Who Do You Sue When a Road Defect Causes an Accident?

When you get behind the wheel of your car, it is unlikely that you are considering all of the prevalent dangers that exist with driving. However, the reality is that drivers have many perils to think about when they hit the road. Car accidents happen all of the time throughout the United States and for many reasons. Negligent drivers and driver error cause the most accidents, but other factors can also contribute to vehicular collisions. This would include defects in the roadway.

Uneven roads, cracked roads, potholes, and other road defects can make driving unsafe. Especially because many times, a driver will not know that there is an issue with the road until they come upon the problem. Often, wear and tear on a road can degrade it, and when defects are present, they may not be identified so that drivers can be warned of their presence. They also may not be fixed in a timely manner to keep the road safer for drivers to traverse.

If you were injured in a car accident because there was a pothole or other break in the road’s asphalt that caused the crash, it is critical to speak with an attorney that understands personal injury laws near you. In Nevada, the Las Vegas car accident attorney at the Aaron Law Group can review your accident and determine what party or parties are liable for paying for your damages.

What Party is Responsible for Taking Care Of the Roads?

There are many different types of roads that you may drive on. The type of road that you travel on will typically dictate who is responsible for its maintenance. For example, the government is responsible for designing, building, and maintaining various roads. The Nevada Department of Transportation will be responsible for interstates, highways, and state routes. 

A county may manage other infrastructure projects like bridges. A city may be responsible for roads that traverse the city itself. Additionally, the Public Works Department may also be in charge of certain services for the upkeep and construction of city streets.

As you can see, both the state and city government, along with different government entities, have a diverse range of roles and jobs in taking care of the roads. As a result, the location of the defective road and why the defect was present can be determining factors that indicate who could be liable for paying financial compensation to victims who are harmed because of the defect. Consulting with an attorney who understands liability and how to assess which government entities may be responsible for keeping the roads safe can help victims obtain justice and compensation in these situations.

Speak with an Attorney at the Aaron Law Group Today

Civil claims against the government in Nevada can be more complicated than those with private citizens. It is best to have an attorney that understands the intricacies of such claims and knows how to proceed with these suits when pursuing financial compensation. After a car accident due to a road defect, call the Las Vegas car accident lawyer at the Aaron Law Group today to schedule a free consultation at (702) 550-1111.