Charlotte Defective Roadway Attorneys
When dangerous and defective roads cause accidents in North Carolina
Motor vehicle accidents can lead to severe injuries for drivers and passengers. While most people think of car accidents as being caused by driver error, the reality is that accidents can also be caused by defects in the roadway. Poorly maintained or designed roadways can have devastating effects on anyone unlucky enough to be involved in an accident simply by virtue of driving on them.
At Price, Petho & Associates, we are here to help when you need a Charlotte car accident attorney when you or a loved one experience a serious accident caused by poor road quality. Our team will investigate your case in an effort to secure full compensation for your claim. We are not afraid to take on aggressive insurance carriers who attempt to underpay your claim, or the municipal authorities responsible for your accident.
What would you like to know?
- What are some examples of defective road conditions?
- What types of injuries are caused by Charlotte defective roadways?
- Who is liable for my defective roadway claim?
- How long do I have to file a defective road condition claim?
- What is the value of my Charlotte defective roadway claim?
- Is there a defective roadway attorney near me?
What are some examples of defective road conditions?
The construction and maintenance of a freeway or highway is the responsibility of various parties. This can include the North Carolina government as well as local governmental agencies. However, highway and freeway construction and design are often the responsibility of third-party construction companies as well.
When our legal team launches a detailed investigation into the cause of a car accident, we often find evidence that a defective roadway caused the incident. Some of the most common examples of how roadway defects can cause car accidents include the following:
- Utility poles, signs, or landscaping blocking a driver’s view
- Inadequate shoulders on the highways
- Lack of guardrails
- Improperly placed or missing highway signs, like traffic direction signs
- Poorly designed entry and exit ramps on highways
- Broken concrete
- Stop signs or yield signs obscuring obstacles
- Potholes
- Defective traffic signals or control systems
- Sinkholes
- Exposed rebar
- Overly sharp curves or turns in roadways
- Missing speed limit or other warning signs
- Improperly graded roadsides
- Debris that has not been removed from the roadway
- Incomplete construction lacking adequate warning signs
According to North Carolina Department of Transportation (DOT), 247,214 collisions occurred in 2020, the most current data available. Out of these incidents, 1,658 people were killed and 105,382 injured.
The North Carolina DOT is not very forthcoming when it comes to discussing how many accidents were caused by poor roadway conditions. This is understandable because the state and local government authorities are typically responsible for inspecting and maintaining the roadways. However, poor roadway conditions can lead to more than simply a bumpy ride for drivers and passengers. Roads can deteriorate to the level where they become dangerous for everyone.
What types of injuries are caused by Charlotte defective roadways?
Poor road conditions can lead to severe accidents. It is not uncommon for our Charlotte accident lawyers to help clients and their loved ones who have sustained injuries like the following:
- Significant strains or sprains
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord trauma with paralysis
- Other severe neck, head, or back injuries
- Serious burn injuries
- Lacerations or puncture wounds
- Internal organ damage or internal bleeding
- Wrongful death
A crash caused by poor roadway conditions can affect just one vehicle or involve multiple vehicles. If one vehicle crashes due to poor road quality, another may collide with it. Similarly, if drivers swerve to avoid an obstacle or poor conditions on the roadway, they could also crash into other vehicles around them.
Who is liable for my defective roadway claim?
The owner of the roadway, whether that is the state of North Carolina or a local municipal government, is ultimately responsible for the design of their roads, as well as maintenance and repair. However, filing a lawsuit against any governmental entity can be incredibly difficult.
Proving liability in these incidents often requires the assistance of Charlotte accident attorneys with vast experience handling complicated personal injury cases. We have the experience and resources to work with highway design professionals who can provide expert testimony as to the dangers of the roadway where the accident occurred.
Google Reviews
I reached out to Price, Petho, and Associates after I found myself in need of an attorney for an accident I was in that led to personal injury. This was my first experience with something like this and they guided me through the process every step of the way. Every question I had was answered promptly and I truly feel they had my best interest at heart. I highly recommend them if you should find yourself in need of these services.
- C.P.
BEST ATTORNEYS
Price Petho and Associates are the best Attorneys in Law I’ve ever worked with. I was involved in a car accident last year and since I was injured, they handled my case and did not disappoint, they took care of everything. Also, my wife got rear ended in her car (total loss) about 6 months ago and my insurance company was delaying our claim and payment, we went to Price Petho and Associates again for some advice, Margaret E. Ford welcomed us right away, we explained the situation, she understood and explained to us what options we had. She was extremely knowledgeable about cases like this, she even called our insurance company for us and made them pay us the same day we talked to her. I’m very glad we asked for their help.
- Y. M.
How long do I have to file a defective road condition claim?
If an injury claim related to poor roadway conditions needs to be filed against the state of North Carolina or other municipal agencies, it will be necessary to file the claim under the North Carolina Tort Claims Act (NCTCA).
Any injury claim must be made within three years from the date the injury occurred. However, if the incident involved a fatality, a wrongful death claim must be made against the government entity within two years from the date of death. All claims made against state or local governments in North Carolina must be filed with the North Carolina Industrial Commission. The attorneys at Price, Petho & Associates can help with this.
What is the value of my Charlotte defective roadway claim?
If you or somebody you care about has been injured in an accident caused by a roadway defect in North Carolina, contact an attorney as soon as possible. At Price, Petho & Associates, we investigate the incident and work to secure any compensation to which you may be entitled. This can include:
- Coverage of your medical expenses
- Lost wages if you cannot work
- Pain and suffering damages
- Loss of personal enjoyment damages
- Property damage expenses
If you suspect that your accident was caused by defective roadway or highway design, our attorneys can answer your questions. Remember, your insurance company representatives are not experts on highway design and likely do not have the knowledge to compensate you properly. We can help.
Is there a defective roadway attorney near me?
Price, Petho & Associates has an office at 1420 Elizabeth Ave in Charlotte. We also maintain offices in Rockingham and Rutherfordton for your convenience. If you are unable to come to us, we are happy to make arrangements to visit you at home or in the hospital.
Talk to a Charlotte defective roadway lawyer today
If you or a loved one suffered serious injury in a dangerous or defective road accident, the Charlotte attorneys at Price, Petho & Associates want to help. With decades of successful outcomes for our personal injury clients, we can work to secure you the compensation you deserve when you’re injured due to bad road conditions. For a free consultation, call 704-372-2160 or fill out our contact form. We serve clients in Charlotte, Rockingham, Rutherfordton, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Google Reviews
I reached out to Price, Petho, and Associates after I found myself in need of an attorney for an accident I was in that led to personal injury. This was my first experience with something like this and they guided me through the process every step of the way. Every question I had was answered promptly and I truly feel they had my best interest at heart. I highly recommend them if you should find yourself in need of these services.
- C.P.
BEST ATTORNEYS
Price Petho and Associates are the best Attorneys in Law I’ve ever worked with. I was involved in a car accident last year and since I was injured, they handled my case and did not disappoint, they took care of everything. Also, my wife got rear ended in her car (total loss) about 6 months ago and my insurance company was delaying our claim and payment, we went to Price Petho and Associates again for some advice, Margaret E. Ford welcomed us right away, we explained the situation, she understood and explained to us what options we had. She was extremely knowledgeable about cases like this, she even called our insurance company for us and made them pay us the same day we talked to her. I’m very glad we asked for their help.
- Y. M.