the pothole and provide as many details as possible regarding its size and shape.
Liability
It can be difficult to prove liability in an auto accident involving a pothole, so it is important to work with an experienced attorney, such as those at Chanfrau & Chanfrau. Our attorneys will consider details such as the size of the pothole, whether city officials were aware of the pothole, and if there is a strong case of neglect regarding road repair.
Other factors that may lead to a pothole accident include reckless or negligent driving. It is important to look at the actions of involved drivers to examine if the accident was avoidable or if their choices (such as speeding, etc.) contributed to the accident. Our attorneys will take all of these factors into account to build the strongest case possible for our clients. We will fight to ensure they are justly compensated for all damages stemming from an auto accident involving potholes.
Contact Us
If you’ve been injured in an auto accident and would like to learn more about your right to financial compensation, contact us at your earliest convenience. Our experienced team of auto accident attorneys is ready to listen to the details of your case and provide you legal assistance moving forward.