There is nothing more frustrating than when you are taking extra precautions to drive safely, but a road hazard still causes you to become a victim of a car accident. In a case like this, you may have to hold the at-fault party accountable via legal action. Continue reading to learn how to prove that your car accident was caused by a road hazard and how an experienced Tampa car accident lawyer at Merricks Law Group, P.A. can walk you through this.
Who is to blame for hazards on Florida roads?
Sure, another driver on the Florida road may have served as a hazard if they drastically brake or swerve out of their lane. But they may have had to react in this manner due to an external factor out of their control. With that being said, below are examples of who may be to blame for a hazard on the road:
- A government agency: for example, a government agency or its workers may neglect to patch up potholes or cracks on the road in a timely manner. Or, they may fail to clean up debris from the road after a storm.
- A construction company: for example, a construction company or its workers may do a lousy job at paving the roads, leaving them with uneven surfaces and bumpy edges. Or, they may fail to keep construction equipment within the barricades of a construction zone.
- A natural condition: for example, an animal may randomly jump out into oncoming traffic. Or, dangerous inclement weather conditions (i.e., rain, fog, etc.) may significantly inhibit a driver’s visibility.
How can I show that my car accident was caused by a road hazard?
One of the most important things that you must do while still at the scene of your accident is to take photos and videos of the road hazard in question. In addition, it is in your best interest to ask the law enforcement officer at the scene for a copy of their official accident report. This report may just include their expert opinion on how a road hazard contributed to your car accident. As a plaintiff of a personal injury claim, these pieces of evidence may lend a hand in satisfying your burden of proof.
What’s more, you should get a quote for your car repairs. You should also collect copies of all the medical bills associated with your accident injuries. This may offer a bigger picture of how much your injuries and damages have cost you, and it ultimately may allow you to collect the maximum amount of financial compensation from your claim.
You must remember that there is a countdown ticking for when you are eligible for bringing your personal injury claim forward. So you should not wait too long before contacting a skilled Tampa auto accident lawyer from Merricks Law Group, P.A.
