Determining who to blame for a collision can be vital when filing claims to pursue compensation. But sometimes, none of the involved drivers are at fault. In some scenarios, the road can be designed so poorly that its features significantly increase crash risks. These factors are usually the government’s responsibility, potentially shifting blame on them for the accident.
Public agencies typically study hazards and implement improvements when reducing road safety risks caused by poor design. Still, these changes may have trade-offs and affect traffic, such as the following:
- Roundabouts in high-traffic intersections possibly slowing down the flow of vehicles
- Rumble strips near the road’s outer edges which can alert drivers but endanger bicyclists
- Traffic signals and crosswalks making roads safer for pedestrians but impede traffic
- Trees and shrubs on the side of the road potentially providing buffer areas between the sidewalk and the main road but may obstruct a driver’s view
Most road design changes can have accompanying disadvantages, making studies necessary to balance benefits and risks. However, these details may not excuse failing to address severely dangerous roads where fatal accidents happen frequently. Leaving these areas as is can have grave consequences and lead to legal action.
Knowing what caused the accident
The details can be blurry at the scene right after the motor vehicle accident happened. It can be unclear who is at fault and what caused the crash. At this stage, consider seeking legal guidance as soon as possible after receiving urgent medical care. Experienced insight into the incident can help victims learn about who can be at fault while reviewing appropriate legal options. By doing so, they could hold negligent parties accountable for the collision based on the circumstances.
