Who’s Liable for South Carolina Road Hazard Car Accidents?

Often, traffic accidents are caused by negligent motorists, but sometimes they result from road hazards. Our roadways are the responsibility of government entities at the federal, state, and local levels, which makes road hazard claims more legally challenging. As such, it’s in your best interest to work closely with an experienced South Carolina motor vehicle accident attorney at L. Morgan Martin from the start.

The Responsible Parties

The government entities responsible for our roads are obligated to maintain them in reasonably safe condition for all who travel on them. This involves taking the steps necessary to promptly address safety concerns, and it applies when the government is aware of the danger or reasonably should be.

If the responsible agency fails to act and you are injured in the process, you can seek compensation for your physical, financial, and emotional losses. It’s important to recognize, however, that the time frame for filing a claim against the government is abbreviated, which adds another layer of complexity.

In some road hazard claims, liability is not so clear. For example, poorly executed road construction may involve the government agency that hired the construction company, the road construction company itself, or both. Accidents caused by motorists who create road hazards, such as by losing unsecured debris from a truck, can also be held directly responsible.

Risk Factors

There are a range of issues on our roadways that can lead to dangerous driving accidents, including all the following:

• Large potholes, cracked and crumbling road surfaces, or generally rough pavement
• Missing, defective, or damaged guardrails
• Missing, incorrect, inadequate, or obscured signage
• Inadequate lighting
• Poorly designed roads, including those that are prone to flooding
• Inadequate shoulders or eroding shoulders
• Roadways that are too narrow
• Missing, faded, or confusing pavement markings

Any of these can cause or contribute to a serious traffic accident that leaves you seriously injured.

You Need Trusted Legal Representation on Your Side

Bringing a solid car accident claim is difficult under ideal conditions. If your claim is against a government entity, however, there are more complex legal requirements under the law. You’ll look to your focused motor vehicle accident lawyer to build a strong claim that effectively highlights the government’s negligence and your resulting legal damages.

An important point to keep in mind is that the State of South Carolina puts a cap on settlement totals, which break down into the following categories:

• Current and ongoing healthcare costs
• Lost income and lost potential
• Physical and emotional pain and suffering, which can exceed your other categories of loss combined

An Experienced South Carolina Motor Vehicle Accident Lawyer Is Standing By to Help

The formidable South Carolina motor vehicle accident attorneys at L. Morgan Martin dedicate our imposing practice to championing the rights of our valued clients, and we welcome the opportunity to also serve you. Learn more by contacting us online or calling 843-248-3177 today.