Imagine that you are running late for work. You jump into your car and start heading to the office. Suddenly, your car hits a pothole that no one has fixed after months of complaints. Normally, drivers only need to worry about the damage to their vehicles, but this time, the pothole caused you to get into an accident with another driver.
Accidents happen because of bad road conditions. An experienced car accident lawyer in Altoona can help you understand and protect your rights after a crash.
So, who is responsible for maintaining the road conditions in Altoona? It is the city’s responsibility to maintain the roads. However, a city is typically immune from lawsuits like other governmental entities.
If a driver believes bad road conditions caused their accident, they must prove that their case falls into an exception to governmental immunity.
Pennsylvania law allows an exception to governmental immunity if there is a defect in the condition of the road itself (42 Pa. Cons. Stat. section 8542 (b) (6)).
The Commonwealth also allows an exception to governmental immunity if your injuries are the result of a defect in Commonwealth property, including highways. The plaintiff must prove the defect existed in the highway itself.
Pursuing compensation from a government entity is complex. Getting what you deserve after an accident and protecting your rights requires the help of an experienced attorney. Contact a car accident lawyer if you believe bad road conditions caused your accident.
The poor conditions of city roads can lead to various types of car accidents. These crashes can happen quickly, especially if the driver is unaware of the severity of the road conditions. Some common examples of accidents that can occur when the road conditions are poor include:
An unexpected pothole can cause tire damage, which can cause a driver to lose control of their vehicle. Trying to regain control of the vehicle after a blowout can easily cause a multi-car accident.
Poorly maintained roads can increase the distance that it takes for a car to stop. Sudden starts and stops increase drivers’ odds of causing a severe accident.
Bad road conditions can easily affect the driver’s ability to control the vehicle. Uneven pavement, debris, potholes, and other hazards can all cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle and cause an accident.
When drivers discover a dangerous road condition, their instinct to protect themselves and avoid it kicks in. A driver might swerve to avoid a pothole, for example. Trying to avoid a dangerous condition can ultimately cause an accident.
Despite the cause of an accident, an experienced car accident attorney can help protect your rights after a crash. Contact an attorney immediately if you have suffered injuries after an accident.
The fallout of any car accident can be expensive. You might find yourself unable to work and with medical bills piling up. So, what damages are available after getting into a car accident in Altoona?
Some common types of damages that car accident victims recover can include the following:
The availability of damages depends on the facts of your case. Speaking to an attorney can help you understand your rights to recovery and what damages are available after a crash.
While there are many potential injuries that a car accident victim can suffer from, there are some common types of car accident injuries victims suffer. Common examples of car accident injuries include the following:
You deserve compensation for your injuries. Speak to an attorney to put yourself in the best position to make a full financial recovery after a car accident.
An experienced car accident attorney is the next step to take after being in a car accident. Knowing your rights and how to protect them can feel overwhelming. However, trusting an attorney and their legal team to protect your rights after a crash can help you get the financial compensation you are entitled to after an accident.
Some of the most common ways that car accident lawyers help victims include the following:
The negotiation phase after a car accident can be stressful, especially if the victim is inexperienced. Dealing with the insurance company after an accident can be intimidating. Insurance adjusters work to protect the interests of the company, not yours. After a crash, having an attorney means you have an advocate working to protect your interests.
You will need evidence to win your claim. An experienced attorney will help you understand what proof is necessary, and they will help collect relevant evidence to prove your claim. Examples of the different sources of evidence that your attorney might want to collect during their investigation can include:
While most accident cases are resolved during negotiations, some move forward in court. Walking into a courtroom to advocate for yourself can feel overwhelming. An attorney’s job is to protect your rights by persuasively presenting your case to a judge or jury so that you recover compensation after an accident.
You deserve to get your life back after a car accident. The best way to protect your rights and get your life back to normal is by working with an experienced Altoona personal injury attorney. Do not delay; contact an accident attorney today, pursue the compensation you deserve, and get your life back.
