Can I Sue for Poor Road Conditions Leading to My Accident in Massachusetts?

Poor road conditions in Massachusetts often contribute to accidents. Winter snow and ice create slippery surfaces, while potholes and uneven roads can lead to sudden vehicle jolts. Further, inadequate signage and unclear construction zones often add cause accidents by confusing drivers.

Fortunately, you may sue for poor road conditions leading to your accident in Massachusetts. To do so, you must establish negligence on the part of the entity responsible for maintaining the road where your crash occurred. Support from legal representation can be highly valuable when pursuing payment in such a case.

In the aftermath of your crash, get support from our experienced Massachusetts personal injury attorneys at the Law Office of John J. Sheehan by dialing (617) 925-6407.

Suing for Accidents Caused by Poor Road Conditions in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, if you’ve been involved in a car accident because of poor road conditions, you may be able to sue for damages. However, the path to payment can be complicated.

First, you must prove that the conditions at issue stem from another party’s negligence. For example, the at-fault party could be the state or local government responsible for maintaining the road where your crash occurred. You would need to demonstrate that they failed in their duty to keep the road reasonably safe for drivers.

Also, you will likely have to gather copious amounts of evidence to support your claim. This evidence might include photographs or videos of the road conditions, witness statements, accident reports, and any maintenance records for the road in question. These pieces of evidence may be vital in proving that the poor road conditions were a direct cause of your accident.

If you suffered an accident caused by poor road conditions, then our Cambridge car accident lawyers will help pursue compensation for your injuries. Our guidance and support can be immensely valuable when fighting for the damages you deserve.

Time Limit to Sue the Government After an Accident Caused by Poor Road Conditions in Massachusetts

In Massachusetts, for claims against a government entity, you generally have to provide notice of your claim within 30 days from the date of the accident or injury. This notice is a prerequisite before filing a lawsuit. Failing to provide this notice within the specified timeframe can result in your case being barred.

After providing notice, you typically have three years to file a lawsuit against the government for personal injury claims. This three-year statute of limitations is established by Mass. Gen. Laws Ch. 260, § 2A. Failure to file in accordance with this statute may cause your potential claim to be dismissed.

Still, if you suffered a car accident caused by poor road conditions, you should begin working on your case as soon as possible. As time goes on, the evidence required to support your claim can become difficult to collect or preserve. For example, a witness may forget an important detail, or a crucial document may become lost. The more quickly you begin building your claim, the more efficient your evidence collection will be.

Examples of Road Conditions that Can Cause Accidents in Massachusetts

There are many different types of dangerous road conditions. The following are all examples of road conditions that can cause accidents in Massachusetts:

Icy and Snow-Covered Roads

Icy and snow-covered roads are prevalent hazards during Massachusetts’ harsh winter months. These conditions can lead to accidents because they significantly reduce a vehicle’s traction and maneuverability. When roads become icy, even a slight touch of the brakes can cause a vehicle to skid. Similarly, navigating through heavy snow can reduce visibility and make it challenging to maintain control.

For instance, a driver may encounter a patch of black ice on a Massachusetts highway. Without warning, their vehicle loses traction, causing them to slide into the adjacent lane and collide with another car. In this scenario, poor road conditions due to icy surfaces directly contributed to the accident.

Potholes and Uneven Road Surfaces

Potholes and uneven road surfaces can result from the constant freeze-thaw cycles in Massachusetts. These conditions can lead to accidents as they can cause vehicles to jolt suddenly, potentially leading to a loss of control or damage to the vehicle.

Consider a situation where a driver is traveling at highway speeds and encounters a deep pothole hidden by rainwater on a rainy day. The impact from hitting the pothole causes their vehicle to veer unexpectedly, leading to a collision with another car. Here, the accident was caused by the poor road condition—the pothole.

Inadequate Road Signage

Inadequate road signage or improper traffic management can be a significant hazard. It can confuse drivers, lead to unexpected lane changes, or result in vehicles not yielding where necessary, all of which can lead to accidents.

Imagine a driver approaching a construction zone on a Massachusetts road but encounters poorly placed or missing signage indicating lane closures and speed limits. The confusion among drivers leads to erratic movements and a multi-car collision within the construction zone. This accident occurred because of the absence of proper road signage.

Standing Water

Standing water on roadways, especially during heavy rains, can lead to hydroplaning. Hydroplaning occurs when a vehicle’s tires lose contact with the road surface due to water buildup, making it challenging to steer or brake effectively.

For instance, a driver encounters a section of a Massachusetts road with inadequate drainage, causing standing water after a heavy rainstorm. Their vehicle hydroplanes when they attempt to brake, resulting in a collision with another car ahead. The poor road condition, in this case, is the standing water that led to the loss of control.

Lack of Proper Lighting

Insufficient or non-functional street lighting can pose a hazard, particularly at night. Dimly lit roads can make it difficult for drivers to see obstacles, other vehicles, or pedestrians, increasing the risk of accidents.

Consider a scenario where a driver navigates a poorly lit residential street in Massachusetts after dark. They fail to notice a pedestrian crossing the road until it’s too late, leading to a pedestrian-vehicle collision. In this instance, the lack of proper lighting on the road contributed to the accident.

Call Our Car Accident Attorneys for Help with Your Claim in Massachusetts

Seek assistance from our experienced Boston car accident lawyers by calling the Law Office of John J. Sheehan today at (617) 925-6407.