When you’re driving along the road, you reasonably expect that it’s safe to do so. You certainly don’t expect a road to go unmaintained and pose a risk to you and other vehicles.
Road defects are preventable, but sadly, they are common when contractors or government entities fail to maintain road safety, and the results can be devastating. When serious defects develop, the risk of an accident increases, which can cause injuries or be fatal.
Our road defect lawyers in McAllen understand how devastating a car accident can be for victims and their families, especially when the cause is avoidable. If you’ve been in an accident as a result of a road defect, you have a right to hold the responsible parties accountable. We can help you determine if you have cause to file a civil suit and fight for fair compensation for your injuries.
When it comes to car accidents, the main causes are related to driver error, such as speeding or driving while intoxicated. Road defects lead to a much smaller number of accidents, but these are no less serious, especially if it’s you or your loved one who has been involved in a crash as a result of road negligence. Common causes include:
Whatever the cause, whether it’s one of the “main four” or a neglected pothole, you might have sustained serious — and costly — injuries from your car accident. If a road defect was responsible for your injuries, our McAllen road accident lawyers can help you claim the compensation you deserve.
You might wonder if you need to hire a road accident lawyer after your car accident. Your first step — regardless of whether you want to file a personal injury claim or whether you think you’re even entitled to — should be to seek medical attention. Your medical bills and records will prove vital evidence for your case, but your priority should be your health.
If you only slightly believe that your accident was caused by a road defect such as a pothole, lack of signage, or uneven surface, you should contact a road accident lawyer. They’ll be able to assess your situation and determine whether you’re entitled to compensation. You might also want to hire a road defect lawyer before speaking to insurance companies. If another party partly caused the accident, you might be approached by an insurance adjuster with an offer to settle your claim out of court. Unfortunately, these offers are often unfair, and you could be entitled to much more. An adjuster will likely want your version of events and may try to trick you into admitting fault to either reduce the amount they offer you or eliminate your chance of successfully claiming altogether. A road accident lawyer can speak to insurers on your behalf, as well as negotiate a fair settlement if you are entitled to make a compensation claim.
Perhaps you hit a pothole, and walked away with a few bumps and bruises, or maybe you broke your arm, but it’s since healed and you need no further treatment. Do you need a lawyer? Even in the most minor road accidents, you could still be entitled to compensation.
It’s also vital to know that not all injuries show symptoms immediately. You might physically feel fine, but you could have a concussion. In some cases, road accident victims put off seeing a doctor, thinking they can “battle through”, only to find that their injury has gotten significantly worse and impacts their ability to work.
Unfortunately, if you decide not to get medical treatment soon after your accident, the party responsible for your road accident will use that to argue that your injury happened much later — instead of during the accident.
However minor your injuries, and even if you’re not in pain, you should seek medical treatment and contact a road defect lawyer to find out where you stand.
Before you decide whether or not to hire a road accident lawyer, you might be wondering about how much it might cost. Some firms will charge you in advance for legal advice, regardless of whether or not you have a chance at a successful claim. Others, like our attorneys at Patino Law Firm, work on a contingency basis. This means that you’ll never pay a cent unless we take on your claim and the outcome is in your favor. If we take on your claim and don’t achieve a settlement, you won’t pay any fees.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a car accident as a result of a road defect, you may be eligible for financial compensation. The McAllen personal injury lawyers at Patino Law Firm can help you understand your legal options and whether you might be entitled to a claim. Our dedicated road defect lawyers will fight for justice for your preventable accident so that you can focus on healing.
Get in touch with your McAllen Law Ninja today by calling 855-LAW-NINJA or filling in our contact form.
You can reach us 24/7.
Patino Injury and Accident Attorneys – Available 24/7
Fill out the form below or call us on
855-LAW-NINJA / 855-529-6465
