Road and Bridge Defects

Accidents caused by defects in roads or bridges can result in serious injuries. No matter how careful you are, bad roads and bridges can suddenly cause a regular commute to go sideways.  If you've been hurt due to poorly maintained or designed roads and bridges in Syracuse, you may have a claim against the private owner or public entity responsible for the road's condition. 

The experienced Syracuse personal injury lawyers at The Porter Law Group can help you navigate the complex legal process to pursue the compensation you deserve.

Speak with an Experienced Syracuse Road and Bridge Defect Attorney

If you suspect your accident was caused by a defective road or bridge, it's critical to retain an experienced attorney right away. Claims against government entities have very short notice requirements - in most cases, you only have 90 days to provide proper notice. 

The knowledgeable road and bridge defect lawyers at The Porter Law Group can investigate your accident, identify the responsible parties, and make sure all filing deadlines are met to protect your rights. Call 833-PORTER9 or email us at info@porterlawteam.com for a free consultation.

What Causes Road and Bridge Defect Accidents? 

Common road and bridge defects that typically lead to accidents may include:

• Potholes
• Unsafe drop-offs
• Poor drainage and standing water
• Visual obstructions
• Improper safety barriers and missing guardrails
• Missing speed limit signs
• Malfunctioning traffic signals
• Improper highway construction
• Construction debris

Roads and bridges must be designed, constructed, and maintained to ensure the safety of drivers. When roads have structural flaws, lack proper signage, or are not adequately maintained, it can lead to dangerous conditions that cause accidents.

There are 875 bridges in Syracuse, and 101 of them were rated poor or structurally deficient in 2019. Moreover, drivers in Syracuse lose about $1,800 annually due to rough, congested, or undesirable road conditions. If you were injured or had your vehicle damaged in an accident due to poorly designed or maintained roads and bridges, you may be entitled to financial compensation. 

What Injuries are Caused by Defective Roads and Bridges?

Accidents caused by road defects can result in devastating injuries, such as:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord damage and paralysis 
• Broken bones and fractures
• Burns
• Lacerations
• Internal organ damage

What Type of Damages Am I Entitled to if I Was Involved in an Accident Due to Road and Bridge Defects?

Should you be injured in an accident due to poor, defective, or unmaintained roads and bridges, you may be entitled to financial compensation for the following:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages 
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent disability
• Loss of earning potential
• Diminished quality of life
• Trauma

However, recovering compensation is not so simple. You need to first determine liability. The responsibility may lie with the city, the county, the state, or even a private owner of the road. And if you are suing a government entity, there is a short window of time and numerous requirements and regulations to deal with. 

You will need an experienced personal injury attorney who is well-versed in the ins and outs of litigation in New York, and familiar with all the relevant laws involving road and bridge accidents. And you will need to act fast, since there is a 90-day deadline for filing a notice of claim if you wish to sue a government entity in New York, and one year for filing a case.

How is Liability Determined in Road and Bridge Defect Accidents?

The first step is determining who is responsible for the negligence in the design, construction, or maintenance of the road and bridge. It may be a private owner, the City, County, State, or even the Federal Government. If the accident was caused by said negligence, you may be entitled to substantial compensation for your losses. 

Determining liability in these cases is complex, and may take a long time. But the lawyers at the Porter Law Group are no strangers to these difficulties. While you focus on healing from your injuries, we can: 

• Work with experts in traffic engineering and accident reconstruction to examine your case thoroughly; 
• File Freedom of Information Law (FOIL) requests to find out who was responsible;
• Conduct extensive research and preparations for your case.

Our experienced personal injury attorneys have recovered millions of dollars* for vehicular accident victims in Syracuse and all over New York. We have a proven track record of recovering compensation for our clients. We stand ready to aggressively pursue your case, or negotiate a proper settlement for you and your family. Leave the deadlines, technicalities, and paperwork to us.

Contact a Syracuse Road and Bridge Defect Lawyer

At the Porter Law Group, we have been fighting for the rights of accident victims in Syracuse and across New York for many years. Our skilled attorneys have the knowledge, experience, and resources to take on complex road and bridge defect cases and hold the responsible parties accountable, be it a private owner or the government itself. Take advantage of our free initial consultations and call 833-PORTER9 or email info@porterlawteam.com today to discuss your case.