Infrastructure Issues and Collision Injuries
While many think reckless driving, distracted motorists, and bad weather are what prompt car collisions, one critical and sometimes overlooked factor in roadway accidents is infrastructure. Poor road design, lack of maintenance, or outdated traffic systems can directly contribute to crashes and complicate injury claims.
Throughout Florida, recognizing the role that infrastructure can play in a collision will make a significant difference when seeking compensation. If you’ve been hurt due to missing signage or poor road surfaces, you may have more legal options than you think. Talk to a Port St. Lucie Personal Injury Lawyer to learn more.
Common Infrastructure Flaws That Cause Car Accidents
Not all accidents are caused by drivers alone. Below are a handful of infrastructure dangers that increase collision risks for everyone.
- Potholes and uneven road surfaces. Potholes can cause tire blowouts or make drivers swerve unexpectedly, leading to collisions. Uneven pavement and poorly patched roads can also make it difficult to maintain control, especially at high speeds.
- Improper or faded road markings. When lane markings are faded or unclear, it’s easy for vehicles to drift into other lanes, particularly at night or during heavy rain. Missing crosswalks and turn indicators can also endanger pedestrians and cyclists.
- Malfunctioning traffic signals. A traffic light that’s out of sync or completely non-functional creates confusion and increases the risk of T-bone or rear-end accidents at intersections. Drivers unfamiliar with the area may not know how to safely navigate these situations.
- Inadequate signage. Signs that are missing, hidden by foliage, or poorly placed can leave drivers guessing about speed limits, merging zones, or upcoming turns. This is especially dangerous in high-traffic or high-speed areas.
- Poor drainage and flood-prone streets. Without proper drainage, roads can flood quickly during Florida’s heavy rainstorms. Standing water can hide road hazards and cause hydroplaning, especially when drainage systems are neglected.
When a crash happens due to faulty infrastructure, injury claims can become complicated. While the immediate blame might fall on another driver, deeper investigation may reveal that city or state negligence contributed to the incident.
For example, if a motorcyclist is thrown from their bike after hitting a deep pothole on a main road or a driver swerves to avoid standing water from poor drainage and ends up in a head-on collision. In these cases, government entities or third-party contractors responsible for road maintenance could be held partially liable.
Seeking Compensation After an Infrastructure-Related Crash
If you’ve been injured in an accident and infrastructure flaws played a role, it’s important to take detailed photos of the scene, including road defects or missing signs. You should also file a police report and document all injuries and property damage. Speaking with a Port St. Lucie Personal Injury Lawyer who understands how to investigate and litigate against government agencies and their insurers is key as well.
What infrastructure issues contributed to your Port St. Lucie, Fort Pierce, Stuart, or Vero Beach accident injury? Contact the attorneys at Leifer & Ramirez to explore your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Call 561-660-9421 to schedule a confidential consultation.
