Road Defects: What’s Most Common on Florida Roadways?

A study by the Association for the Advancement of Automotive Medicine regarding the cost of crashes related to road conditions in the U.S. reveals some startling statistics. Nearly a third of all car accidents in the U.S. were related to poor road conditions, resulting in more than two million injuries and 22,000 fatalities. The estimated total cost of crashes caused, at least in part, by road conditions was $217.5.8 billion.

If you have been involved in a crash caused by defective road conditions, contact a Florida car accident attorney at Searcy Denney for a free consultation.

Common Road Defects in Florida

In Florida, road defects are a common cause of accidents, both single-car and multi-vehicle. Defective road conditions and poorly designed roads can damage your vehicle and cause serious personal injuries. These defects may take the form of design flaws, construction issues, or driving rules that apply to any given road. Roads can have potholes, inadequate space, or be unsafe at the posted speed.

Common poor road conditions that can contribute to car accidents in Florida include:

• Potholes
• Damaged, missing, or hidden road signs
• Sinkholes
• Road debris
• Uneven surfaces
• Oil spots
• Improper signage
• Pavement cracking
• Road shoulder drop-off
• Depressions and water puddles
• Lack of rumble strips on highways
• Missing or inadequate guardrails
• Faded paint markings
• Poor traffic management around construction zones
• Untreated roads in winter weather

Responsibility for Road Defects

The responsibility for road defects falls onto the state of Florida. The Florida state government is responsible for roadway clean-ups, conducting inspections, and performing maintenance; in other words, the state is generally responsible for keeping roads in safe operating conditions. Where roadways have known faults or are under repairs, the state has a duty to warn motorists of the hazards and take reasonable steps to bring the roads into safe operating conditions.

Because Florida is a no-fault insurance jurisdiction, recovery for personal injury is a complicated and challenging process. The no-fault system is designed to keep cases away from the state’s courts and contained within the insurance system. 

For this reason, it is critical for people who have suffered a personal injury in Florida to contact a Florida car accident attorney at Searcy Denney for a free consultation. We can help you examine your options from both an insurance and a legal standpoint so that you can recover the maximum amount of damages to which you’re entitled. 

Contact a Florida Car Accident Attorney for Help with Your Personal Injury Case

Unfortunately for Florida residents, the recovery process for injuries can be very complicated. A Florida car accident attorney at Searcy Denney can help you get the just compensation you deserve. If you have been involved in an accident caused by defective road conditions, contact a Florida car accident attorney at Searcy Denney. We offer a free consultation and work on a contingency fee basis. If you need our help, contact us online today.