When most people think of dangerous driving conditions, they think of rain and other inclement weather. Depending on where they live, they may think of the aftermath of floods or rockslides. While these can all result in dangerous driving conditions, not all dangerous driving conditions are natural. At Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas today we want to discuss causes of car accidents that involve dangerous driving conditions and were entirely avoidable.
The leading causes of car accidents
If you had to guess what the leading causes of car accidents are, what would you say? Here’s a hint: Dangerous driving conditions are not one of the top reasons. Instead, the top reasons for car accidents include speeding, drunk driving and distracted driving. So why the focus on road conditions? Because they can contribute to other issues. For example, if you driving at night, in a place you aren’t used to driving, or when you’re tired, then the quality of the road could have a big impact on how safe you are.
You may be surprised by how many California roads are poorly maintained
A recent report on California roads has shown that more than 60% of the major roads and highways in the Los Angeles, Long Beach, and Santa Ana regions, which are maintained either by the state or local government were in poor condition. This is compared to just 37% of roads and highways throughout the state that have earned the same designation. In a way, this makes sense, as these are some of the most heavily driven roads in the entire United States.
Road conditions that can lead to accidents
These dangerous road conditions can cause or contribute to a car accident. For example, cracks and potholes lead to many motorcycle accidents by they can also cause car and truck drivers to lose control of their vehicle and potentially crash.
Other examples of dangerous driving conditions that are preventable include faded paint markings that the driver can’t see, poorly placed construction materials / poles that get the driver’s field of vision, poorly designed quad rails on overpasses, curves, etc., and poor traffic control in construction zones.
What to do if you know you have been the victim of a car accident involving dangerous road conditions
It’s often the case that a person who is in an accident that is caused by dangerous driving conditions may not think about why their accident occurred. For example, they may have missed some faded markings that showed their lane was ending and as a result rear-ended the vehicle in front of them. When this happens, they may assume that they are at fault.
Depending on the situation, the city or county may actually be responsible for accidents caused by poorly maintained streets. One thing that is important to note about these cases is that you only have six months after the incident to sue if the defendant will be a government entity. As a result, we highly recommend you contact Law Offices of Fernando D. Vargas at 909-982-0707 for a free legal consultation.
