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Road Conditions Truck Accident Lawyers

Road conditions can have a significant impact on the occurrence of truck accidents. One major factor is the presence of potholes or uneven surfaces. When a truck drives over a pothole or encounters a bumpy road, it can cause the driver to lose control of the vehicle, leading to a collision. The jarring effect of uneven surfaces can also cause the cargo to shift, potentially leading to an imbalance that makes it harder for the driver to steer properly.

As drivers in Arizona, we all experience times when road conditions make it difficult to drive. Besides making it difficult to drive, adverse road conditions can contribute to accidents involving big rigs. Some of the road conditions that can make driving conditions hazardous include: 

  • Road construction. Road construction can often include equipment or cones that can impede traffic and make accidents more likely.
  • Potholes. Potholes form over time, typically from water or snow melt, and can pose hazards to trucks, especially those with heavy or wide loads.
  • Overgrown foliage blocking signs. Trees and bushes that are not trimmed properly can pose risks to drivers by blocking signs and reducing visibility.
  • Poor roadside lighting. Poor highway lighting can contribute to driver error, especially when trucks fail to yield or suddenly try to exit the highway.
  • Badly worn roads. Worn roads pose an especially high risk to trucks, as potholes and uneven surfaces can cause trucks to lose control or loads to shift, creating a dangerous driving experience for passenger vehicles.
  • Debris on the road. Road debris is hazardous for both trucks and passenger vehicles, as branches or rocks in the roadway can cause drivers to serve or brake hard. 
  • Inoperative traffic lights. Traffic lights that aren’t working are likely to cause incidents where trucks run signals and pose risks to drivers.
  • Construction vehicles. Work vehicles can impede the roadway and cause drivers to swerve or brake, possibly leading to serious accidents.
  • Poor signage. Poor signage contributes to major accidents when drivers are unsure of where they are or how to exit the highway. When there is a lack of clear signage, truck drivers who are unfamiliar with the area may inadvertently cross over to oncoming lanes or make rash lane changes, endangering passenger vehicles.

Another road condition that contributes to truck accidents is inclement weather, such as rain, snow, or ice. Slippery roads reduce traction, making it harder for the truck driver to maintain control of the vehicle. This often results in sliding, skidding, or even jackknifing, where the trailer swings sideways concerning the truck’s cab. Poor visibility during bad weather can also hinder a driver’s ability to spot other vehicles or hazards on the road, increasing the likelihood of a collision.

Road construction zones can also contribute to truck accidents. Construction zones often have reduced lanes, narrower roads, and obstructions such as cones or barriers. These factors can make it challenging for large trucks to maneuver safely and avoid collisions. Additionally, the presence of construction workers and heavy machinery on or near roadways can create obstacles and distractions that can impact a driver’s ability to safely travel.

If you have been involved in an accident you believe was caused by adverse road conditions, the road conditions truck accident lawyers at Torgenson Law are experts and investigate these types of accidents to determine the exact cause and who is ultimately at fault. 

Road condition accidents can be complex and confusing as to who is at fault. You need experienced attorneys by your side to help build the strongest case for compensation. 

What Are Considered Bad Road Conditions

Bad road conditions refer to the state of a road that is unsafe or difficult to navigate due to various factors. Firstly, poor weather conditions, such as heavy rain, snow, or ice, can contribute to bad road conditions. These conditions can lead to decreased visibility, reduced traction, and slippery surfaces, making it difficult for vehicles to maneuver safely. 

When rain and ice seep into cracks in the road in Arizona, it can lead to weakened asphalt, often resulting in potholes that pose a hazard to truck drivers. Road surfaces that are damaged or worn out are also considered bad road conditions. These road defects can also pose safety hazards, as they may cause truck drivers to lose control of their vehicles or lead to accidents.

Lastly, road conditions can be determined as bad if there is inadequate signage or poor road markings. Insufficient or unclear signage can confuse drivers and lead to incorrect lane changes or missed turns. Similarly, faded or inaccurate road markings can make it challenging for drivers to stay within their designated lanes, increasing the risk of accidents. Overall, bad road conditions encompass any factor that impedes the safety, comfort, and efficiency of road travel.

Common Causes of Bad Roads

Several common causes of bad roads contribute to their degradation over time. One major cause is heavy traffic, which leads to increased wear and tear on the road surface. The constant pressure and friction from vehicles can gradually erode the pavement and cause cracks and potholes to form. Additionally, commercial trucks and vehicles with large loads can exert even more stress on the road, accelerating the deterioration process. 

The Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) has set a weight limit of 90,000 pounds for commercial trucks on most highways in Arizona. Trucks exceeding the maximum weight can be fined or must obtain a special permit to travel on the highway. These overweight rigs can cause severe damage to certain roads if they do not heed restrictions set forth by the ADOT. Overweight trucks can also get stuck in ruts or on soft shoulders, posing further risk to other vehicles.

Another common cause of bad roads is harsh weather conditions. Extreme temperatures, such as freezing and thawing cycles, can cause the road surface to expand and contract, leading to cracks and potholes. Similarly, heavy rainfall and flooding can erode the road base and cause structural damage. In regions with high amounts of precipitation or severe winters, maintaining road quality can be a constant challenge due to the adverse impact of weather.

Lack of regular maintenance and funding is also a significant cause of bad roads. When roads are not properly maintained by the state or municipalities, small issues like cracks and potholes can quickly deteriorate into larger problems, requiring more expensive repairs or exposing drivers to unnecessary risk. Insufficient funding for road maintenance and repairs can limit the resources available to address these issues promptly. As a result, roads may become neglected and progressively worsen, negatively impacting the driving experience and safety of motorists.

Liability in Truck Accidents Caused by Bad Roads

In Arizona, the liability in truck accidents caused by bad roads can be complex and may involve multiple parties. The responsibility for maintaining and ensuring the safety of the road lies with the government agency or authority that has jurisdiction over the road. This can be at the federal, state, or local level, depending on the specific road in question. If a road is poorly designed, improperly constructed, or not adequately maintained, the government agency may be held liable for the accident.

In some cases, the liability may also extend to the trucking company or truck driver. Truck drivers have a responsibility to operate their vehicles safely, including adjusting their speed and driving techniques based on the road conditions. If a truck driver fails to exercise reasonable care when driving on a bad road and causes an accident, they may be held partially liable for the accident.

It is also important to consider the role of other potentially liable parties, such as contractors or construction companies involved in the design or maintenance of the road. If poor road conditions are a result of negligent construction, design, or maintenance work, these parties may also share some liability for the accident.

Overall, determining liability in truck accidents caused by bad roads can be a complex process, as it often involves multiple parties and factors. An investigation into the accident, including a review of road conditions, maintenance records, and driver behavior, is typically necessary to accurately assign liability.

If you’ve been in an accident you believe was caused by poor roads, contact the road conditions truck accident lawyers at Torgenson Law. Our skilled litigators are experts at determining the liability in truck accidents and assessing damages. You don’t want to face the insurance companies alone, and a skilled attorney can make the difference between just getting your car repaired or getting a settlement for 

Contact Torgenson Law Today

If you or a family member has been injured or harmed in an accident caused by bad road conditions, call the personal injury lawyers at Torgenson Law for a free consultation on the extent of your damages and how you can build a compensation case. We evaluate the unique circumstances surrounding your case and guide you along the best path forward. Our attorneys are expert litigators who are prepared to go to trial if needed to achieve justice. For a free and confidential case evaluation, reach out online or call us at 602-726-0747.

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