How Road Design in Maryland Can Contribute to Auto Accidents and Liability

When discussing auto accidents, most people think about driver mistakes or vehicle problems. Lists of dangers on the roadways usually include drunk drivers, distracted drivers, defective automobiles, and plain human error. However, road design is a crucial factor that often gets overlooked. The way a road is laid out can significantly affect how drivers behave and can sometimes lead to car accidents, even if there are not any other vehicles around. Elements like curves, lane width, signage, and lighting play a significant role in driver safety.

Proper road design is one of many factors that can help minimize car collisions. The accident rate on poorly designed roadways is significantly higher than on well-designed roads. If a poorly designed road is constructed, the engineering team responsible for the design, as well as the government entity responsible for getting the road built, can both be held liable.

At the Law Offices of Larry B. Litt, we have seen the damage that poor road design can cause. If you were injured in a vehicle crash caused by improper road design, our team of experienced lawyers can help you recover compensation from the liable party. Reach out to us today at 443-844-1528 by phone or fill out a contact form on our website to schedule a free no obligation case evaluation.

Examples of Poor Road Design

Basic road elements such as signs, medians, and lines are often taken for granted. When something is not in place, disaster can soon follow. Because the hazards are not plainly seen, road design car crashes can tend to be more serious and devastating, especially if the driver was unable to slow down or react quickly enough.

The following are some examples of potential hazards that may be a part of poor road design:

• On-ramps & off-ramps: A majority of on and off-ramps on numerous highways are the same distance and have similar placement. If a ramp is suddenly short or improperly placed, a deadly car collision can result. The driver may not have enough time to make changes to avoid an auto accident.
• Narrow or steep shoulder design: If a shoulder is too narrow or too steep, an auto wreck becomes likely. The shoulder is supposed to provide enough space for the driver to exit the vehicle without being hit by another car passing by. If enough space is not available, the driver or the car could be impacted by other vehicles.
• Missing or defective median barriers: Medians separate traffic and drivers from one another. A defect in the median’s design could lead to head-on collisions with other vehicles.
• Sharp pavement edges: A sharp drop-off on the edge of the pavement could lead to the driver losing control of the vehicle. Driving on the edge can cause the car to swerve, as can attempting to get back up on the main roadway.
• Incorrect, missing, or difficult to read signage: Street and construction signs are necessary to ensuring safe driving. If these signs are not present, visible, or easy to read, drivers might miss important information that could result in damaging injuries for themselves and other parties.
• Incorrect speed limits: A posted speed limit may not actually be the safest speed limit for a particular stretch of road.
• Missing guard rails: Guard rails are essential to prevent vehicles from driving off a high-up stretch of road or into an unsafe area, such as a body of water or a ditch. When guard rails are missing in areas where they are clearly needed, a municipality may be liable.
• Sharp turns or barriers causing visibility issues for oncoming vehicles: If the layout of a road includes turns and barriers that inherently make it difficult for a driver to see oncoming traffic, the risk of car wrecks dramatically increases.
• Improper maintenance of traffic: Traffic systems should be in good working order and synchronized in such a way that traffic is kept moving in an orderly and safe fashion.
• Lack of clearly marked pedestrian crosswalks: Crosswalks should be clearly designated so that pedestrians have a conspicuous and safe place to cross.
• Visibility obstructions due to signage or landscaping: Trees and shrubs should be regularly maintained to prevent obstructions of signs and signals.

Many of these issues are connected to government agencies, construction companies, and municipalities who may be responsible for creating or designing the road. At the Law Offices of Larry B. Litt, our legal team of skilled Baltimore car crash lawyers can thoroughly investigate the circumstances around your case and help you pursue just compensation against the responsible party.

How Maryland Road Design Impacts Your Car Crash Claims

Road design is a factor over which you have no control in the event of an automobile collision. Understanding the risks involved is crucial, especially when you are the victim. Working with an experienced Baltimore car crash attorney allows you to use this information to your advantage and have a successful claim.

So, how do you prove liability in Maryland’s poor road design? It is vital to collect evidence on-site, such as dashcam videos and photos. The evidence, along with the police report, will help determine liability and how the poor road design and lack of maintenance contribute to it. In this case, government agencies or private contractors may be held responsible for contributing to the car wreck due to poor road design and maintenance.

Aside from the poor road design, you must also gather eyewitnesses and other potential evidence that could indicate the other driver’s liability, if any. While poor road conditions can increase the risk of auto accidents, driving habits like distracted driving and speeding remain among the top causes of car collisions in Maryland.

Once you determine the liable party and have proof of negligence, you can pursue compensation for the car crash by filing an insurance claim or lawsuit. You must name the specific party in the claim or lawsuit so they can address it. You can recover damages for your vehicle accident for medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. The insurance claim or lawsuit can also specify other types of damages, such as trauma, fear of driving, pain and suffering, or other losses resulting from the car crash.

How Maryland Auto Accident Attorneys Can Help in Car Accidents Due to Poor Road Design

If you or someone you know has been involved in a Maryland automobile collision due to poor or dangerous road designs, seeking the help of an attorney is crucial. A knowledgeable lawyer can help navigate the process of filing an insurance claim or lawsuit, especially when the negligent party is a government agency or a private contractor.

Aside from claim damages for your injuries and damage to your vehicle, the most critical part of pursuing the case would be the encourage the negligent parties to do their part in ensuring road safety and improving road design. Understanding what causes car collisions will inform the appropriate agencies and contractors on how to address the risks, making the roads safer for drivers and pedestrians in Maryland. It will likely prevent future car crashes.

Most lawsuits of this nature can be settled out of court, so you must have an auto accident attorney in Maryland to represent you during negotiations with a government entity or a private corporation. It ensures that you will get a fair settlement offer from the negligent party. But if your case goes to trial, a lawyer can also prove valuable in proving liability and present your case before a jury and the judge. They can help with handling proper legal documents to support your claim. Without legal expertise on your side, you can be overwhelmed with the legal complexities of proving liability and negligence.

Reach Out to an Experienced Road Design Auto Accident Attorney Today

When drivers step into their vehicles, any fearful hesitation is usually about reckless or distracted drivers. Few realize that over half of fatal car collisions each year can be directly attributed to bad highway or roadway design. When individuals are injured because of these faulty designs, it is important to hold those truly responsible accountable.

If you were injured in an automobile accident caused by poor roadway design, you may be entitled to compensation. The best way to ensure you get the money you need and deserve is by contacting an experienced car accident lawyer. When you speak with an attorney, they can help determine your options for pursuing compensation as well as who is liable for your injuries and damages.

At the Law Offices of Larry B. Litt, we have helped countless car accident victims recover fair compensation for their injuries, and vehicle damages. As a small law firm, we strive to ensure that every case we take gets the personal attention necessary to ensure a favorable outcome. We have a proven track record of winning big for our clients.

Schedule a free consultation today! This is your case and only you know what it will take to put the injustice behind you. We are here to help by providing you the information, resources, and experience you need to fight for compensation. Contact us by giving us a call at 443-844-1528. A member of our legal team will schedule a case review. There is no obligation to retain our services, so do not hesitate to reach out to learn more about your options. We are available 24/7/365.