Many auto accidents occur on neighborhood streets and rural roadways. Auto accidents that occur on highways, however, have the potential to cause more serious injuries to a larger number of people. While highway accidents are frequently caused by reckless and negligent drivers, studies show more than half of fatal accidents on highways are due to poor design. If you suffered an injury on one of Florida’s busy highways, attorney Joe Horrox in Daytona Beach can help you pursue compensation.
Liability in Highway Accidents
Other Drivers
The most obvious at-fault parties in highway accidents are negligent and reckless drivers. Speeding, driving drunk, and other careless actions can all cause serious injuries and death. When another driver is at fault for the accident, victims can file a personal injury claim to recover damages.
Government Entities
Even in multi-car accidents, there isn’t always an at-fault driver. Sometimes, a poorly designed highway or poor road conditions due to lack of maintenance can cause accidents. This can make local, state, or federal governments liable for injuries and damages. However, you cannot simply file a personal injury claim against government entities as you would another driver.
When Is the Government Liable for Auto Accidents on Highways?
A government entity could be liable for auto accidents on highways if:
- Roadside hazards are not removed
- There are obstructions to drivers’ line of sight
- A shoulder drops off without warning
- Construction zones are not properly marked
- The highway was poorly designed in general
Filing a Claim Against a Government Entity
If you feel one of the above reasons was the cause for your accident, you may have grounds to file a claim against the government entity responsible for the highway. If you wish to pursue this claim, you need to work with an experienced attorney. The procedures for filing claims against these entities are stricter than standard personal injury claims.
You must file your claim within a tight deadline and prove the government’s fault. Generally, a decision regarding your claim will take up to six months. The government may admit your claim, accepting fault and providing you with compensation, which may or may not be the amount specified in your claim.
The government can also deny your claim, after which you can proceed with a lawsuit, so long as it is filed within six months. Attorney Joe Horrox has extensive experience in this complex area of personal injury law. He can file a claim on your behalf and will fight for your right to full compensation.
Schedule a Consultation
If you or a loved one sustained injuries in an accident on a highway, contact Joe Horrox Law today to schedule a consultation. He can examine the facts in your case and review the evidence to determine whether you have a claim against another driver or against the government entity responsible for the highway. In either case, he will fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and suffering.