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Most drivers don’t think twice about the condition of the roads—until something goes wrong. Potholes, crumbling shoulders, missing signage, or poor drainage can all lead to serious accidents. When the road is the hazard, you may be left wondering who is responsible and what legal options you have.
At Dreyer Babich Buccola Wood Campora, LLP, we understand the complexities of cases involving government-maintained roadways and unsafe infrastructure. If you were injured because of a poorly maintained road, here’s what you need to know about your rights and path to compensation.
Understanding Liability for Roadway Conditions
Roads are public infrastructure, typically maintained by city, county, or state agencies. These entities ensure roads are reasonably safe for drivers, cyclists, and pedestrians. That includes:
- Fixing potholes and surface damage promptly
- Keeping signs and signals visible and functional
- Clearing debris or obstructions
- Addressing known drainage or erosion issues
- Maintaining lighting in critical areas like intersections or underpasses
When a government entity fails in that duty—and an accident results—it may be held legally responsible under California’s government liability laws.
However, these cases are not like traditional auto accident claims. There are shorter deadlines, specific notice requirements, and stricter standards for proving negligence. That’s why having experienced legal counsel is essential.
Proving Fault in a Poor Road Conditions Case
To hold a public agency accountable for your injuries, you must show:
- A dangerous condition existed on the public roadway.
- The agency knew or should have known about the condition.
- The agency failed to fix it or adequately warn the public within a reasonable time.
- That hazardous condition directly caused your injury.
This might sound straightforward, but gathering evidence can be challenging. Our legal team quickly secures photos, witness statements, accident reports, maintenance logs, and expert analysis. We often consult with roadway engineers and traffic safety experts to prove the hazard violates accepted safety standards.
Time is critical. In California, a claim against a public entity generally must be filed within six months of the accident. Missing that deadline could mean losing your right to pursue compensation altogether.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
If your case meets the legal standard, you may be entitled to damages for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and future income
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation or long-term care
In catastrophic injury cases—such as traumatic brain injuries or spinal cord damage—our firm works closely with life-care planners and economists to calculate the full scope of your long-term needs.
If the accident involved multiple vehicles, it’s also possible that another driver’s negligence, combined with the road hazard, caused your crash. In those cases, we pursue all liable parties to ensure maximum recovery.
Why Choose Dreyer Babich Buccola Wood Campora, LLP?
Cases involving poorly maintained roads demand a high level of legal skill, deep familiarity with public entity litigation, and a firm prepared to go to trial if necessary. At Dreyer Babich Buccola Wood Campora, LLP, we’ve successfully handled complex roadway defect claims across California. We don’t just react—we investigate, we prepare, and we fight for our clients every step of the way.
Our firm has earned a reputation for results in high-stakes cases because we know how to hold public entities and negligent parties accountable—even when they try to avoid responsibility.
Sacramento Car Accident Attorneys
If you were injured in an accident caused by unsafe or poorly maintained roads, don’t assume there’s nothing you can do. These cases are time-sensitive and fact-intensive, but justice is possible with the right team behind you.
Contact Dreyer Babich Buccola Wood Campora, LLP today at (916) 999-9132 for a free consultation. Let us help you understand your rights and build the case to move forward.
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