Many car accidents are caused by driver error and negligence. However, road defects can contribute to the cause of some car accidents. If road conditions cause a car crash, state and local governments could be liable for the damages caused by the accident.
However, claims against government entities are complex and can be an uphill battle. Our Tampa car accident attorneys of Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers can help you pursue your road defects lawsuit. Our legal team has over 120 years of experience handling injury cases and has recovered over $500 million for our clients.
Contact our law firm today at (813) 222-8656 to schedule your free consultation with one of our personal injury attorneys in Tampa, FL.
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How Our Tampa Car Accident Lawyers Can Help After a Florida Car Crash
Road defects cases are complicated. They involve claims against government entities, pavement management companies, and road construction companies. Pursuing claims against these parties can be challenging. They often have shorter deadlines to file claims and may require extensive investigation.
Our car accident lawyers at Catania and Catania Injury Lawyers have handled thousands of car accident cases. We understand Florida laws regarding injury claims against government agencies. In fact, we’ve recovered millions in car crash cases. That’s experience you can trust for your claim.
When you hire our legal team in Tampa, Florida, you can expect us to:
- Investigate the car accident to determine how road defects contributed to the crash
- Consult experts and accident reconstructionists
- Document your injuries and damages
- Calculate the value of your damages
- File insurance claims and notices of claims with government agencies
- Monitor deadlines for filing lawsuits
- Negotiate a fair settlement for your accident claim
If the other parties refuse to negotiate in good faith, our lawyers are prepared to fight your case in court. Call our law office now to schedule a free consultation with one of our Tampa car accident lawyers.
Common Causes of Road Defect Accidents in Tampa
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration found that about two percent of traffic accidents are caused by road defects. Road defects include poor road design, inadequate traffic signs, road debris, and malfunctioning traffic signals.
Common factors that can lead to a road defect accident include:
- Ponding and flooding on roads because of poor drainage
- Poorly designed intersections, overpasses, ramps, streets, and roads
- Potholes, cracks, and road debris
- Failing to maintain bridges and roads
- Streets that are too narrow
- Damaged and missing guardrails
- Inadequate traffic management
- Failure to install directional and warning signs in road construction and work zones
- Negligent management of road projects
- Hazardous drop-offs and road shoulders
- Poorly designed or planned medians
State, local, and county government agencies are responsible for planning, constructing, and maintaining roads throughout Tampa and Hillsborough County. Therefore, when a road defect contributes to the cause of a single-vehicle or multi-vehicle car accident, a government entity could be responsible.
Can I Sue the Government for a Road Defect Accident in Tampa?
Sovereign immunity protects the government from lawsuits. Suing the City of Tampa, Hillsborough County, or the State of Florida is only possible if the government waives sovereign immunity. However, a lawsuit related to a car accident due to a road defect is generally exempt from sovereign immunity.
Although you might be able to sue the government for a road defect accident, there are special rules that apply to lawsuits against the government. For example, you may have just a few months to file a notice of claim to protect your right to file a lawsuit. Furthermore, the amount of money you might be able to recover could be capped.
Without an experienced Tampa car accident lawyer handling your case, you could make a mistake that results in your claim being denied.
What Compensation Could I Receive for a Road Defect Accident?
Injuries in road defect crashes may include broken bones, spinal cord injuries, brain damage, and injury to internal organs. In some cases, a person may sustain a permanent impairment because of injuries caused by road defect crashes.
The following damages may be available in these cases:
- Medical expenses and bills
- Personal care and household services
- In-home nursing care
- Lost wages and benefits
- Permanent impairments and disfigurement
- Reduction in future earning capacity
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Pain and suffering damages
When a road defect accident results in a fatality, the family members may receive compensation for damages by filing a wrongful death claim. The injured party or family members have the burden of proving that the road defect caused the car crash to recover compensation.
Without evidence proving negligence, causation, and liability, you cannot recover economic damages or non-economic damages for a road defect accident.
Schedule a Free Consultation With Our Tampa Car Crash Lawyers
If you or a family member were injured in a car crash, we want to help. Reach out to our office online or by phone to request a free case review from one of our experienced Tampa car accident attorneys. We’re standing by to help you.
Other Common Types of Auto Accidents
If you were injured in a car accident due to a road defect, or a dangerous road or intersection in Tampa, contact our law firm today to explore your legal options. We handle all car accident claims including:
