There are plenty of qualified attorneys in Caddo Parish. You are doing your research, which means something has happened and you want to understand your options. No one reads lawyer websites until they need one. Our clients came to us after they were injured in car accidents caused by poor road conditions. This page explains what you need to know about these cases in Shreveport. Read it. Compare us. Your decision.
Bad Roads Accident Attorneys
Most car accidents happen as a result of human error. However, there are times when poor road conditions are to blame for road accidents. Such conditions can make it harder for Louisiana motorists to control their vehicles, putting many road users at risk. When risky, unsafe roads cause accidents, injured parties may be eligible for damages once they file personal injury claims. (In legal terms, the person who files the claim is called the plaintiff.)
Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers has handled car accident cases in Louisiana, including cases where poor road conditions were a contributing factor. If bad road conditions were involved in your Shreveport accident, our attorneys will investigate the facts of your case and identify all parties whose negligence contributed to the crash.
If you have questions about your bad road conditions accident in Shreveport, Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers is here to help. Our legal team will listen to your side of the story and advise you regarding your legal options.
What Causes Dangerous Road Conditions?
Even though negligent drivers are liable for most motor vehicle crashes, poor road conditions can also cause catastrophic accidents on Shreveport roads. Louisiana has been ranked among the top 10 states in the U.S. with the worst roads.
Poor road conditions may result from acts of nature, normal wear and tear, or the negligence of other parties. Factors that contribute to poor road conditions and car accidents in Shreveport include:
- Potholes and pavement failures
- Uneven road surfaces
- Debris on the roadway
- Wet, icy, or slippery surfaces
- Missing or inadequate road signs and signals
- Poor road design or improper grading
- Construction zone hazards
- Inadequate street lighting
- Faded or missing lane markings
- Shoulder drop-offs
Who Can I Sue for My Injuries?
Car crashes due to bad road conditions do not just happen. The car accident lawyers at Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers can look into the facts of your case and help you determine who is liable for your crash.
To find the at-fault party, you must determine the exact cause of your car crash. Various parties may be responsible for installing and maintaining different road features. In a bad road conditions accident, there may be more than one party to blame.
Possible defendants in a bad road conditions accident lawsuit include:
- State of Louisiana (LADOTD - Louisiana Department of Transportation and Development)
- Caddo Parish or the City of Shreveport
- Private contractors responsible for road construction or maintenance
- Property owners whose land abuts the roadway
- Utility companies that disturbed road surfaces
- Manufacturers of defective road construction materials
Identifying the correct defendant requires investigating maintenance records, jurisdiction boundaries, and contracts. An attorney can request and review these records on your behalf.
How Do I Prove Negligence in a Car Crash Caused by a Dangerous Road?
After a motor vehicle accident involving bad road conditions, contact an attorney as soon as possible. A lawyer can gather evidence to prove who is responsible for your accident.
You may also have an idea of what caused your car accident. If you hit a pothole that forced your car to overturn, it may be obvious that the pothole led to your accident. You still need the help of an experienced attorney to prove that the pothole caused your accident, your injuries, and your actual damages (the measurable losses such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damage).
The specific evidence for your car accident claim will depend on the facts of your case. Common types of evidence used to prove fault in a bad road conditions accident include:
- Police accident reports documenting road conditions at the scene
- Photographs and video of the road defect taken at or near the time of the accident
- Prior complaints or work orders about the specific road hazard
- Maintenance and inspection records from the responsible government agency or contractor
- Weather and visibility records for the date of the accident
- Expert testimony from accident reconstruction specialists
- Medical records and bills documenting your injuries
- Witness statements from people who saw the accident or the road defect
Gathering and analyzing evidence is important when proving fault. Working with a lawyer who can prepare and file your claim, handle settlement talks, and, if necessary, represent you in court gives you the best chance at recovery.
Schedule Your Consultation
If a car crash caused by poor road conditions injured you, understanding who is liable and what evidence supports your claim matters before you file. An attorney can review the facts of your case and tell you what your options are.
Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers handles these cases in Shreveport and across Louisiana. View our case results to understand the types of cases we handle. Contact us to find out if you have a case.