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Sometimes, car collisions happen due to no fault of any driver. Examples of this include a car collision caused by a large pothole that had not been repaired or one caused by road signs with confusing messaging. It can be difficult to determine who is at fault in this situation. However, the entities that are responsible for designing and maintaining safe roads are a good place to start.
The Consequences of Dangerous Roads
Poorly maintained roads can have disastrous consequences for anyone driving on them. Large potholes or cracks in the road, for example, can severely damage a vehicle and cause the driver to lose control. Additionally, confusing road signs can lead motorists into a collision course with each other. Given these high stakes, it’s vital that the appropriate government agencies respond to reports of road hazards in a timely manner and address them appropriately.
Who Designs and Maintains California’s Roads?
The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) owns, operates, and maintains 15,133 centerline miles of highway and 13,063 state bridges. The agency also inspects more than 12,200 local bridges. Caltrans has many road maintenance responsibilities, including the following:
- Pavement management
- Fire fuel management
- Potholes
- Graffiti
- Litter
- Signs and signage issues
In some cases, Caltrans may be held liable for collisions that result from hazardous road conditions. These matters are complicated, however, and require the advice of an experienced personal injury attorney. Our team at Greene Broillet & Wheeler, LLP can help you sort out this legal matter while you focus on recovering from your injuries.
Call Greene Broillet & Wheeler, LLP at (866) 634-4525 to schedule a free consultation.