The causes of motor vehicle accidents are many: negligent drivers, slippery roadways, and sometimes, defective highway design. Many people do not realize that improper highway design may have been the cause of a motor vehicle accident. State and local governments, agencies of state or local governments, or municipalities, can however, be held accountable for creating defective and hazardous roadways. A few common hazards are: insufficient ramps to and from highways; improper or absent road signs, and traffic lights or warnings of dangerous conditions.
When you sue a state agency, such as a state Department of Transportation or a local government or municipality, there are certain notice requirements which must be met in order to preserve your right to file a lawsuit. This means that time is of the essence as notice to the state agency or municipality must be made within a specific period of time to ensure that you have the right to proceed against the government entity in a court of law.
If you have been involved in a motor vehicle accident, even if it is a simple “rear-ender,” you should contact an attorney as soon as possible. They will be able to investigate the possibility that defective highway design or defective highway maintenance contributed to your accident and file a timely notice of your claim.