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Oklahoma Hazardous Roadway Accident Lawyers

Injured by a Dangerous Road? Talk to Car Accident Help

Although many Oklahoma car crashes are the result of human errors, a Transportation Research Board report found that over 50% included a "deficient" road condition as a factor. These hazardous conditions may be the result of weather, poor road design, road maintenance failures, and more. Let’s discuss the danger here.

Rain

The Auto Insurance Center analyzed data from the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration to reveal that rain causes more traffic fatalities than snow across 39 states. In addition to making the road’s surface more slick and increasing the amount of space a vehicle needs to reach a complete stop, rain also impairs the vision of the driver.

Hailstorms

U.S. Department of Commerce statistics show that Oklahoma is the 5th leading state for major hail events. Hail can be hazardous to motorists and their vehicles, as these falling chunks of ice can be quite large. When driving, the force of impact from hail is compounded. Drivers should stay inside their vehicles and safely seek cover to avoid injury and vehicle damage.

Winter Weather

Much like rain, falling snow reduces visibility. In addition, snow atop a road’s surface makes it more difficult to recognize hazards such as patches of ice and potholes. Black ice is a particularly hazardous condition that tends to form along shaded segments of roadways and bridges. When drivers do not take appropriate steps to operate their vehicles safely for the weather conditions outside, they may still be held liable if they cause a crash.

Design Flaws

Generally, roads are constructed by government entities, but that doesn’t mean they’re perfectly designed. Some roads have insufficient drainage that allows water to accumulate, which can cause cars to hydroplane and could end in a collision. Often, roads have sharp curves, or intersections that have inadequate visibility. Other problems include dangerous shoulders, poorly placed signs, and a lack of street lighting. All of these can contribute to an accident, and yes; it is possible to hold a government entity responsible for an accident with injuries, though it is more difficult.

Maintenance Failures

Many states and municipalities are facing budget deficits. A lack of maintenance, or poorly conducted "patchwork" repairs, can lead to hazardous road conditions. Vehicles may be damaged or a driver may lose control when striking a pothole, and collide with another vehicle.

Other maintenance problems may include inoperable traffic signals, broken pedestrian crosswalk lights, damaged or uprooted signs, and more. Roads always face deterioration and erosion, but it can be worse depending on the climate of a region. Surface materials may expand amid extreme heat, cracks in the roads may retain water that then turns to ice, and snow plowing and salt both create wear on the road.

Other Hazardous Situations

Uncleared debris from storms
Parts left behind from vehicle collisions
Work or construction zones
Downed electric lines
Overgrown vegetation that hinders visibility
Flying objects from truck beds or unsecured loads
Animals crossing the road, often from insufficient or broken fencing

Help for Serious Automobile Accidents in Oklahoma City

Accidents are caused by a host of different factors, including speeding, distracted driving, negligent roadway design, failures in maintenance, and more. Whatever the cause, if you were injured in a car accident in Oklahoma, speak to Car Accident Help for a complimentary consultation. Our number is (405) 285-4357.