Suing A Government Entity For A Defective Roadway

Motor vehicle accidents are typically caused by the negligence of drivers but also sometimes by a defect, i.e., unsafe condition, related to the design, construction or maintenance of the roadway. If a roadway defect causes or contributes to a motor vehicle accident, injured drivers and passengers may have to litigate against a governmental unit – federal, state, county, township, or municipality. The attorneys at Powell Law have represented accident victims, including those who have asserted claims against all types of governmental entities, including the federal government and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, since 1906.

Government bodies have a duty to design, build and maintain safe roadways. They may be sued and held legally responsible for damages caused by any negligent conduct related to the design, planning or maintenance of streets, roads, or highways. These entities may also be held legally responsible for injuries caused by the failure to warn of a dangerous condition on a roadway.

Some examples of conditions that cause dangerous roadways are:

• roadside objects that obstruct view;
• improperly maintained roads;
• poorly designed roads;
• inadequate guard railings;
• dangerous intersections;
• ineffective traffic controls;
• dangerous construction zones;
• excessive speed limits;
• improperly marked roads;
• worn or uneven pavement;
• unsafe entrance and exit ramps;
• unsafe roadside conditions; and
• roads where water accumulates because of improper drainage.

A personal injury case based on allegations that some harm was caused by a defective roadway may require the opinions of design experts, engineers, and accident reconstruction specialists to determine if any unsafe roadway conditions caused the motor vehicle accident. Attorneys experienced in defective roadway litigation against governmental entities are therefore essential to ensure that this expert testimony, and all other forms of evidence, are gathered, organized, and effectively utilized to obtain an award for damages on behalf of injured clients.

At Powell Law, we effectively assist clients throughout each and every legal case, whether based on personal injury, medical malpractice, disability, or workers’ compensation. For 113 years, our attorneys have litigated and settled personal injury matters in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Our unparalleled experience and credentials in such cases make us the clear and obvious choice for representation in the Scranton/Wilkes-Barre and surrounding areas. Consult an experienced personal injury attorney. Contact Powell Law at (570) 961-0777. The consultation is FREE!