Potholes can occur when a road’s surface has been worn down – often from frequent use – eventually causing a hole to appear. Potholes can also be caused by temperature changes between seasons. These obstacles can cause damage to vehicles and even result in serious motor vehicle accidents.
Pothole accidents can be the fault of another party. If you’ve been injured in a pothole accident through no fault of your own, contact William Mattar P.C.. We will fight for your rights and work to ensure you receive maximum compensation for your injuries. Just call (844) 444 - 4444 to speak to an accident attorney.
What Causes Potholes?
Potholes can be caused by a deterioration of the material of a roadway. This can occur over time due to heavy traffic, rainwater, wind, and other types of winter weather. According to the New York State Department of Transportation (NYSDOT), potholes can erupt when water slips through road pavement cracks. Subsequently, the water “freezes and expands, deepening and widening the cracks and creating bulges and sinking sections of pavement.”
When left unaddressed, potholes can grow larger and deeper as time goes on, posing serious risks to motorists. New York drivers can notify the NYSDOT of potholes on state highways by calling 1-800-POTHOLE.
The Dangers of Potholes
A pothole can be difficult to spot before it’s too late. This can be particularly true at night when visibility is poor and on highways where cars travel at a higher rate of speed and accordingly have less time to slow down when approaching a pothole. A driver may even swerve to avoid hitting a pothole, resulting in an accident with another driver.
Hitting a pothole or depression in the road can cause a vehicle to lose control, severely damage its tires, suspension, and other components, or cause a collision with another motorist.
Motorists are not the only ones who can be affected by pothole accidents. Motorcyclists and bicyclists may be even more vulnerable to the dangers of potholes because they do not have the protection of an automobile. If a motorcyclist or bicyclist rides into a pothole, they can be thrown off their bikes and suffer devastating injuries.
Can I Get Compensation for a Pothole Accident?
There can be several potential at-fault parties in a pothole accident. Depending on the case's circumstances, any drivers involved and/or the municipality responsible for maintaining the road can be liable.
If given prior notice of an existing pothole, local and state municipalities are responsible for repairing that pothole to ensure road conditions are safe for drivers. If a municipality fails to fix a damaged road and an accident occurs, it may be responsible.
If another party is liable for the pothole accident that caused your injuries, you also may be entitled to compensation. One example is a contractor who was working on a roadway construction project. An accident attorney can help you file a claim for compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other accident-related damages.
Contact an Experienced Car Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been injured in a pothole accident, don’t hesitate to call us today. The car accident lawyers at William Mattar P.C. can help injury victims obtain maximum compensation. We are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, to answer inquiries. To schedule a free initial consultation today, contact our offices at (844) 444 - 4444 or fill out our free online contact form.