Do I Sue the City if a Pothole Caused My Accident?
Potholes are annoying, but how dangerous can they really be – you might wonder? The answer is that potholes can be surprisingly dangerous. Even a relatively small pothole can snatch your tire and project you into oncoming traffic (while doing serious damage to your car in the process). If you’re injured in an accident that was caused by a pothole (left unchecked), you may wonder what recourse you have, and an experienced Clearwater car accident attorney can help you determine your best path forward.
When the City Knew or Should Have Known
In the State of Florida (as elsewhere in the nation), cities, counties, and states are responsible for properly maintaining their roads in a manner that allows for the safe passage of motorists like you. If one of these roads is marred by a dangerous pothole that city officials knew about – or should have known about, the governmental entity involved can be held responsible for the damages you experience.
While Florida is a no-fault state, which means that accident claims generally go through the driver’s own insurance coverage, if you were seriously injured – you can bring a claim against the city, county, or other entity responsible. Such claims, however, are even more complicated than garden variety car accident claims, and you are well-advised to work closely with a dedicated Clearwater car accident attorney who has considerable experience in this legal arena.
Staying Safe out There
Often potholes come seemingly out of nowhere, and once you’re upon them, there is little that you can do to avoid the danger involved. When you’re on roads that you suspect of being neglected – or that you can see are neglected – keep all of the following safety tips in mind:
- Drive more slowly
- Keep a weather eye on the road ahead (with an eye toward potholes in your midst)
- Always train your attention on the road ahead (put your phone and every other distraction away)
- Be alert to disruptive vibrations on the road that can be indicative of poorly maintained roads
Further, it’s important to always keep your vehicle in good working order, including regularly inspecting its tires (to ensure they are in good condition and are properly inflated), alignment, and suspension. Finally, before you dramatically swerve to avoid hitting a pothole, check to make sure that it is safe to do so.
You Need the Professional Legal Counsel of an Experienced Clearwater Car Accident Attorney on Your Side
If a dangerous pothole that’s been left unchecked leaves you injured, suing the city can be a difficult road forward, but it is also likely the only way to recover fully on your damages – and to achieve your fullest recovery. The trusted car accident attorneys at Tragos, Sartes & Tragos in Clearwater have impressive reserves of experience successfully guiding cases like yours toward favorable resolutions, so please don’t wait to contact us online or call us at (727) 441-9030 today for more information about how we can also help you.