Most motor vehicle crashes occur due to human error. Drivers make the wrong decisions in traffic or break the law, leading to a wreck. Some collisions are the result of questionable vehicle design or vehicle maintenance issues.
A small percentage of crashes occur due to issues with infrastructure. Intersections with poor visibility and other design issues. Occasionally, the physical maintenance of the area contributes to the likelihood of a crash occurring.
Potholes can develop in areas that see rapid temperature fluctuations and where improper paving leads to the collapse of the soil below the road. When potholes cause crashes, local and state authorities could be responsible.
Pothole liability is complicated
There are several ways in which a pothole could cause a crash. Two of the most common include a vehicle becoming disabled because a driver hits the pothole at high speeds. They could blow out a tire or damage their suspension, which could lead to them losing control and causing a crash.
Other times, drivers who spot a pothole that seems large and dangerous may take drastic steps to avoid it. They may swerve aggressively, ultimately resulting in them striking another vehicle or forcing another driver to swerve and strike a third party. In some cases, improper design and insufficient maintenance could justify claims for compensation brought against state authorities or possibly local municipalities.
Reviewing the details of a crash caused by a pothole with a skilled legal team could help motorists evaluate their options for recovering their losses. If potholes and other dangerous public property conditions contribute to wrecks, those affected may need to take legal action accordingly. Be aware, however, that there is a limited amount of time in which to file a claim against a government entity so you should seek advice from legal counsel as soon as possible.